Orobanche crenata aka Bean Broomrape

Orobanche crenata has two common names: bean broomrape and carnation-scent broomrape. It belongs to Orobanchaceae, the broomrape family. Its native range spans Macaronesia and the Mediterranean to northern Iran. It includes parts of southern Europe and North Africa. The plant is also native in parts of the Near East. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew calls its climate subtropical.

Bean broomrape can live as an annual or perennial. It can thus live one year or for several years. PFAF gives its height as about 4 feet [1.2 metres]. Its spread reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres]. That source says it grows fast. The plant lacks chlorophyll and needs a live host. The term for this way of life is holoparasitic. It draws sugars from the host's phloem, which carries food. It takes water and minerals from the host's xylem. This tissue carries water. Its flowers have a scent, which one common name reflects.

This species grows in hot places that are fairly dry. It also grows well in fields that farmers water. PFAF lists sand, loam, and clay as suitable soils. The plant can grow in soil with few nutrients. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. It needs an open site, not shade. The soil may be dry or moist. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 6–10. The plant still needs a host to grow. Soil and light alone cannot meet all its needs.

In planted ground, it matters most as a crop weed. Its hosts include faba beans and lentils, plus chickpeas and vetches. Its broad range includes Mediterranean farm areas and parts of Asia. These host links matter more than any stated garden use. PFAF says it spreads by seed. The supplied sources name no pests that attack it. Instead, they call the plant itself a parasitic weed.

PFAF lists no known food uses or known hazards. This does not mean it is safe to eat. PFAF notes folk use for inflammation, microbes, and wound healing. These reports do not prove that it has health benefits. Tests also used its extracts against fungi that spoil fruit. Trials cut several fruit rots, including grey mould on grapes. Researchers found two active compounds: verbascoside and isoverbascoside. These findings concern extracts. They do not show a proven home garden treatment.