EDI Species of the Week
Chaparral broomrape (Orobanche bulbosa)
Chaparral broomrape is typically found in arid regions, particularly in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Unlike most plants, Orobanche bulbosa lacks chlorophyll and doesn’t photosynthesize. Instead, it is a root parasite, relying on the nutrients in the roots of host plants, particularly species in the Asteraceae family. Despite its parasitic nature, it plays an important role in desert ecosystems by providing a food source for pollinators and helping maintain biodiversity.