Overview of Orobanchaceae
The Orobanchaceae family, also known as the broomrape family, is a group of parasitic flowering plants. This family consists of approximately 100 genera and 2000 species of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and even some small trees.
Taxonomy and Classification
The Orobanchaceae family is part of the order Lamiales, an order that also includes the olive family (Oleaceae), the mint family (Lamiaceae), and many others. The broomrape family was formerly part of the Scrophulariaceae family, but in 2016, it was recognized as a separate family with its unique characteristics.
The family is divided into six subfamilies:
1. Lindenbergioideae
2. Orobanchaceae
3. Phelipancheae
4. Rhinantheae
5. Strigoseae
6. Thomandersioideae
Unique Characteristics
The most distinctive feature of the Orobanchaceae is their parasitic nature. Most species in this family connect to the roots of other plants and take water, nutrients, and sometimes even sugars from the host plant. This lifestyle has led to a change in their morphology, which includes the loss of chlorophyll, reduced leaves, and the development of specialized structures for absorbing the nutrients from the host plant.
In addition to their parasitic nature, Orobanchaceae plants have a unique inflorescence arrangement. The flowers are usually densely packed on a spike or raceme that arises from the base of the stem and is often accompanied by brightly colored bracts.
Another interesting feature specific to the broomrape family is the flowering of some species. Some species of Orobanchaceae plants reproduce vegetatively for several years before producing flowers triggered by the presence of certain chemicals in the soil that indicate the presence of host plants.
The Orobanchaceae family has a range of uses, including medicinal, ornamental, and agricultural purposes.
Distribution of the Orobanchaceae family
The Orobanchaceae family is widely distributed, encompassing around 100 genera and over 2000 species, found in temperate and tropical regions around the world. The family is primarily found in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Habitats of the Orobanchaceae family
Members of the Orobanchaceae family can be found in a wide variety of habitats. However, they are primarily associated with forest understories, grasslands, and semi-arid regions. Many species of the family are parasitic in nature, meaning they obtain their nutrition from other plants, and thus can be found growing on the roots of other plants.
Ecological preferences and adaptations of the Orobanchaceae family
The Orobanchaceae family exhibits a range of ecological preferences and adaptations. One of the most striking adaptations is their parasitic habit. Many species of the family have evolved mechanisms to extract nutrients from their host plants, such as specialized root structures called haustoria, which penetrate the roots of their host plants to extract nutrients and water.
Some species of the family are also adapted to living in harsh environments with low nutrient levels, such as semi-arid regions, and have evolved mechanisms to conserve water, such as reduced leaves and thick, succulent stems.
Overall, the wide range of habitats and adaptions exhibited by the Orobanchaceae family make it a diverse and fascinating group of plants.
General Morphology and Structure of Orobanchaceae Plants
Plants in the Orobanchaceae family are generally herbaceous and parasitic, and lack chlorophyll, making them heterotrophic and dependent on other plants for their nutrition. They are characterized by their succulent and fleshy stems, which are often devoid of leaves.
Anatomical Features and Adaptations
One of the most distinctive anatomical features of Orobanchaceae plants is their haustorium, a specialized structure that enables them to penetrate and tap into the vascular systems of their host plants, allowing them to absorb nutrients, water, and carbohydrates. The haustorium is often surrounded by a ring of modified roots known as the root collar or root neck.
Another adaptation of Orobanchaceae plants is their lack of or reduced photosynthetic ability. This allows them to conserve energy and resources that would have otherwise gone towards synthesizing chlorophyll and carrying out photosynthesis. Instead, they can divert these resources towards their growth, reproduction, and parasitic lifestyle.
Variations in Leaf Shapes, Flower Structures, and Other Distinctive Characteristics
Despite their parasitic lifestyle, Orobanchaceae plants still produce flowers, which can vary greatly in shape, size, and color. Some species, such as the Indian paintbrush (Castilleja spp.), produce showy and brightly colored flowers that are often pollinated by hummingbirds. The flowers of other species, such as the broomrape (Orobanche spp.), are highly reduced and lack petals or sepals, and are often self-pollinated.
While some Orobanchaceae plants lack leaves entirely, others have modified leaves that are reduced in size and scale-like in appearance, helping to conserve water. Some species, such as the beechdrops (Epifagus spp.), have leaves that are reduced to small bracts that wrap tightly around the stem.
