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Sand Broomrape
Aeginetia indica
ナンバンギセル
An annual holoparasitic plant found throughout Japan, parasitizing the roots of Miscanthus and other grasses. Lacking chlorophyll, it obtains all nutrients from its host. From summer to autumn, it sends up flower stalks directly from the soil, bearing reddish-purple flowers. It has been celebrated in Japanese poetry since the Man'yoshu anthology.
Identification Points
- ✓No leaves (reduced); entirely lacking green parts
- ✓Flower stalks emerge directly from the base of Miscanthus and other grasses
- ✓Reddish-purple pipe-shaped flowers
Habitat
Miscanthus grasslands and montane meadows (parasitic on Miscanthus roots)
Season
August–October (flowers)
3D Specimen Model
Kyushu University, Shikano Lab (CC0)
View on Sketchfab→Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf shape
Ovate
Growth form
Herb
Petal count
5 petals
Petal fusion
Fused
Flower color
Purple
Habitat
Mountain
Stipules
Absent
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Flower symmetry
Zygomorphic
Ovary position
Superior
Plant sex
Hermaphrodite
Phylogenetic Positionハマウツボ科 →
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core eudicots > Lamiales > Orobanchaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (ca. 50 Ma onwards)
Evolution Notes
Orobanchaceae is a group of parasitic plants separated from Scrophulariaceae. They evolved complete dependence on host plants, losing photosynthetic capability. Seeds are extremely minute and germinate only upon contact with host roots.
View on evolution timeline →Sources & References
AI-generated, needs verification