Weeds & Other Unwanted Plants
Egyptian Broomrape
Orobanche aegyptiaca
(Published 9/14. All photos by Gene Miyao; used by permission.)
Egyptian broomrape was found in a California processing tomato field—a first find for the U.S. If you see this weed, contact your local agricultural commissioner or UC Cooperative Extension office.
USDA-APHIS factsheet (PDF)
Egyptian broomrape is a parasitic plant that attaches to other plant roots. It has no chlorophyll and lacks conspicuous leaves.
Aboveground plant parts of Egyptian broomrape are yellow. Flowers are white to purplish.
Tomato field infestation.
Tiny seeds from crushed seed pods.