T.E.R:R.A.I.N - Taranaki Educational Resource: Research, Analysis and Information Network

Broomrape (Orobanche minor)

Kingdom: Plantae
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Orobanchaceae
Genus: Orobanche
Species: O. minor
Binomial name: Orobanche minor
Common names: Broomrape

Orobanche minor is a fleshy, herbaceous, annual, parasitic plant that grows up to 22 in. (55.9 cm) tall. It attaches to the roots of broadleaf hosts (especially Trifolium spp.) and clovers. The fleshy stem is yellow to straw coloured and sticky. Leaves are greatly reduced (vestigial), alternate and triangular shaped. 
Flowers, borne on terminal clusters, are snapdragon-like, with 1.3 cm long, with purple-tinged petals. Flowering occurs in the August to January. Small broomrape is highly prolific. Seeds are very small (dust-size) and remain viable for 10 or more years. Small broomrape is a noxious Weed and concern exists that it may spread to infest crops such as legume forages and leafy green vegetables. Heavy infestations can cause crop failure. Small broomrape is native to the Middle East and was probably introduced into New Zealand with contaminated seed.



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