Yellow Broomrape
orobanche fasciculata
Also known as: ["Yellow Broomrape","Common Broomrape"]
Overview
A parasitic herbaceous plant lacking chlorophyll, relying on host plants for nutrients.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Orobanche |
| Botanical Name: | Orobanche fasciculata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: parasitic on roots of host plants, typically in open grasslands or disturbed areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: not required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining soil mix suitable for the host plant (e.g., cactus mix or sandy loam).
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: N/A
- Pruning Intensity: N/A
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Host plant requires full sun to partial shade (6–8 hours/day); Orobanche benefits from the host's light conditions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate host plant gradually to intense sunlight; avoid placing host in scorching midday sun; ensure host is in a location where Orobanche can access its roots.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlychallenging
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Host plant thrives in bright light; provide shade during peak heat; monitor for sunburn on host leaves.
Watering
rarely required, only when soil is completely dry
Avoid direct watering of Orobanche; water the host plant instead; ensure host plant soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0) for most host plants.
Ensure soil is loose and airy; avoid compacted soil; maintain consistent moisture for the host.
Temperature
Host plant prefers 60–85°F (15–29°C); Orobanche tolerates the same range as its host.
Monitor host plant temperature; protect from frost; avoid extreme heat exposure.
Fertilizing
not required
Fertilize host every 4–6 weeks in growing season; use half-strength solution; stop fertilizing in fall/winter.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is the primary method; germination requires specific host roots present in the growing medium.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow Orobanche seeds near host roots.
- Maintain moisture and warmth.
- Monitor for germination.
- Provide support for host plant.
Best Time: Spring, when host plants are actively growing and temperatures are mild.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; host roots must be accessible to Orobanche seeds.
Medium
Host roots mixed with a sterile, well-draining medium like sand and peat moss.
Hormone
Not applicable; Orobanche does not require rooting hormone.
Timeline
Germination can take several weeks to months; establishment depends on host plant health.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, sterile medium, host plant roots, misting spray bottle
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds; ensure host roots are healthy; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
N/A
Pruning Plan
Not applicable; Orobanche does not require pruning.
Tools
N/A
Checklist
N/A
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, when host plants are actively growing.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure adequate drainage.
Method
Carefully transfer host plant to a new pot with fresh soil, ensuring Orobanche connections are not disturbed.
Suggestions
Repot the host plant if necessary, ensuring Orobanche remains attached to the host roots.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; gently remove host plant; preserve Orobanche connections; replant with care.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Water host plant only; check host soil moisture; ensure drainage; avoid Orobanche direct contact with water
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the host plant at the root zone, ensuring thorough saturation without pooling. Water early in the morning to allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot in the host.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, as Orobanche fasciculata is a parasitic plant and relies on host plants for moisture. Only water if the host plant requires it, typically during active growth periods in spring and summer.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for host plant health.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Host plant may show wilting, leaf drop, or chlorosis; Orobanche may fail to emerge or develop properly.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can inhibit host plant growth, reducing Orobanche's ability to parasitize.
Solution: Protect host plants from frost; use row covers or move potted hosts indoors during cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can stress the host plant, leading to reduced vigor and Orobanche development.
Solution: Provide shade for host plants during extreme heat; ensure adequate watering to prevent heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize host only; use diluted solution; apply during growing season; avoid Orobanche contact with fertilizer
Fertilizing Method
Fertilize the host plant during active growth with a balanced, diluted fertilizer; avoid fertilizing Orobanche directly.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are susceptible to toxicity from Orobanche fasciculata if ingested, which may result in gastrointestinal and systemic effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIngestion of Orobanche fasciculata by dogs can lead to gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity due to its chemical composition.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicOrobanche fasciculata contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant lacks chlorophyll and derives nutrients from host plants, which may contribute to its toxic profile.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Orobanche fasciculata edible?
A: No, it is a parasitic plant and not considered edible.
Q: How does Orobanche fasciculata grow without chlorophyll?
A: It is a parasitic plant that derives nutrients from host plants.
Q: Is Orobanche fasciculata harmful to gardens?
A: Yes, it can be considered a weed as it parasitizes other plants, potentially harming them.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | rarely required, only when soi |
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