Ground Cone
Orobanche tuberosa

Family: Orobanchaceae

What it is like

Orobanche tuberosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 5in). 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): 0.1

Where it is found

Parasitic on Gaultheria shallon, on or near the coast.

Western N. America - British Columbia to N. California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root. The potato-like stem bases were occasionally peeled and eaten raw as a snack by some North American Indian tribes.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The roots have been used in the treatment of coughs.

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

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. The correct name for this species is Boschniakia hookeri.

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:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Boschniakia hookeri. Walp.