Orobanche aegyptiaca

Species category

Weed

Common name

Egyptian broomrape

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Variously ovalOval:
Broadly elliptic.

Size

  • Length 0.4–0.6 mm
  • Width 0.2–0.3 mm
  • Thickness 0.2–0.3 mm

Color

Light brown

Texture

Deeply reticulate

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
is at pointed end.

Identification notes

Seed shape very irregular. ReticulationReticulated:
Resembling a net or network, especially having veins, fibers, or lines crossing the surface.  
very wide and deep.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

All species of Orobanche are regulated as plant pests under 7 CFR 330, but not all species are listed on the federal noxious weed list. Learn more about Orobanche spp. and Phelipanche spp. on ITP's Federal Noxious Weed Disseminules tool.

AOSA examination list

Not included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet, Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.

Nomenclature

Family

Orobanchaceae

Valid name

Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.

Synonyms

Phelipanche aegyptiaca (Pers.) Pomel

 Orobanche aegyptiaca.  Irregularly shaped seeds with wide and deep reticulations. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Orobanche aegyptiaca. Irregularly shaped seeds with wide and deep reticulations. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
 Orobanche aegyptiaca.  Irregularly shaped seeds with wide and deep reticulations. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
Orobanche aegyptiaca. Irregularly shaped seeds with wide and deep reticulations. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS-PPQ.
 Orobanche aegyptiaca.  Seed capsules. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS, year unknown.
Orobanche aegyptiaca. Seed capsules. Photo by Julia Scher, USDA-APHIS, year unknown.