Another puzzling Orobanche which, as its name suggests is parasitic upon the roots of Achillea millefolium (Yarrow). The puzzle is that Achillea is so common and widespread you would expect it to be dotted evenly around the habitats of the host in the UK but it is actually a very rare plant. This one grows in one particular location in an otherwise neatly mowed cemetery. The mowers and tidiers have been persuaded to leave this little bit of the cemetery unkempt (natural) while the Broomrapes flower. There were at least 10 in a small area most of which were very small plants.
Cemetery in Breckland 18th June 2005
Latin Index English Index Home Page
Added on July 10th 2005