Irish wildflowers sitemap


Photos: Abbey Hill, the Burren

Thyme Broomrape
Orobanche alba
Múchóg dhearg
Family: Orobanchaceae

Flowering June-August. Annual (or possibly perennial). Native.

Parasitic on the roots of Thyme, Thymus polytrichus.
Short spike of creamy-yellow flowers, red-flushed. Stigma-lobes partially fused. Glandular hairs on lower lip. Purplish-red stems. Height 10-25cm.
(Photographs show plant dying back after flowering.)

Very local, population size can vary from year to year. Found on base-rich rocky slopes near N and W Irish coasts.
     
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