Herb: California Broomrape


Latin name: Orobanche californica


Family: Orobanchaceae (Broom-rape Family)



Medicinal use of California Broomrape:

A decoction of the plant has been used in the treatment of colds, pneumonia and pulmonary complaints.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
12 cm
(4 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Parasitic on Artemisia tridentata, growing on open slopes in foothills and valleys below 1500 metres.

Edible parts of California Broomrape:

Underground stems - raw or cooked. A succulent texture, they are very thirst quenching.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in a pot containing a host plant. The seed is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. It might also be possible to sow the seed in situ around a host plant.

Cultivation of California Broomrape:

Parasitic on Artemisia tridentata, growing on open slopes in foothills and valleys below 1500 metres.

Known hazards of Orobanche californica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.