3-63 Orobanchaceae, broom-rape family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dicots, broom-rape family, beechdrops, squaw-root, broom-rape, parasitic plants

Abstract

In total there are 150 species of these holoparasitic or hemiparasitic herbs worldwide, with only three species in three genera reaching Nova Scotia. All are fleshy root parasites here and none contain chlorophyll. They are usually white to brown in colour, their leaves are reduced to mere scales. The flowers are hypogynous, their petals united and unequal in size, the corolla bilabiate and persistent after anthesis. Stamens number four, inserted in pairs alternating with the lobes of the corolla. The fifth stamen is absent or a staminode. Calyx has 3–5 lobes, persistent in fruit. Fruit is a bivalved capsule with many seeds. Photographs taken by Martin Thomas, Sean Blaney and Alain Belliveau.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor