Broomrape - help with id please!

[Willow]

Hi all - we saw this broomrape when out on the Wiltshire Downs last weekend. We found it along the grassy verge of one of the ancient trackways (on chalky soil) - big (about 30cm tall), very orangey-brown in colour - and looking like it had just landed from outer space!

I'm not sure what species of broomrape it is - but think it might be Common broomrape. Can anyone help me name it for sure please?

Many thanks in advance.

Willow

[Willow]

Ooops! Sorry for the photo being the wrong way round - it wasn't like that on my file! Will post it again in a sec!

Willow

[Willow]

Hope it works this time!

[Tiggrx]

Could be Knapweed Broomrape (Orobanche elatior)

[Willow]

Originally Posted by Tiggrx

Could be Knapweed Broomrape (Orobanche elatior)

Thanks for your help, Tiggrx...I'm glad you said that, as I've been wondering if it was Knapweed broomrape...the habitat is certainly right, but the stigma position, flower shape look (only very slightly) different in the illustration in my book. Then, I was wondering if it was maybe Thistle broomrape (there were thistles around) - but same problem! But it might be a case of unclear or misleading illustrations! I've also been searching images online....but it's only been confusing me, as the species differences are so subtle - and the pictures so variable!

Thanks again - I think I might be a step closer to narrowing this one down, now...

Willow

[John2]

Yo Willow this has been an interesting thread for me.I didn't know there were different types of Broomrape that parasitized certain plants.
I've seen Broomrape before,so i wonder what one i saw.
I think i might have a photo somewhere.I'll have to hunt it out & see what type you think it is Willow.
John

[John2]

OK Willow i've finally found my Broomrape photo that i took last year.
I wonder what type it'll be?
John

[Willow]

Originally Posted by !John!

OK Willow i've finally found my Broomrape photo that i took last year.
I wonder what type it'll be?
John

Hi John - that's an intriguing photo! It looks very similar to "my" broomrape - especially in its colour - but with its flowers closed up! I wish I could help, but I'm totally broomrape-baffled!!!!! The differences as shown in my book illustrations are so subtle...every time I think I've got a postive id, it's a case of check the pics again...and hang on....that looks a bit different...

They are such fascinating plants....even if identifying 'em is leaving me scratching my head at the mo! Oh well, good to have a challenge.... I'll let you know if I ever come up with an answer!

[ian_g]

Hi Willow,

That specimen looks almost identical to this one I took, luckily Aaron came to the rescue by IDing it for me Mine was taken on Portsdown Hill in Portsmouth and this particular species of Broomrape (Knapweed) is common there.

Isn't it a strange flower though? Had I not bought a Wildflower book a month or so ago I would have just presumed it was something 'on it's way out', where in actual fact it is a parasitic plant and therefore has no chlorophyll. And we think us humans are clever

Ian G

[Tiggrx]

Originally Posted by Willow

Then, I was wondering if it was maybe Thistle broomrape (there were thistles around) - but same problem!

Definately not Thistle Broomrape - that is only found in Yorkshire