July 15, 2012

Small Broomrape


Their season is nearly over, but it is still easy to find Broomrapes. They are parasites without chlorophyl that live on the roots of other plants. Here is the Small Broomrape (Orobanche minor), surrounded by its host, Black Medick (Medicago lupulina) with small yellow flower heads. The Small Broomrape also 'eats' other clover-like plants.



Most stalks in this image are already dead, but the one at the right is still alive and in flower.