Purple broomrape
phelipanche purpurea
Also known as: ["Orobanche purpurea"]
Overview
A parasitic herbaceous plant with no chlorophyll, deriving nutrients from host plants.
Benefits & Perks
["rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Genus: | Phelipanche |
| Botanical Name: | Phelipanche purpurea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: near host plants in garden beds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: not required
- Drainage: Fast-draining, as per host plant requirements.
- Soil Type: Dependent on host plant soil type; typically well-draining soil suitable for the host.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: very low
- Pruning Frequency: Not applicable
- Pruning Intensity: Not applicable
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Phelipanche purpurea thrives in full sunlight where its host plant is located, typically requiring 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate host plant gradually to full sun to prevent scorching; ensure outdoor placement if host requires full sun.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
expert onlychallenging
Sunlight
partial shade
Monitor host for sunburn; adjust placement seasonally; provide shade if host shows signs of stress.
Watering
rarely required, only when soil is completely dry
Minimize direct watering; ensure host plant is well-hydrated; monitor soil moisture of host.
Soil
not applicable, requires a host plant
pH: Dependent on host plant pH preference, typically neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0).
Maintain host soil fertility; ensure proper drainage; monitor soil pH for host needs.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures where its host plant thrives, typically 20–30°C (68–86°F).
Monitor host plant health; adjust watering in extreme temperatures; protect from frost.
Fertilizing
not applicable, as it is a parasitic plant
Focus fertilization on the host plant; avoid direct application to Phelipanche.
Propagation
Methods
Propagation occurs naturally via seed after host parasitization; manual propagation is not typical for this species.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Not applicable.
Best Time: Seeds are dispersed naturally after flowering, typically in late summer or early fall.
Environment
Not applicable
Medium
Not applicable for manual propagation; relies on host plant proximity for seed germination.
Hormone
Not applicable
Timeline
Not applicable
Tools Needed
Not applicable
Quick Tips
Not applicable
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Not applicable
Pruning Plan
Phelipanche purpurea does not require pruning; focus on managing the host plant.
Tools
Not applicable
Checklist
Not applicable
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Not applicable
Pot Size
Not applicable
Method
Not applicable
Suggestions
Repotting is not applicable to Phelipanche purpurea, as it is a parasitic plant without its own root system.
Checklist
Not applicable
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check host plant moisture; water host deeply; avoid Phelipanche direct contact with water.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the host plant thoroughly, ensuring even moisture distribution. Avoid waterlogging the soil where Phelipanche attaches.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, as Phelipanche purpurea is a parasitic plant and relies on host plants for moisture. Avoid direct watering unless cultivating as a host-dependent species.
Soil Improvement
Improve host plant soil with organic matter and ensure good drainage to support Phelipanche.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Host plant wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth indicates temperature stress affecting Phelipanche.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can inhibit host plant growth, reducing Phelipanche's ability to parasitize.
Solution: Provide frost protection for the host plant; move potted hosts indoors during cold spells.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can desiccate the host plant, stressing Phelipanche and reducing its vigor.
Solution: Ensure host plant has adequate water; provide partial shade during peak heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize host plant as needed; avoid Phelipanche contact with fertilizer; monitor host growth.
Fertilizing Method
Phelipanche purpurea does not require fertilization as it derives nutrients from the host plant.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicPhelipanche purpurea is toxic to cats if ingested. The plant's toxic compounds can cause significant gastrointestinal distress and other adverse effects in felines, necessitating prompt veterinary attention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicPhelipanche purpurea poses a toxic risk to dogs if ingested. The plant contains compounds that can lead to gastrointestinal upset and other systemic effects in canines, similar to those observed in humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicPhelipanche purpurea is considered toxic to humans due to the presence of various secondary metabolites that can cause adverse physiological effects upon ingestion. The plant's tissues contain compounds that may disrupt normal cellular functions, leading to gastrointestinal and systemic disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Phelipanche purpurea toxic to humans?
A: The toxicity of Phelipanche purpurea to humans is unknown.
Q: How does Phelipanche purpurea obtain nutrients?
A: It is a parasitic plant that derives nutrients from host plants.
Q: Is Phelipanche purpurea suitable for beginners?
A: No, it is challenging to cultivate and is best suited for expert botanists or collectors.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Orobanchaceae |
| Care: | expert only |
| Light: | partial shade |
| Water: | rarely required, only when soi |
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