In summary, Orobanchaceae plants are unique in their parasitic and heterotrophic lifestyle, as well as their specialized haustorium and reduced photosynthetic ability. Despite these adaptations, they continue to produce flowers of varying shapes and sizes, and some species have modified leaves that are adapted to their environment.
Reproductive Strategies in Orobanchaceae Plants
Orobanchaceae is a family of parasitic plants, commonly known as broomrape or Indian paintbrush, which has evolved unique reproductive strategies due to its distinct parasitic lifestyle. Plants in this family lack chlorophyll and cannot produce their food and depend on host plants to complete their life cycle.
Mechanisms of Reproduction within the Family
Broomrape plants have evolved specialized roots called haustoria that penetrate the roots of the host plant. The haustorium allows the parasitic plant to extract water, nutrients, and photosynthates from the host plant, thereby completing their life cycle.
Orobanchaceae plants have also developed a specialized reproductive strategy called cleistogamy. Cleistogamous flowers are self-pollinated without opening, which ensures successful pollination even in unfavorable environmental conditions. Cleistogamous flowers are produced before the showy, chasmogamous flowers that require pollinators to visit them.
Flowering Patterns and Pollination Strategies
Orobanchaceae plants typically produce both chasmogamous and non-showy cleistogamous flowers. Chasmogamous flowers produce nectar to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths. Chasmogamous flowers have a zygomorphic corolla and produce large amounts of pollen.
Most broomrape plants have evolved specialized floral mechanisms that maximize the likelihood of pollination. In some species, the corolla is modified to form a tube that guides the pollinator's mouthparts to the reproductive organs. Pollinators will visit the flowers to obtain nectar and, in the process, transfer pollen from one flower to another.
Seed Dispersal Methods and Adaptations
Broomrape plants have developed several adaptations that promote efficient seed dispersal. Upon fertilization, the plant produces small capsules that contain many tiny, dust-like seeds. The plant relies on wind and water to disperse the seeds to new locations. Seeds have also evolved adaptations to adhere to animal fur, feathers, or clothing, allowing the plant to be transported over long distances and increasing the chance of successful propagation.
Broomrape plants are fascinating and unusual parasitic plants that have evolved unique reproductive strategies due to their parasitic lifestyle. Their clever mechanisms of reproduction, flowering patterns, and seed dispersal adaptations ensure the survival and propagation of the species.
Economic Importance
The Orobanchaceae family, also known as the broomrape family, consists of approximately 100 genera and around 2,000 species of flowering plants. Some of these plants are used for medicinal, culinary, or industrial purposes, making this family economically significant.
One member of this family, Orobanche rapum-genistae, also known as the common broomrape, has been used in traditional medicine as a treatment for various conditions, including respiratory ailments and rheumatism. Another species, Phelipanche aegyptiaca, or Egyptian broomrape, produces a substance called strigolactone, which is used to promote germination of seeds and improve crop yields.
In terms of culinary uses, the tubers of some species in the family are edible, such as the Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya) and the Japanese mountain yam (Dioscorea opposita). These yams are used in a variety of dishes and are an important food source, particularly in Asia.
Some members of the Orobanchaceae family, including the genus Cistanche, are also used for their industrial properties. These plants contain compounds that have been found to have potential therapeutic effects and are used in the production of supplements and cosmetics.
Ecological Importance
The Orobanchaceae family serves an important ecological role within ecosystems, particularly as parasitic plants. Some species in this family are obligate parasites, meaning that they require a host plant to complete their life cycle. These plants attach to the roots of other plants and draw nutrients and water from them, often negatively impacting the growth and survival of the host plant.
While some may view parasitic plants as harmful, they can also play a positive ecological role, particularly in nutrient-poor environments. Parasitic plants can function as keystone species, providing a vital food source to pollinators and other insects. They can also play a role in nutrient cycling and contribute to the overall health and stability of an ecosystem.
