Broomrape family (Orobanchaceae)

Plants in the Broomrape family are totally lacking in chlorophyll, and so obtain their energy by being parasitic on the roots of other plants. The flower stems are erect with spikes of tubular 2-lipped flowers. There are a dozen species of broomrape in the British Isles: the only one currently featured in this website is the Thyme Broomrape below.


Thyme Broomrape Orobanche alba		Toothwort Lathraea squamaria

Originally the Broomrape family consisted of just two genera: Broomrapes (Orobanche) and Toothworts (Lathraea). Following recent advances in genetics, several genera have been transferred from the Figwort family, mostly semi-parasitic plants such as Louseworts (Pedicularis), Eyebrights (Euphrasia), Yellow-rattles (Rhinanthus), Bartsias and Cow-wheats (Melampyrum), including the following flowers:

Common Cow-wheat
Melampyrum pratense

Red Bartsia
Odontites vernus

Yellow Bartsia
Parentucellia viscosa

Marsh Lousewort
Pedicularis palustris

Lousewort
Pedicularis sylvatica

Eyebright
Euphrasia nemorosa

Yellow Rattle
Rhinanthus minor

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