Origin
Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège, commonly known as the Waxen Broomrape, is a species of parasitic plant that belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. This plant is native to southern Africa and can be found in countries such as Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
Common Names
The Waxen Broomrape has several common names in different African languages. In Afrikaans, it is commonly known as "waskapokbossie" which translates to "wax broom bossie". In Nama, it is referred to as "gureib" and in Damara, it is known as "geelgestreepte-borselkop".
Uses
Orobanche tubata is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the roots of other plants in order to obtain nutrients. It has no known medicinal or economic uses and is often considered a weed that can damage crops.
General Appearance
The Waxen Broomrape is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 40 cm tall. It has a yellow-brown stem with a few scales. The leaves are reduced to small scales that are brownish in color. The flowers are tubular in shape and can be pink, purple, or white in color. The fruit is a capsule that contains many small seeds. The plant has a wax-like coating on its stem and leaves, giving it a smooth and shiny appearance.
Light Requirements
Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège thrives in full sunlight or partial shade. However, it grows best in well-lit areas. Insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and decreased flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège prefers moderate temperatures for optimal growth. It can withstand hot conditions of up to 30°C but grows best in the range of 18°C to 22°C. This plant does not tolerate cold temperatures well and cannot thrive in frost-prone areas.
Soil Requirements
Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil must also have a pH range of 6 to 7.5 for optimal growth. It can adapt to various soil types, including clay, sandy, and loamy soils. However, the soil must be moist but not waterlogged.
The plant's roots are parasitic, and they obtain nutrients from the host plant. Therefore, the ideal soil should provide a suitable host plant to ensure optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
The Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to the roots of hosts such as legumes, sunflowers, and tomatoes. It is, therefore, not cultivated in the traditional sense. Rather, the host plant should be grown first, and the Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège will attach itself naturally. Seeds for the host plants should be sown in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Ensure that the soil pH is neutral and the site is weed-free.
Watering Needs
The Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège derives its nutrients and water from the host plant, and it does not require additional watering. However, it is essential to water the host plants adequately and not let the soil dry out, especially during periods of drought. The Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège can cause stunted growth in the host plant if it does not receive enough nutrients and water.
Fertilization
The Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège does not require any fertilization as it obtains its nutrition from the host plant. However, it is essential to ensure that the host plant receives adequate nutrients to prevent it from becoming too weak and susceptible to disease. Fertilize the host plants with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients. Avoid using too much nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which can promote excessive lush growth and encourage Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège development.
Pruning
Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège does not require pruning as it is not grown in the traditional sense. However, it is important to remove host plants that are severely infested with the parasite to prevent the spread of the plant. Remove the entire plant, including the roots, to ensure that the seeds of the Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège do not remain in the soil and germinate in future growing seasons. Dispose of the infested plants in the trash and not in the compost bin.
Propagation of Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège
Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège, commonly known as the tuberous broomrape, is a root parasite that depends on other plants for their nutrition and growth. The plant mainly grows in sandy areas, including rocky slopes, sand dunes, and gravel plains, and usually parasitizes the roots of various plants, including Capparis spinosa and other shrubs and trees.
Propagation Methods
Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège is not grown commercially for its ornamental or other purposes, but some gardeners may want to grow it for its unique appearance or as a rare plant species in their collections. Propagating the plant can be done through its seeds or by transferring the roots of a host plant already infected by the broomrape.
Seed Propagation: The seeds of Orobanche tubata are tiny and require a host plant to germinate. Therefore, to propagate the plant from seeds, gardeners need to plant the seeds alongside a suitable host plant. Once the seeds come into contact with the roots of a host plant, they germinate and attach themselves to the host's roots, gradually sapping the plant's nutrients. After a few months, the broomrape plant will emerge from the ground, and the host plant will start to wither and die. At this point, the broomrape plant will depend entirely on the host plant for its nutrition and growth.
Root Transfer: Orobanche tubata can also be propagated through root transfer. This method involves digging up the roots of a host plant already infected by the broomrape and transferring them to another location. The transferred roots will sprout and emerge as plants over time.
Propagation of Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège requires knowledge and expertise in facilitating its parasitic nature and growing the plant together with the host plant. Anyone interested in growing this plant should consult a professional in the field to ensure the plants' successful cultivation.
Disease and Pest Management for Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège Plant
Orobanche tubata E.Mey. ex Drège, commonly known as Broomrape, is a parasitic plant that feeds on the roots of host plants. As a result, the disease management of this plant requires specific attention. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that can affect Orobanche tubata and the ways to manage them.
Diseases
1. Fusarium Wilt: It is a fungal disease that affects the plant's vascular system, leading to wilting and death of the plant. The fungus can survive in the soil for several years. To manage Fusarium Wilt, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid planting host plants in the soil, and improve soil drainage and aeration.
2. Orobanche tubata Striga: It is a parasitic weed that attacks the roots of Orobanche tubata, leading to stunted growth and yield reduction. To manage Striga, hand-weed young plants before they attach to the host plant roots, apply pre-emergent herbicides, or use biocontrol agents, such as fungi or bacteria.
Pests
1. Aphids: They are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. To manage aphids, prune and dispose of infected plant parts, introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, or use insecticidal soaps.
2. Spider Mites: They are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, remove infected plant parts, increase the humidity around the plant, or use insecticidal soaps or oils.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Orobanche tubata is to maintain healthy plant growth by providing the necessary nutrients and water, practicing crop rotation, and keeping the plant free from any infections or infestations.
