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.

Broomrape Toothwort
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 Red Bartsia Yellow Bartsia Marsh Lousewort Lousewort Eyebright Yellow Rattle
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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