Οροβάγχη η αιγυπτιακή
Etymology of Orobanche aegyptiaca: The name of the genus, "Orobanche", derives from Ancient Greek "ὀροβάγχη", from "ὄροβος" [orovos] meaning "vetch" and the verb "ἄγχω" [ancho] meaning "throttle", hence "the vetch throttler", referring to the effect the Orobanche have on their hosts, as they are aggressive root-parasitic weeds exploiting other plants for water, assimilates, and nutrients from their roots. Latin "aegyptiaca" means "Egyptian", as it was initially recorded in Egypt.
It is estimated that around 14 Orobanche kinds (13 species and 1 subspecies) exist in Cyprus.
Orobanche aegyptiaca is a common Orobanche species in Cyprus, encountered up to an altitude of 1375 metres. It is found in many regions except for the Nicosia city region and surrounding areas. Orobanche aegyptiaca in Cyprus can be seen flowered any month. The specimen of the pictures was photographed at Kardama locality, at an altitude of approximately 1100 metres.
How to identify Orobanche aegyptiaca:
Orobanche aegyptiaca has the corolla and tube markedly constricted above the ovary. The corolla is 20-30 mm long and the tube is 6-10 mm wide at the apex.
