Orobanche aegyptiaca

Egyptian broomrape

Orobanche aegyptiaca, commonly known as Egyptian broomrape, is a unique parasitic plant lacking chlorophyll. Traditionally used in Mediterranean folk medicine, it is valued for its potential bioactive compounds. Research explores its ethnopharmacological properties, particularly its role in managing inflammatory conditions and supporting overall metabolic health through specialized phytochemicals.

  • Scientific name: Orobanche aegyptiaca
  • Family: Orobanchaceae
  • Native range: Europe

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.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Orobanche aegyptiaca, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Persian, it is called گل جالیز مصری, while in French, it is identified as Phelipanche aegyptiaca. In Chinese, the name varies slightly by script and region, being written as 分枝列当 in Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), 分枝列當 in Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), and 分枝列當 in Hong Kong Cantonese (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
fa گل جالیز مصری Wikidata
fr Phelipanche aegyptiaca Wikidata
zh-hans 分枝列当 Wikidata
zh-hant 分枝列當 Wikidata
zh-hk 分枝列當 Wikidata
zh 分枝列当 Wikidata
ar هالوك مصري Wikidata
he עלקת מצרית Wikidata
hy Ճրագախոտ եգիպտական Wikidata
arz هالوك مصرى Wikidata

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.

Region Area Source
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP
Eastern Europe Krym WCVP
Eastern Europe South European Russia WCVP
Northern Africa Algeria WCVP
Northern Africa Egypt WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP

Chemicals

Orobanche aegyptiaca has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, saponins, tannins.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

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

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
schistosomiasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