Thistle Broomrape
CR

Thistle Broomrape

Orobanche reticulata

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orobanche_reticulata

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Thistle Broomrape faces severe threats from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited range. The species' parasitic dependence on specific thistle host plants makes it particularly vulnerable to changes in land management practices and the decline of its host species populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Thistle Broomrape occurs in grasslands, meadows, and disturbed areas where it parasitizes various thistle species (Cirsium and Carduus). The species is typically found in calcareous soils and open habitats including field margins, roadsides, and semi-natural grasslands.

Other threatened species in Orobanchaceae

LousewortVU

Lousewort

Pedicularis sylvatica

Unknown
Yellow-rattleVU

Yellow-rattle

Rhinanthus minor

Unknown
Marsh LousewortEN

Marsh Lousewort

Pedicularis palustris

Unknown
greater yellow-rattleCR

greater yellow-rattle

Rhinanthus alectorolophus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Thistle Broomrape classified as Critically Endangered?
Thistle Broomrape is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Thistle Broomrape faces severe threats from habitat loss due to agricultural intensification and urban development across its limited range. The species' parasitic dependence on specific thistle host plants makes it particularly vulnerable to changes in land management practices and the decline of its host species populations.
Where does Thistle Broomrape live?
Thistle Broomrape occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Thistle Broomrape?
The main threats to Thistle Broomrape are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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