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broomrape

Orobanche · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Broomrape, scientifically known as Orobanche, is a genus of parasitic plants that lacks chlorophyll, making it unable to photosynthesize. Instead, it survives by attaching to the roots of host plants to extract essential nutrients. While often viewed as agricultural pests, certain species hold significant potential in traditional medicinal practices.

Family
Orobanchaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Broomrape · Cancer-Root
Scientific synonyms
Anoplon · Kopsia · 13 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Orobanche

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Orobanca

German:

  • Sommerwurzen
  • Sommerwurz
  • Tabakstod
  • Sommerwurz

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida within the subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Orobanchaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Orobanche.

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark. Additionally, its presence is documented throughout Great Britain and Ireland. The species also extends its reach into the northern territories of Norway. Finally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant includes Sweden.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Ireland
Northern Europe Norway
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia
Middle Europe Germany
Middle Europe Hungary

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Activities

Orobanche has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cardiovascular, Vasorelaxant.

Activities reported in Orobanche
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Cardiovascular 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Vasorelaxant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Cardiovascular

  1. RSC advances

Vasorelaxant

  1. RSC advances

Preparations

Orobanche has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include plant extracts.

Preparations reported for Orobanche
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Plant extracts 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Plant extracts

  1. RSC advances