Broomrape ID differences

[o_alba]

Dear all,

does anyone have experience of Brromrape identification? Fascinating species but the differences between them can be subtle! I've dug these up from my archive, the first I believe is Ivy Broomrape, but not so sure about the second. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Alexander

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by o_alba

Dear all,
does anyone have experience of Brromrape identification? Fascinating species but the differences between them can be subtle! I've dug these up from my archive, the first I believe is Ivy Broomrape, but not so sure about the second. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Alexander

Hi Alexander. Welcome to Wab.
I agree with you that the Broomrapes are a fascinating group of plants and can present a problem to the beginer and expert alike.
I am fortunate to have seen all the British species which has been a great joy.
The first thing you must look for is a 'host plant'. Almost all species are host specific. If your Broomrape is growing among or beside other plants, then that could be the first key to a correct ID. For example, I have never seen Ivy Broomrape growing without its host very close by, and that goes for virtually all other species.
The exception of course is Common Broomrape - Orobanche minor which can be found on a large variety of hosts.

Of our native Broomrapes, most are quite distinct, and when found along with their hosts, are relatively easy to ID.
One or two species can vary in appearance, so again a host will help, and if there is no distinct host consider Common B. first especially if not a tall plant.

I think your plants are probably Ivy Broomrape - Orobanche hederae as the stigma lobes are yellow,
in O. minor they are usually brownish, but I would like to have seen some Ivy in your photo to be certain.
Dorts.

[o_alba]

Thanks Dorts,

Ivy is abundant in this woodland and it seems Ivy Broomrape is likely, I was hoping to be able to rule out Common Broomrape though- my book says that the stigma lobes are variable.

Thanks

Alexander

[the young hunter]

I agree, the Broomrapes are a particularly interesting group but are all too often misidentified. Infact, I wondered whether someone (Dorts?) could also help me out with a Broomrape identification from Mallorca. I don't think it's a British species so could be a tricky one. Unfortunately my wildflower library doesn't cover Europe so I'm a bit stuck! Looks a lot like Yarrow broomrape but the flowers are in all much smaller as was the whole plant.



Found growing amongst Sage sp., Rosemary sp. and other typical Garrigue shrubs/species during early April 2010.

Cheers,

Mike.

[Dorts]

Mike, your plant is probably Orobanche ramosa, (Branched Broomrape), a variable and widespread species found on a variety of host's but particularly legumes, and is common in Mallorca.

It was for a time, found in Eastern England but there are no recent records that I know of.
Dorts.

[the young hunter]

Thanks Dorts, much appreciated help there.

I suppose it was recorded in Eastern England due to the generally warmer climate - more like that of the Mediterranean?

Anyway, I saw it numerous times amongst orchids whilst on my travels.

Mike