broomrape

American  

[broom-reyp, broom-] / ˈbrumˌreɪp, ˈbrʊm- /

noun

1. any of various parasitic plants, especially of the genus Orobanche, living on the roots of broom and other plants.

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broomrape British  

/ ˈbrʊm-, ˈbruːmˌreɪp /

noun

1. any orobanchaceous plant of the genus Orobanche : brownish small-flowered leafless parasites on the roots of other plants, esp on legumes

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Etymology

Origin of broomrape

1570–80; partial translation of Medieval Latin rāpum genistae tuber of the broom plant

Example Sentences

Bartsia is a genus of parasitic plants in the broomrape family, members of which display pink, yellow, or maroon flowers.

From Slate • May 17, 2016

Bartsia is a genus of parasitic plants in the broomrape family, members of which display pink, yellow, or maroon flowers.

From Slate • May 17, 2016

Brown stalks of broomrape were still standing, and I lighted upon a lingering bee-ophrys, a plant which by its amazing mimicry makes one look at it with awe as if it were something supernatural.

From Wanderings by southern waters, eastern Aquitaine by Barker, Edward Harrison

The dodder, Indian pipe, broomrape and beech-drops wear the floral equivalent of the striped suit and the shaved head.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje