Clover broomrape

Invasive Species Information

What Is Clover broomrape - (Orobanche minor )?

Habitat: Terrestrial
Distribution in Ireland:

Status: Established

Family name: Orobanchaceae

Common name/s: Hellroot, Common broomrape, Lesser broomrape, Small broomrape, Clover broomrape

Reproduction:

The species has efficient seed dispersal and is largely inbreeding so that populations preferentially parasitizing a particular species which has its own clear ecological preferences may become effectively isolated and eventually may produce distinct taxa.

Clover broomrape flower

The plants are attached to their host by means of haustoria, which transfer nutrients from the host to the parasite.

Only the hemiparasitic species possess an additional extensive root system. The root system is reduced as its function is mainly anchorage of the plant.

The species appears in a wide range of colours from red-brown, yellow-brown to purple.

Yellow specimens are also not uncommon and it is this extreme variability that makes identification on the basis of size or colour uncertain.

It is parasitic on various members of the pea (Fabaceae) and daisy (Asteraceae) families.

Clover broomrape stand

Clover broomrape grows to 0.5 m and is a perennial. The flowers are hermaphrodite.

Common broomrape grows in a wide variety of soils, namely moist, light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils that are acid, neutral or basic. It can grow in semi-shade or in full sunlight.

Although widespread, its appearance is sporadic; despite this, it can occur in vast colonies from time to time.

The main flowering season in the northern hemisphere is from May until the end of August and from August to January in the southern hemisphere.

Clover broomrape ID Guide

How To Identify Clover broomrape?

Leaf:
Flower:
Stem/Twig:
Bark:

Fruit:

Smell:

Seed:

Root:

Clover broomrape #3

Clover broomrape #4

Why Is Clover broomrape A Problem?

Clover broomrape is an alien (non-native) invasive plant, meaning it out-competes crowds-out and displaces beneficial native plants that have been naturally growing in Ireland for centuries.

This web page is currently under development - we have an anticipated update for early 2018.

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