Egyptian broomrape

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Kopsia longiflora
• Kopsia aegyptiaca
• Phelypaea pedunculata
• Phelipanche aegyptiaca
• Phelypaea melongenae
• Orobanche aegyptiaca var. lanuginosa
• Orobanche aemula
• Orobanche aegyptiaca var. leiantehra
• Orobanche delilei
• Phelypaea longiflora
• Orobanche longiflora
• Phelypaea delilei
• Phelypaea aegyptiaca var. delilei
• Phelypaea ramosa var. grandiflora
• Orobanche ferox
• Orobanche aegyptiaca f. aemula
• Orobanche parasitica
• Orobanche aegyptiaca var. aemula
• Orobanche pushpitoi

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Lamiales and the family Orobanchaceae. Ultimately, it is identified as a member of the genus Orobanche.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range primarily concentrated within the regions of Southeastern and Eastern Europe. In Southeastern Europe, its presence is documented across the territories of Albania and Bulgaria. Furthermore, it can be found throughout various parts of Greece. The distribution extends into the European portion of Türkiye as well. Finally, its documented range reaches into Eastern Europe, specifically within the Crimea region.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Orobanche aegyptiaca is characterized by its specific distribution across varied landscapes, primarily thriving in anthropogenic environments such as cropfields and parks. This species exhibits a distinct altitudinal preference, occupying an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 900 m AMSL to a maximum of 1800 m AMSL. Its presence in cultivated areas and managed green spaces suggests a close ecological relationship with the root systems of host plants found within these human-influenced habitats.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

900 m AMSL

Habitat :

cropfields,parks

Life history

The life history of Orobanche aegyptiaca is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire developmental sequence from germination to seed production within a single growing season. As a specialized holoparasite, its existence is strictly tied to the presence of suitable host plants, which provide the necessary nutrients and water. In terms of its morphological structure, the species is classified as a therophyte, a life form that survives unfavorable environmental conditions by retreating into seeds that remain dormant in the soil until the presence of a host triggers germination. This strategy allows the plant to persist in arid or seasonal environments, emerging only when the ecological conditions are optimal for its rapid, ephemeral growth and reproductive phase.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Orobanche aegyptiaca is characterized by its status as an obligatory parasite, lacking chlorophyll and relying entirely on a host plant for nutrients. It presents a non-woody, herbaceous growth form, functioning as a self-supporting herb rather than a climber. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, neither aquatic nor epiphytic. In terms of stature, it is a relatively small specimen, with a plant height that typically ranges from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

obligatory

Plant height max:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.15 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Orobanche aegyptiaca is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering period that is closely tied to its environmental conditions. The flowering process typically begins in June and continues through the summer months, reaching its conclusion in August. This seasonal window governs the plant's reproductive cycle, during which the development of floral structures facilitates the continuation of the species.

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Orobanche aegyptiaca has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins.

Flavonoids

1. Scientific reports

Saponins

1. Scientific reports

Tannins

1. Scientific reports

Medicinal Uses

Orobanche aegyptiaca has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include schistosomiasis.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations