Chaparral Broomrape — Image by kenne
Chaparral broomrape is a parasite growing attached to the roots of shrubs, usually chamise. This plant arises from a thick root and a bulbous, twisted, scaly stem base, and grows erect to a maximum height near 30 centimeters. As a parasite taking its nutrients from a host plant, it lacks leaves and chlorophyll. It is dark purple to nearly black in color, with tiny whitish bumps bearing hairs.
