Orobanche minor (Orobanchaceae) - Small Broomrape

This achlorophyllous parasitic flowering plant is listed as a Federal Noxious Weed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Small broomrape is native to the Middle East and North Africa and was introduced into North America where it is currently known in several states in the eastern United States. Cooperative field work involving USDA-APHIS, University of Georgia and Valdosta State University is ongoing in southern Georgia to monitor existing populations and to locate and eradicate new ones.

Orobanche minor on Hypochoeris brasiliensis
Small broomrape parasitizing Hypochaeris brasiliensis var. tweedei (Cat's Ear)
Colquitt County, Georgia, U.S.A.

Orobanche minor on Oxalis
Small broomrape parasitizing Oxalis sp.
Colquitt County, Georgia, U.S.A.


Small broomrape - closeup of flowers
Colquitt County, Georgia, U.S.A.

Orobanche minor, newly emerging plants
Emerging plants of small broomrape - exposed portion of reference pen ca. 12 cm long
Pelham, Mitchell County, Georgia, U.S.A.

Orobanche minor, mature plant
Mature plant of small broomrape - older flowers below starting to "brown out"
Pelham, Mitchell County, Georgia, U.S.A.

Photographs taken April 2003 by Richard Carter