Definition

A type of plant that is a parasite, growing on the roots of other plants and lacking chlorophyll, often with purplish or yellowish flowers.

Example

The gardener was concerned about the broomrape that was affecting the health of his tomato plants.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of broomrape?

No, what is that?

It's a type of plant that grows on the roots of others, really interesting!

Wow, I had no idea plants like that existed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Broomrape → The word is formed from "broom" (from Old English *brōm*, meaning a type of shrub) and "rape" (from Latin *rapa*, meaning turnip or root). Broomrape refers to a parasitic plant that often grows on broom plants, drawing nutrients from them.

Memory Tip

Think of the shrub 'broom' that this plant often attaches to, and 'rape' relates to its root-like nature, helping you remember that broomrape is a plant that grows on broom.

Visually Confused Words