Day 236: Orobanche uniflora is a trickster. Don't assume that the succulent foliage at its base belongs to the same plant. It does not. In fact, you will find Naked Broomrape in association with at least two different leaf-forms in the Park. This beautiful little plant is parasitic on the roots of a number of different sedums. The leaf rosettes of two of the most common are shown in this photo (S. divergens at the bottom, S. oreganum to the right of the flowers). Because Orobanche lacks chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize on its own, it takes its nutrients from its host; whether or not it contributes anything to the relationship with sedum is at this point conjectural.
This is the most unfortunate common name I've run across--particularly sad because the flower is very pretty, especially under magnification.
ReplyDeleteThe word comes from a combination of English and Latin. "Broom" in this case applies to the plants we know as vetches. "Rapum" is Latin for "tuber" or "tubercle," and describes how the parasite attaches to its host. The taxonomy of a species, common or scientific, often tells us something about the habits of a species.
DeleteI like my complaint. Don't give me better information! LOL.
ReplyDeleteOkay, THAT made me laugh! And I have to admit that when I'm talking about this plant, I generally refer to it as "Orobanche."
Delete