Common broomrape

The species appears in a wide range of colours from red-brown, yellow-brown to purple. It is parasitic on various members of the pea (Fabaceae) and daisy (Asteraceae) families. Although widespread, its appearance is sporadic; despite this, it can occur in vast colonies from time to time. The main flowering season in the northern hemisphere is from May until the end of August. The species has efficient seed dispersal and is largely inbreeding which favors separation of populations parasitizing particular species in particular areas.