Lesser broomrape

Family: Orobanchaceae
Scientific name: Orobanche minor
Description: Plant Form Fleshy erect perennial herb. Size Up to 50 cm tall. Stem Thick, fleshy, green, cylindrical flowering stalk. Only appears above ground for a few months in spring. Leaves Initially rosette at base, then numerous green with grass like blades up to 15 cm long, purplish on upper surfaces with age. Smaller modified leaves clasp around flowers. Flowers 20-60 on stalk, small, up to 5 mm long, with red hooded upper part and yellow green downward pointing lower parts and yellow tongue-like large bottom petal. Fruit and Seeds Brown capsule containing numerous minute dust-like seeds. Habitat Wet forests, old gardens, rainforest, urban bushland. Distinguishing Features Has multiple leaves at the base of the stem rather than a single leaf in native Onion or Leek orchids (Microtis or Prasophyllum species). Weed Status: Priority Weed Weed Type: Environmental, Agricultural Lifeform: Herbaceous

Example images for this weed