The Thistle Broomrape

Thistle broomrape (Orobanche reticulata) is a perennial plant belonging to the broomrape family (Orobanchaceae) belongs. The species is on the Dutch Red List of plants as very rare, but stable or increased aaantal. The thistle broomrape occurs in North Africa, Caucasus, Western Siberia and Europe.


The thistle broomrape parasite on birds thistle (Cirsium), thistles (Carduus), Carlina, Knautia and Scabiosa


The plant is 15-90 cm tall and has pale yellow to slightly purplish stems. The leaves are 2-3 mm wide.


Thistle broomrape flowers in June and July. The white or yellowish corolla is 1.5 to 2.5 cm long and has a red or pale purple-faced The back edge of the crown is bent in two places. The lower lip has three lobes equal without a larger central slip. The dots of the crown can be seen in transmitted light. The stamens are 2-4 mm above the base of the crown. Below are the filaments hairy, bald on top or slightly glandular hairs. The stamp is reddish purple, but sometimes it can also be yellow. The flower has a bract leaves but no stem.


The fruit is a capsule containing many small seeds.


Thistle broomrape occurs on levees, along roadsides and between scrub.



Source: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distelbremraap

See also: International Flower Delivery, Florist