Cistanche phelypaea

Yellow broomrape

Cistanche phelypaea, commonly known as the desert broomrape, is a unique parasitic plant found in arid regions. Lacking chlorophyll, it derives nutrients from host roots. Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, it is studied for its bioactive compounds, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for enhancing vitality and supporting metabolic health.

  • Scientific name: Cistanche phelypaea
  • Family: Orobanchaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Cistanche phelypaea, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Orobanchaceae. Its specific taxonomic placement concludes within the genus Cistanche.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Orobanchaceae WCVP
Genus Cistanche WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known as the Yellow broomrape in English, is referred to as Gelbe Cistanche in German and is called ذؤنون فيليبي in Arabic.
Language Common Name Source
de Gelbe Cistanche Wikidata
ar ذؤنون فيليبي Wikidata
en Yellow broomrape Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range primarily concentrated across the Mediterranean region. Within Southwestern Europe, its presence is documented in France, Portugal, and Spain. The distribution extends further into Southeastern Europe, where it can be found in Italy. Additionally, the species is located on the island of Kriti. Together, these locations highlight its preference for the varied landscapes of Southern Europe.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP

Chemicals

Cistanche phelypaea has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Oleic acid, fatty acids.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Oleic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fatty acids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cistanche phelypaea has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Alzheimer's disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