Aphyllon robbinsii
Robbins' broomrape, Robbins' Broomrape, Robbins' broomrape, Robbins' broomrape
(c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Orobanchaceae · Type: Annual · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1
Aphyllon robbinsii (Robbins' broomrape) is a native California annual in the Orobanchaceae family, recognized by rare coastal annual with thickened underground stem, compact branched inflorescence.
Robbins' broomrape is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native annual found in coastal regions in sandy or loose soils at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces pale flowers with distinctive pink or purple interior venation, typically 15 to 25 millimeters long. Growing 4 to 15 centimeters tall with a simple or few-branched stem that is underground portion thickened and glandular-hairy toward the top. Its flower structure features an awl-shaped calyx with erect lobes 6 to 14 millimeters long and distinctive two-lobed stigma with irregular pitting. The plant emerges sparingly in coastal bluff environments, with a delicate parasitic growth habit typical of broomrape species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; rare coastal annual with thickened underground stem, compact branched inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sandy or loose soils of coastal bluffs, on
Elevation: < 100 m
Bloom period
Aphyllon robbinsii blooms Apr-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1
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 robbinsii native to California?
Yes. Aphyllon robbinsii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aphyllon robbinsii bloom?
Aphyllon robbinsii blooms Apr-Jul.
What plant family does Aphyllon robbinsii belong to?
Aphyllon robbinsii is in the Orobanchaceae family, genus Aphyllon.
Is Aphyllon robbinsii rare or endangered?
Aphyllon robbinsii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Aphyllon robbinsii grow in?
Aphyllon robbinsii grows in Sandy or loose soils of coastal bluffs, on.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.