Orobanche coerulescens

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Orobanche coerulescens f. arenaria
• Orobanche coerulescens var. arenaria
• Orobanche coerulescens subf. multidentata
• Orobanche coerulescens f. occidentalis
• Orobanche japonensis
• Orobanche mairei
• Orobanche pycnostachya var. yunnanensis
• Orobanche coerulescens f. pekinensis
• Orobanche bodinieri
• Orobanche coerulescens var. nipponica
• Orobanche ammophila
• Orobanche coerulescens f. korshinskyi
• Orobanche coerulescens f. multidentata
• Orobanche coerulescens f. alba
• Orobanche albolanata
• Orobanche akiana
• Orobanche coerulescens var. occidentalis
• Orobanchella coerulescens
• Orobanche korshinskyi
• Orobanche feddei
• Orobanche nipponica
• Orobanche coerulescens var. albiflora

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is categorized within the order Lamiales and the family Orobanchaceaae. Ultimately, its taxonomic classification concludes within the genus Orobanche.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is distributed across several regions within Middle Europe. In the western part of this area, it can be found in Germany. Moving eastward, its range extends through the territories of Austria and Hungary. The species is also documented within the borders of Czechia and Slovakia. Finally, its geographical presence reaches into Poland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Orobanche coerulescens is characterized by its specialized existence as an obligate holoparasite, meaning it lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on the root systems of specific host plants for nutrients and water. This species typically inhabits open environments, preferring sun-exposed habitats where its host plants can thrive and provide sufficient resources. These open areas often include dry grasslands, steppes, or disturbed sandy soils where vegetation is relatively sparse, allowing the plant to emerge from the soil during its reproductive phase. Because it lacks photosynthetic capabilities, its ecological success is strictly tied to the spatial distribution and density of its hosts within these open landscapes, making it highly sensitive to changes in the local plant community structure and soil conditions.

Habitat :

open

Life history

The life history of Orobanche coerulescens is characterized by a biennial lifecycle, meaning it typically undergoes a two-year developmental process to complete its reproductive cycle. As a specialized parasite, its biological structure is classified as a cryptophyte, specifically functioning as a geophyte, which allows it to persist through unfavorable conditions using underground structures. The plant exhibits deciduousness, shedding its aerial parts as part of its natural seasonal progression.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

biennial

Morphology

The morphology of Orobanche coerulescens is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. As an obligatory parasite, it lacks chlorophyll and functions as a terrestrial organism, specifically categorized as a terrestrial epiphyte. The plant maintains a relatively diminutive stature, with a plant height ranging from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.4 m. Its biological habit is strictly terrestrial, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

obligatory

Plant height max:

0.4 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Orobanche coerulescens is characterized by its sexual processes and specific seasonal timing. The plant is bisexual, possessing both male and female reproductive organs within the same flower to facilitate pollination. Its flowering period is concentrated during the early summer months, typically beginning in June and concluding in July. Following the successful pollination and fertilization of the flowers, the plant utilizes an autochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning the seeds are dispersed by their own mechanisms rather than relying on external agents like wind or animals.

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Orobanche coerulescens has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Chemicals

Orobanche coerulescens has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2'-Acetylacteoside, Acteoside, BETA-SITOSTEROL, Crenatoside, D-mannitol.

2'-Acetylacteoside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Acteoside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Crenatoside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

D-mannitol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Daucosterol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Gibberellins

1. Frontiers in plant science

Isoacteoside

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

PROTOCATECHUIC ALDEHYDE

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

STARCH

1. Frontiers in plant science

Medicinal Uses

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

Most Reported Uses

Preparations