At this time of the year broomrapes emerge everywhere. They are plants without chlorophyl with whitish or reddish stems and sometimes a touch of purple. As their name indicates already, they are parasitic plants, not only on broom, but also on other species. Every species of broomrape has its own preferences concerning its host.
The Amethyst Broomrape (Orobanche amethystea) grows on Field Eryngo (Eryngium campestre). To the left two broomrapes, and at the right a leaf of the eryngo.
The flowers are tubular with a trilobed lower lip. On the top of the upper lip you see small glandular hairs.