Cistanche phelypaea
TAXONOMY
FamilyOrobanchaceae
GenusCistanche
Zone9
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Cistanche phelypaea, commonly known as desert broomrape, is a holoparasitic perennial plant in the family Orobanchaceae. It is native to subtropical regions and thrives in arid environments. This plant lacks chlorophyll and relies entirely on its host plant for nutrients. It is known for its striking yellow flowers and can often be found in sandy soils.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Cistanche
Cistanche allochroa
Cistanche brunneri
Cistanche hesperugo
Cistanche lusitanica
Cistanche lutea
Cistanche lutea f. minor
Cistanche senegalensis
Cistanche tubulosa
Cistanche tubulosa f. albiflora
Cistanche tubulosa var. tomentosa
Lathraea phelypaea
Phelipaea lutea
Phelypaea brunneri
Phelypaea hesperugo
Phelypaea lusitanica
Phelypaea senegalensis
Phelypaea tinctoria
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Dry
SoilSandy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity40%
Dormancy3 Months
pH7.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Caring for Cistanche phelypaea requires mimicking its natural arid environment. It needs bright, direct sunlight and warm temperatures. The plant should be kept in a dry environment with low humidity. Since it is holoparasitic, it must be grown in proximity to a suitable host plant from which it can derive nutrients.Soil
Cistanche phelypaea prefers sandy soils that provide excellent drainage. The soil should be kept very dry, as the plant is adapted to arid conditions. It does not require nutrient-rich soil due to its parasitic nature.Fertilizer
This plant does not require fertilizer as it obtains all necessary nutrients from its host plant. Adding fertilizer can be detrimental to its growth.Repotting
Repotting is not applicable for Cistanche phelypaea as it is typically grown in its natural habitat or in situ with its host plant. Disturbing the plant can disrupt its parasitic relationship.Propagation
Propagation of Cistanche phelypaea is challenging and typically involves sowing seeds near a suitable host plant. The seeds need to be placed in close proximity to the roots of the host to establish a parasitic connection.Pruning
Pruning is not required for Cistanche phelypaea. The plant should be allowed to grow naturally without interference.Toxicity
Cistanche phelypaea is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with all plants, it is advisable to handle it with care and avoid ingestion.Additional
Cistanche phelypaea is a fascinating plant due to its parasitic nature and adaptation to arid environments. It is often used in traditional medicine and is valued for its unique appearance. Growing this plant can be quite challenging due to its specific requirements and dependency on a host plant.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
