Desert Broomrape
NameDesert Broomrape
Species NameCistanche tubulosa
Common NameDesert Broomrape
Bonsai Styleformal-upright
Estimated Age (years)1
Container TypeNone
Geographic Originasia
Cultivation Difficultyexpert
Trunk Featuresfleshy stem, scale-like leaves
Foliage TypeScale-like leaves (bracts)
Height (cm)20
Nebari (Root Flare) QualityNot applicable
Is Floweringtrue
Notable FeaturesParasitic plant, lacks chlorophyll, distinctive purple flower spike.
Description
This specimen of desert broomrape features a thick, fleshy, purplish-brown stem covered in scale-like leaves, culminating in a dense spike of tubular, purple flowers. It is shown growing directly from the sandy desert soil, characteristic of its parasitic nature and lack of chlorophyll.
