Herb: Broom Rape


Latin name: Orobanche ludoviciana


Family: Orobanchaceae (Broom-rape Family)



Medicinal use of Broom Rape:

The chewed plant has been used as a dressing on wounds. A poultice of the stems has been used in the treatment of ulcerated sores.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Grows on sandy soils on the plains where it is parasitic on the roots of Ambrosia spp and other members of the Compositae. It is found below 1200 metres in California.

Edible parts of Broom Rape:

Root - roasted. Stem. Base of young stems roasted.

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 Broom Rape:

Grows on sandy soils on the plains where it is parasitic on the roots of Ambrosia spp and other members of the Compositae. It is found below 1200 metres in California.

Known hazards of Orobanche ludoviciana:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.