Aphyllon epigalium
Galium broomrape, Galium Broomrape
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Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Aphyllon epigalium (Galium broomrape) is a native California annual in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by distinctive annual habit with long pedicels and few flowers.
Galium broomrape is a California native annual parasitic plant found in areas where its host plant grows, typically at moderate elevations. Flowering from spring to summer, this delicate plant produces curved flowers 13 to 30 millimeters long, with a distinctive color palette ranging from straw-yellow to red, pink, or purple. Growing 10 to 30 centimeters tall with one or few branches emerging from its host plant's base, it has a slender, parasitic growth habit. Its flowers feature narrow calyx lobes 4 to 11 millimeters long and a unique red-orange nectary gland at the base of the ovary. The plant's anthers are notably hairy, with a two-lobed stigma that becomes recurved as it ages.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive annual habit with long pedicels and few flowers
How to tell it apart
vs Orobanche: Aphyllon and Orobanche are now considered the same genus; check current taxonomy.; vs Oenothera: Aphyllon is parasitic without green leaves; Oenothera has normal green leaves and grows independently.; vs Kopsiopsis: Aphyllon is hairy with separated bracts; Kopsiopsis is hairless with tightly overlapping bracts.; vs Pholisma: Aphyllon has upright purple flower spikes; Pholisma has round white flower heads at ground level.; vs Diplacus: Aphyllon is parasitic without green leaves; Diplacus has normal green leaves and colorful snapdragon flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aphyllon epigalium native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon epigalium is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Aphyllon epigalium belong to?
Aphyllon epigalium is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.