A small broomrape recorded from the Maltese Islands. It is a chlorophyll-free plant that grows as a parasite on the roots of other plants.
Orobanche mutelii, commonly known as the Dwarf Broomrape, is a member of the broomrape family, Orobanchaceae. Like other broomrapes, it has no chlorophyll and obtains water and nutrients from the roots of host plants.
The variety melitensis has been reported from the Maltese Islands, although the taxonomy of some Maltese broomrapes remains under discussion. The flowering period is generally March to May.
Threats
No species-specific information is currently available. In general, broomrapes may be threatened by habitat loss, development, disturbance and changes in land use.
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Text: Wikipedia, licence CC BY-SA 4.0. Edited by the Editorial Team.
