Orobanche cumana

Orobanche cumana, commonly known as the parasitic broomrape, is a unique medicinal plant found in various arid regions. Although it lacks chlorophyll and survives by parasitizing host roots, it possesses significant bioactive properties. Research suggests its extracts hold potential in traditional medicine for treating various inflammatory and oxidative conditions.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales, it is classified under the family Orobanchaceae. Finally, it is identified by its 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, Orobanche cumana, is known by several different names depending on the language and region. In Russian, it is commonly referred to as Заразиха кумская, Заразиха подсолнечная, or Заразиха подсолнечника, while in Ossetian, it is called тæтхæни. Additionally, in French, the species is identified as Orobanche du tournesol.
Language Common Name Source
ru Заразиха кумская Wikidata
os тæтхæни Wikidata
fr Orobanche du tournesol Wikidata
ru Заразиха подсолнечная Wikidata
ru Заразиха подсолнечника Wikidata
ru Заразиха сарматская Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is documented in both Germany and Hungary. Moving toward the western part of the continent, it can be found throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically in France and Spain. The distribution also extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is recorded in Bulgaria. Collectively, these regions highlight the varied geographical spread of this medicinal species.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP

Activities

Orobanche cumana has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antifatigue.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antifatigue 1 ★☆☆☆☆