Conservation Status and Efforts
Some species in the Orobanchaceae family are considered threatened or endangered, largely due to habitat loss and degradation. For example, the Mediterranean parasitic plant Cistanche phelypaea is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Efforts are underway to conserve species in the Orobanchaceae family, particularly those that are rare or endangered. Habitat restoration, conservation land management practices, and reintroduction programs are some of the strategies being employed to preserve these important plants and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Featured plants from the Orobanchaceae family
More plants from the Orobanchaceae family
- Aeginetia indica L. - Ye Gu
- Aeginetia L. - Aeginetia
- Anoplanthus fasciculatus (Nutt.) Walp. - >>orobanche Fasciculata
- Aphyllon arenosum Suksdorf - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Ludoviciana
- Aphyllon cooperi Gray - >>orobanche Cooperi Ssp. Cooperi
- Aphyllon fasciculatum (Nutt.) Torr. & Gray - >>orobanche Fasciculata
- Aphyllon pinorum (Geyer ex Hook.) Gray - >>orobanche Pinorum
- Aphyllon tuberosum (Gray) Gray - >>orobanche Bulbosa
- Aphyllon uniflorum (L.) Torr. & Gray - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Bartschia trixago (L.) Kuntze
- Boschniakia C.A. Mey. ex Bong. - Groundcone
- Boschniakia hookeri Walp. - Vancouver Groundcone
- Boschniakia strobilacea Gray - California Groundcone
- Cistanche allochroa Chiov.
- Cistanche brunneri (Webb) Beck
- Cistanche carnosa Pax
- Cistanche hesperugo (Webb) Beck
- Cistanche lutea (Desf.) Hoffmanns. & Link
- Cistanche lutea (Desf.) Hoffmanns. & Link subsp. compacta (Viv.) Bég. & Vacc.
- Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout.
- Cistanche phelypaea (L.) Cout. subsp. lutea (Desf.) Fern.Casas & Lainz
- Cistanche phelypaea auct.
- Cistanche senegalensis (Reut.) Beck
- Cistanche tinctoria (Forssk.) Beck
- Cistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Hook.f.
- Cistanche violacea (Desf.) Beck
- Conopholis alpina Liebm. - Alpine Cancer-root
- Conopholis alpina Liebm. var. mexicana (Gray ex S. Wats.) Haynes - Mexican Cancer-root
- Conopholis americana (L.) Wallr. f. - American Cancer-root
- Conopholis ludoviciana (Nutt.) Wood - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Ludoviciana
- Conopholis mexicana Gray ex S. Wats. - >>conopholis Alpina Var. Mexicana
- Conopholis Wallr. - Cancer-root
- Epifagus Nutt. - Beechdrops
- Epifagus virginiana
- Epifagus virginiana (L.) W. Bart. - Beechdrops
- Gerdaria dregeana (Benth. ex Hochst.) C.Presl
- Haematobanche sanguinea C.Presl
- Hyobanche atropurpurea Bolus
- Hyobanche barklyi N.E.Br.
- Hyobanche calvescens Gand.
- Hyobanche coccinea L. ex Steud.
- Hyobanche fulleri E.Phillips
- Hyobanche glabrata Hiern
- Hyobanche robusta Schönland
- Hyobanche rubra N.E.Br.
- Hyobanche sanguinea auct.
- Hyobanche sanguinea L.
- Hyobanche sanguinea L. var. ß glabra Benth.
- Hyobanche sanguinea L. var. ß glabrescens Drège
- Hyobanche sanguinea L. var. ß Thunb.
- Leptamnium virginianum (L.) Raf. - >>epifagus Virginiana
- Myzorrhiza californica (Cham. & Schlecht.) Rydb. - >>orobanche Californica Ssp. Californica
- Myzorrhiza cooperi (Gray) Rydb. - >>orobanche Cooperi Ssp. Cooperi
- Myzorrhiza corymbosa Rydb. - >>orobanche Corymbosa Ssp. Corymbosa
- Myzorrhiza ludoviciana (Nutt.) Rydb. - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Ludoviciana
- Myzorrhiza multiflora (Nutt.) Rydb. - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Multiflora
- Myzorrhiza pinorum (Geyer ex Hook.) Rydb. - >>orobanche Pinorum
- Myzorrhiza tuberosa (Gray) Rydb. - >>orobanche Bulbosa
- Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.
- Orobanche aethiopica Beck
- Orobanche alectra D.Dietr.
