Orobanche californica

It"s been a while since BPotD has featured a contribution from frequent commenter Eric in SF@Flickr, so here"s one from his weekend trip to Point Reyes, California (original image via the Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool). If you"re a relatively recent reader of BPotD, you may not know that Eric also runs orchidphotos.org. Thanks again!

Including all of its five subspecies, Orobanche californica (or California broomrape) is native from British Columbia to Baja California, extending as far east as Montana. Subspecies californica, however, is restricted to coastal areas of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California where it parasitizes the roots of species of Grindelia (Asteraceae). Other subspecies are typically linked to different genera in the Asteraceae.

This subspecies of California broomrape reaches 5-27cm (2 to 10.5in) in height. Its coastal requirements mean that it is typically found in sandy or heavy soils below 150m (500ft.) in elevation (when it is found -- it is uncommon throughout its range).

Additional photographs are available from Eric in S.F. or the Burke Museum: Orobanche californica.

Botany / photography resource link: local BPotD reader Verity G. sent along the following link for your interest: X-rays of Flowers by Hugh Turvey from the UK"s Telegraph. More of Hugh"s (non-flower) images can be seen at gustoimages. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin    Source