Conopholis

Conopholis americana

Conopholis is a comprehensive two types of plant genus of the family of broomrape family ( Orobanchaceae ). They are parasitic on the roots of oak (Quercus ) and are found in North and Central America.

Description

Vegetative characteristics

Conopholis are herbaceous plants that grow parasitically on the roots of oak (Quercus ). The aerial parts consist of one or more short, erect and usually unbranched stems growing, growing out of a resistant, bile -like thickening.

The leaves are reduced to scales, which overlap like roof tiles at the stem base and stand above another. They are sessile, have a broad base and are initially yellowish white and later brownish.

Inflorescences and flowers

The inflorescences are spike- like grapes with a thick inflorescence axis, at the individual or the flowers are in groups. They are accompanied by high leaves that are shaped like the foliage leaf scales and longer than the sepals. At the base of the calyx are also one or two bracteoles.

The calyx is tubular or spatulate, single split and irregularly lobed two -, four -, or five, or serrated, the segments are pointed or rounded. The crown is tubular and two-lipped and yellowish to white. The upper lip is curved or straight, the lower lip is usually three, rarely one to two unequally shaped, protruding lobes occupied. The four stamens protrude beyond the crown, the anthers are spurred, the theca are slightly apart and are glabrous or sparsely hairy. The ovary is single chamber and has four laterally arranged placentas. The scar is disc-shaped.

Fruit and seeds

The fruits are two-chamber, irregularly dehiscent capsules and are usually surrounded by the persistent perianth. The seeds are oval to angulated and have a reticulate seed surface.

Occurrence

The Conopholis species occur in North and Central America.

System

Within the genus Conopholis two types are distinguished:

  • Conopholis americana (L.) Wallr.
  • Conopholis alpina Liebm.

Swell

  • Luis D. Goméz and William Burger: Orobanchaceae. In: William Burger ( ed.): Flora costaricensis, Fieldiana: Botany, New Series, Number 41, April 2000.
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