- Orobanche americana L. - >>conopholis Americana
- Orobanche ammophyla - Lie Dang
- Orobanche bulbosa (Gray) G. Beck - Chaparral Broomrape
- Orobanche californica - California Broomrape
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. - California Broomrape
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. ssp. condensa Heckard - California Broomrape
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. ssp. feudgei (Munz) Heckard - California Broomrape
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. ssp. grandis Heckard - California Broomrape
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. ssp. grayana (G. Beck) Heckard - Gray's Broomrape
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. ssp. jepsonii (Munz) Heckard - Jepson's Broomrape
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. var. claremontensis Munz - >>orobanche Vallicola
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. var. corymbosa (Rydb.) Munz - >>orobanche Corymbosa Ssp. Corymbosa
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. var. grayana (G. Beck) Cronq. - >>orobanche Californica Ssp. Grayana
- Orobanche californica Cham. & Schlecht. var. parishii Jepson - >>orobanche Parishii Ssp. Parishii
- Orobanche cannabis Vaucher ex Duby
- Orobanche capensis auct.
- Orobanche cernua
- Orobanche cernua Loefl. - Nodding Broomrape
- Orobanche cernua Loefl. forma desertorum Beck
- Orobanche cernua Loefl. var. cernua
- Orobanche cernua Loefl. var. desertorum (Beck) Stapf
- Orobanche cernua Loefl. var. nepalensis Reut.
- Orobanche cooperi (Gray) Heller - Desert Broomrape
- Orobanche cooperi (Gray) Heller ssp. cooperi - Desert Broomrape
- Orobanche cooperi (Gray) Heller ssp. latiloba (Munz) Collins, comb. nov. ined. - Desert Broomrape
- Orobanche corymbosa (Rydb.) Ferris - Flat-top Broomrape
- Orobanche corymbosa (Rydb.) Ferris ssp. mutabilis Heckard - Flat-top Broomrape
- Orobanche crenata Forsk. - Bean Broomrape
- Orobanche curviflora Viv.
- Orobanche fasciculata - Cancer Root
- Orobanche fasciculata Nutt. var. franciscana Achey - >>orobanche Fasciculata
- Orobanche fasciculata Nutt. var. lutea (Parry) Achey - >>orobanche Fasciculata
- Orobanche fasciculata Nutt. var. subulata Goodman - >>orobanche Fasciculata
- Orobanche fasciculata Nutt. var. typica Achey - >>orobanche Fasciculata
- Orobanche grayana
- Orobanche grayana G. Beck - >>orobanche Californica Ssp. Grayana
- Orobanche grayana G. Beck var. feudgei Munz - >>orobanche Californica Ssp. Feudgei
- Orobanche grayana G. Beck var. jepsonii Munz - >>orobanche Californica Ssp. Jepsonii
- Orobanche grayana G. Beck var. nelsonii Munz - >>orobanche Californica Ssp. Californica
- Orobanche grayana G. Beck var. violacea (Eastw.) Munz - >>orobanche Californica Ssp. Californica
- Orobanche heyniae Dinter
- Orobanche interrupta Pers.
- Orobanche L. - Broomrape
- Orobanche lactea Eckl. & Zeyh. ex C.Presl
- Orobanche ludoviciana - Broom Rape
- Orobanche ludoviciana Nutt. - Louisiana Broomrape
- Orobanche ludoviciana Nutt. ssp. multiflora (Nutt.) Collins, comb. nov. ined. - Manyflower Broomrape
- Orobanche ludoviciana Nutt. var. arenosa (Suksdorf) Cronq. - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Ludoviciana
- Orobanche ludoviciana Nutt. var. cooperi (Gray) G. Beck - >>orobanche Cooperi Ssp. Cooperi
- Orobanche ludoviciana Nutt. var. genuina G. Beck - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Ludoviciana
- Orobanche ludoviciana Nutt. var. latiloba Munz - >>orobanche Cooperi Ssp. Latiloba
- Orobanche ludoviciana Nutt. var. multiflora (Nutt.) G. Beck - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Multiflora
- Orobanche ludoviciana Nutt. var. valida (Jepson) Munz - >>orobanche Valida Ssp. Valida
- Orobanche media Desf.
- Orobanche micrantha Wallr.
- Orobanche minor - Lesser Broomrape
- Orobanche minor auct.
- Orobanche minor Sm. - Hellroot
- Orobanche minor Sm.
