Irish Wildflowers - Ivy Broomrape

Photos: Patrick Slavin, Co.Clare

Ivy Broomrape
Orobanche hederae
Múchóg mhór
Family: Orobanchaceae

Grows on the roots of Ivy, Hedera helix, especially H.helix ssp.hibernica.
Habitat includes coastal cliffs, open rocky woodland. Native.
Identification confirmed by Paul Green, Co.Wexford.

Broomrapes are annual or perennial parasitic plants without chlorophyll.
Their seeds germinate when in contact with the roots of the host plant. All
have erect, usually un-branched flowering stems and alternate scale-like leaves.
Many species are restricted to specific host plants.

Similar: Common Broomrape, O. minor

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