Orobanche minor Common Broomrape
O. minor is an extremely variable species in a genus which provide the least consistency of shape and colour between species of almost any plant - even Dactylorhiza marsh orchids are more consistent. It can be red-brown, violetish, brown, brown-red, yellow brown or even sometimes yellow. This one is probably but not definitely O. minor but less crowded lower stem, veins on the flowers and smallness of the florets tend to suggest it might be.
O. minor is parasitic upon Trifolium (Clovers) species as well as various Fabaceae (Pea plants) and Asteraceae (Daisy type plants) so it can be found in many different habitats and has been known to be a pest plant in fields where Clover is grown as a crop.
O. minor is one of the commonest of the Orobanche genus occurring all over Europe and is also known as Lesser or Small Broomrape.
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| Orobanche minor Common Broomrape |
By coastal path, Akamas peninsula, Cyprus 18th April 2011
Added on 17th June 2011