Scientific Family
Orobanchaceae
Synonyms
Anoplanthus fasciculatus, Aphyllon fasciculatum, Thalesia fasciculata
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Height
4 inches
Riparian
No
A short, parasitic plant with multiple, vertical standing infloresccence and a short stem with scales. Inflorescence much taller than the
stem. Completely lacks chlorophyll. Parasitizes Artemisia carruthii. After flowering, plant turns dark brown
A nearly regular corolla and non-protruding stamens distinguishes this species as the Orobanche genera. Flowers on long stems not subtended by bracklets distinguishes
this species
from other Orobanche sp.
Habitat
Chaparral and coniferous forests often in volcanic cinders.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Low elevation
4000
High elevation
8000
Flower Characteristics
3/8 inch wide by 1 inch long. Has a tubular corolla and 5 pointed, hairy calyx lobes with glandular hairs on flower and calyx. Has 2
pairs of very hairy, yellow stamens. Lobe tips are somewhat pinkish-brown.
Flower color
Yellowish to yellowish-white
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
None
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stems are yellowish-brown and appear succulent and leafless, very short and are primarily subterranean. Has scales to 1/2 inch in length.
Leaf type
Other
Leaf color
Stems are pale yellowish-brown
Leaf shape
Other
Leaf margin
Other
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Capsule is egg shaped without hairs to 1/2 inch in length.
Fruit type
Capsule
Seeds are very small.