Broomrape

/ˈbruːmreɪp/ noun

Definition

A parasitic plant (genus Orobanche) that grows on and feeds from broom and other host plants.

Etymology

From broom + rape (in the old sense of a plant, from Latin 'rapum' meaning turnip). The plant was named for where it's commonly found parasitizing broom plants.

Kelly Says

Broomrape is a plant that steals from other plants—it has no leaves for photosynthesis and just taps into its host's roots like a tiny botanical vampire, making it one of nature's most specialized parasites.

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