- Orobanche multicaulis Brandeg. - Spiked Broomrape
- Orobanche multicaulis Brandeg. var. genuina Munz - >>orobanche Multicaulis
- Orobanche multiflora Nutt. - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Multiflora
- Orobanche multiflora Nutt. var. arenosa (Suksdorf) Munz - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Ludoviciana
- Orobanche multiflora Nutt. var. pringlei Munz - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Multiflora
- Orobanche multiflora Nutt. var. typica Munz - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Multiflora
- Orobanche multiflora Nutt. var. xanthochroa (A. Nels. & Cockerell) Munz - >>conopholis Alpina Var. Mexicana
- Orobanche mutelii F.W.Schultz
- Orobanche nicotianae Wight
- Orobanche parishii (Jepson) Heckard - Parish's Broomrape
- Orobanche parishii (Jepson) Heckard ssp. brachyloba Heckard - Parish's Broomrape
- Orobanche parishii (Jepson) Heckard ssp. parishii - Parish's Broomrape
- Orobanche parviflora E.Mey. ex Steud.
- Orobanche pinorum
- Orobanche pinorum Geyer ex Hook. - Conifer Broomrape
- Orobanche porphyrantha G. Beck - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche pratensis Eckl. & Zeyh. ex C.Presl
- Orobanche pseudobarleriae Dinter
- Orobanche purpurea auct.
- Orobanche purpurea Jacq. - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche purpurea L.f.
- Orobanche purpurea L.f. var. ß Thunb.
- Orobanche ramosa auct.
- Orobanche ramosa L. - Hemp Broomrape
- Orobanche ramosa L. var. brevispicata (Ledeb.) Graham
- Orobanche ramosa L. var. ramosa
- Orobanche riparia Collins, sp. nov. ined. - River Broomrape
- Orobanche scarlatina E.Mey. ex Drège
- Orobanche schultzii Mutel
- Orobanche sedii (Suksdorf) Fech. - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche spectabilis E.Mey. ex Drège
- Orobanche squammata G.Don
- Orobanche squamosa Thunb.
- Orobanche terrae-novae Fern. - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche tinctoria Forssk.
- Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège
- Orobanche tuberosa - Ground Cone
- Orobanche tulbaghensis Eckl. & Zeyh. ex C.Presl
- Orobanche uitenhagensis Eckl. ex Hook.
- Orobanche uniflora
- Orobanche uniflora L. - Oneflowered Broomrape
- Orobanche uniflora L. ssp. occidentalis (Greene) Abrams ex Ferris - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche uniflora L. var. minuta (Suksdorf) G. Beck - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche uniflora L. var. occidentalis (Greene) Taylor & MacBryde - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche uniflora L. var. purpurea (Heller) Achey - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche uniflora L. var. sedii (Suksdorf) Achey - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche uniflora L. var. terrae-novae (Fern.) Munz - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche uniflora L. var. typica Achey - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Orobanche valida Jepson - Rock Creek Broomrape
- Orobanche valida Jepson ssp. howellii Heckard & Collins - Howell's Broomrape
- Orobanche valida Jepson ssp. valida - Rock Creek Broomrape
- Orobanche vallicola (Jepson) Heckard - Hillside Broomrape
- Orobanche varia E.Mey. ex Drège
- Orobanche versicolor F.W.Schultz
- Orobanche xanthochroa A. Nels. & Cockerell - >>conopholis Alpina Var. Mexicana
- Phelipaea aegyptiaca (Pers.) Walp.
- Phelipaea capensis G.Don
- Phelipaea erianthera Engelm. - >>orobanche Ludoviciana Ssp. Multiflora
- Phelipaea lutea Desf.
- Phelipaea mutelii (F.W.Schultz) Reut.
- Phelipaea pinorum (Geyer ex Hook.) Gray - >>orobanche Pinorum
- Phelipaea ramosa (L.) C.A.Mey.
- Phelipaea ramosa (L.) C.A.Mey. var. brevispicata Ledeb.
- Phelipaea senegalensis Reut.
- Phelipaea tuberosa Gray - >>orobanche Bulbosa
- Phelipanche ramosa (L.) Pomel
- Rhinanthus capensis L.
- Rhinanthus scaber Thunb.
- Sceura marina Forssk.
- Thalesia fasciculata (Nutt.) Britt. - >>orobanche Fasciculata
- Thalesia lutea (Parry) Rydb. - >>orobanche Fasciculata
- Thalesia uniflora (L.) Britt. - >>orobanche Uniflora
- Trixago apula Steven
- Trixago versicolor (Lam.) Webb & Berthel.