Cancer Root, Clustered broomrape
Orobanche fasciculata
Family: Orobanchaceae
What it is like
Orobanche fasciculata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Sandy soils, where it is parasitic on the roots of Eriogonum and Artemisia spp, to 3200 metres in California and north to British Columbia.
Western N. America - Indiana to Yukon and British Columbia, south to California and Arizona.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The entire plant is edible - raw or cooked. The plant can be boiled in ashes then peeled and eaten like potatoes.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root is pectoral. The chewed root has been used as a dressing on wounds and open sores. An infusion of the leaves is used as a wash on sores. Forms of the plant that are parasitic on sweet sage roots have been used as a treatment of cancer. The dried and powdered plant is inserted in the rectum as a specific treatment for haemorrhoids.
Antihaemorrhoidal: Treats haemorrhoids (piles). This would probably be best added to another heading.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. It requires a well-drained soil and should succeed in sun or shade. A fully parasitic plant lacking in chlorophyll, it is entirely dependant upon its host plant for obtaining nutrient.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in a pot containing a host plant. The seed is probably best sown as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. It might also be possible to sow the seed in situ around a host plant.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist