Orobanche: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:40, 15 February 2025

A genus of parasitic plants in the family Orobanchaceae

Orobanche is a genus of parasitic plants in the family Orobanchaceae. These plants are commonly known as "broomrapes" and are characterized by their lack of chlorophyll, which makes them entirely dependent on host plants for nutrients. The genus includes a variety of species that are found in temperate regions across the world.

Description[edit]

Orobanche species are herbaceous plants that attach to the roots of host plants using specialized structures called haustoria. These haustoria penetrate the host's root system, allowing the Orobanche to extract water and nutrients. The plants typically have a fleshy, unbranched stem that emerges above ground, bearing flowers but lacking leaves.

The flowers of Orobanche are tubular and can vary in color, including shades of white, yellow, purple, and blue. The flowers are often arranged in a spike and are adapted for pollination by insects.

Life Cycle[edit]

The life cycle of Orobanche begins with the germination of seeds in the presence of specific chemical signals released by potential host plants. Once germinated, the seedling develops a haustorium that attaches to the host root. The plant then grows and develops underground until it is ready to flower.

Above ground, the flowering stem emerges, and the plant produces flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the plant produces seeds that are dispersed to new locations, where they can germinate and continue the cycle.

Ecology[edit]

Orobanche species are obligate parasites, meaning they cannot complete their life cycle without a host plant. They are known to parasitize a wide range of host plants, including members of the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Solanaceae families. This parasitic relationship can have significant impacts on the host plant, often reducing its growth and reproductive success.

Species[edit]

The genus Orobanche includes numerous species, each with specific host preferences and ecological niches. Some notable species include:

Orobanche uniflora, commonly known as "one-flowered broomrape," is distinguished by its solitary flowers and is often found in association with members of the Asteraceae family.
Orobanche minor, known as "lesser broomrape," is a widespread species that parasitizes a variety of herbaceous plants.
Orobanche hederae, or "ivy broomrape," is typically found parasitizing Hedera helix (common ivy).

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Orobanche''' is a genus of parasitic plants in the family [[Orobanchaceae]]. These plants are commonly known as '''broomrapes'''. They lack chlorophyll and are incapable of photosynthesis, which is the process most plants use to produce their own food. Instead, Orobanche species are entirely dependent on other plants for nutrients. They form connections with the roots of host plants to extract water and nutrients, a relationship that can significantly harm the host plant. This genus includes over 200 species distributed widely across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
+{{short description|A genus of parasitic plants in the family Orobanchaceae}}
-== Description ==
+[[File:Orobanche_uniflora_3303f.JPG|thumb|right|Orobanche uniflora, commonly known as "one-flowered broomrape"]]
-Orobanche species vary in size and appearance but share common characteristics that define the genus. They typically have a stem that emerges from the ground, which is often thick and covered in small scales instead of leaves. The flowers of Orobanche species are usually tubular and can vary in color from yellow and orange to blue and purple. These plants are entirely devoid of green tissues due to the lack of chlorophyll.
-== Ecology ==
+'''Orobanche''' is a genus of parasitic plants in the family [[Orobanchaceae]]. These plants are commonly known as "broomrapes" and are characterized by their lack of chlorophyll, which makes them entirely dependent on host plants for nutrients. The genus includes a variety of species that are found in temperate regions across the world.
-The ecology of Orobanche involves complex interactions with their host plants. Each Orobanche species tends to be specific to a particular host or a group of closely related hosts. Common hosts include members of the [[Fabaceae]] (legume family), [[Solanaceae]] (nightshade family), and [[Asteraceae]] (aster family). The choice of host is crucial for the survival of the Orobanche plant, as it must be able to successfully penetrate the host's root system and siphon off nutrients.
-== Life Cycle ==
+==Description==
-The life cycle of Orobanche begins with the germination of seeds, which can remain dormant in the soil for many years until stimulated by chemicals released by the roots of a suitable host plant. Upon germination, the Orobanche seedling develops a haustorium, a specialized organ that penetrates the host plant's root to establish a connection through which it can extract water and nutrients. The Orobanche plant then grows and eventually produces flowers and seeds, which are dispersed to begin the cycle anew.
+Orobanche species are herbaceous plants that attach to the roots of host plants using specialized structures called haustoria. These haustoria penetrate the host's root system, allowing the Orobanche to extract water and nutrients. The plants typically have a fleshy, unbranched stem that emerges above ground, bearing flowers but lacking leaves.
-== Economic Impact ==
+The flowers of Orobanche are tubular and can vary in color, including shades of white, yellow, purple, and blue. The flowers are often arranged in a spike and are adapted for pollination by insects.
-Several Orobanche species are considered significant agricultural pests. They can cause considerable damage to crops by reducing yields and, in severe infestations, killing the host plants. Notable examples include ''Orobanche crenata'' affecting faba beans and other legumes, and ''Orobanche ramosa'' targeting tomato and tobacco plants. Control methods include crop rotation, the use of resistant plant varieties, and chemical treatments, although managing Orobanche infestations remains challenging.
-== Conservation ==
+==Life Cycle==
-While some Orobanche species are harmful to agriculture, others are rare and face threats from habitat destruction and over-collecting. Conservation efforts for these species involve habitat protection and research into their ecological roles and relationships with host plants.
+The life cycle of Orobanche begins with the germination of seeds in the presence of specific chemical signals released by potential host plants. Once germinated, the seedling develops a haustorium that attaches to the host root. The plant then grows and develops underground until it is ready to flower.
-== See Also ==
+Above ground, the flowering stem emerges, and the plant produces flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the plant produces seeds that are dispersed to new locations, where they can germinate and continue the cycle.
-* [[Parasitic plants]]
+==Ecology==
+Orobanche species are obligate parasites, meaning they cannot complete their life cycle without a host plant. They are known to parasitize a wide range of host plants, including members of the [[Asteraceae]], [[Fabaceae]], and [[Solanaceae]] families. This parasitic relationship can have significant impacts on the host plant, often reducing its growth and reproductive success.
+==Species==
+The genus Orobanche includes numerous species, each with specific host preferences and ecological niches. Some notable species include:
+* '''Orobanche uniflora''', commonly known as "one-flowered broomrape," is distinguished by its solitary flowers and is often found in association with members of the [[Asteraceae]] family.
+* '''Orobanche minor''', known as "lesser broomrape," is a widespread species that parasitizes a variety of herbaceous plants.
+* '''Orobanche hederae''', or "ivy broomrape," is typically found parasitizing [[Hedera helix]] (common ivy).
+==Related pages==
+* [[Parasitic plant]]
+* [[Orobanchaceae]]
 * [[Haustorium]]
-* [[Plant pathology]]
-== References ==
-<references/>
 [[Category:Orobanchaceae]]
 [[Category:Parasitic plants]]
-{{botany-stub}}