Photographs: Co. Clare

Ivy Broomrape Orobanche hederae Múchóg mhór Family: Orobanchaceae Parasitic on the roots of Ivy, especially on Atlantic Ivy, Hedera hibernica. Habitat includes coastal cliffs, open rocky woodland. Native. Broomrapes are annual or perennial parasitic plants without chlorophyll and their seeds germinate when in contact with the roots of the host plant. All have erect, usually un-branched flowering stems and alternate scale-like leaves. Many species are restricted to specific host plants which helps with identification Similar: Common Broomrape O. minor and Thyme Broomrape O. alba

Ivy Broomrape, Orobanche hederae, Múchóg mhór