Orobanche minor Common Broomrape

Orobanche minor, Common Broomrape, is the most common Broomrape in Britain. It, has an extremely wide host range but it is associated commonly with legumes (Fabaceae), composites (Asteraceae) and umbellifers (Apiaceae). In West Glamorgan It is common and often abundant in coastal areas, on or near sand dunes, where it parasites Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum), Common Cat's-ear (Hypochoeris radicata) and Restharrow (Ononis repens). The following infraspecific taxa have been identified in our area:  Orobanche minor Subsp. minor var. heliophila; Orobanche minor Subsp. minor var. pseudoamethystea; Orobanche minor forma lutea (= Orobanche minor var flava). The form associated with Sea Holly is assumed to be var. pseudoamethystea. Forma lutea is a very striking yellow form which grows occasionally with the common purple form (see photo).

The status of Common Broomrape in Britain is uncertain. Throughout most of its range, where it grows commonly on clovers, it may be an alien. However, plants that occur in coastal locations in sand dune communities (e.g. var. pseudoamethystea) may be native.