🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Orobanche minor is a parasitic plant and has no direct permaculture applications. It is considered a weed in agricultural settings, particularly affecting legume crops like clover and broad beans. No edible or medicinal uses are known, and its presence is generally undesirable in a permaculture system.
Permapeople description
Orobanche minor is a parasitic plant species in the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, but has been introduced to other parts of the world. It parasitizes the roots of various plants, including clover and other legumes.
Botanical description
Orobanche minor is a herbaceous, annual parasitic plant. It lacks chlorophyll and is entirely dependent on host plants for sustenance. The stem is typically 10-40 cm tall, slender, and yellowish-brown in color. Leaves are scale-like, small, and inconspicuous. Flowers are tubular, creamy-white to pale yellow with purple veins, arranged in a spike inflorescence. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous tiny seeds. The species reproduces solely by seed, which can remain viable in the soil for many years. O. minor parasitizes a wide range of dicotyledonous plants, including clover (Trifolium), other legumes, and some broadleaf weeds.
Companion planting
Orobanche minor is detrimental to companion planting. It parasitizes a wide variety of crops, particularly legumes like clover, alfalfa, and broad beans, negatively impacting their growth and yield. It should be actively discouraged in any permaculture system.
Propagation methods
Orobanche minor reproduces exclusively by seed. Propagation is not intentional, as it is a parasitic weed. The seeds are extremely small and easily dispersed by wind, water, and agricultural equipment. Control methods focus on preventing seed production and dispersal.
History and traditions
Historically, Orobanche species have been considered agricultural pests. While some Orobanche species have been used medicinally in certain cultures, O. minor has no significant historical or traditional uses documented. Its primary significance lies in its impact on crop yields and the efforts to control its spread.
Usage calendar
Orobanche minor typically flowers in late spring and summer (May-August). Seed dispersal occurs shortly after flowering. Control measures are most effective before flowering and seed set.