Orobanche crenata is a species of broomrape, commonly known as bean broomrape. It is a common parasite of the faba bean, Vicia faba. It is native to the Mediterranean basin in Europe and North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Western Asia through to Iran. It has been introduced elsewhere, including Ethiopia. It has no chlorophyll, and gets its carbohydrates from the host's phloem, and water and minerals from the host's xylem. It is a constant threat to legume production.
Bean broomrape is a parasitic plant, which can cause serious damage to the production of legume crops in much of the Mediterranean basin. However, some authors have reported its use as a food or in folk medicine, but the only information available on crenate broomrape potential as a valuable resource for human nutrition and not just as a pest is scarce and fragmented. It can be invasive in Texas.
This plant might be poisonous
How to get rid of:
If your weeds regrow, then you have a persistent root that you need to dig out. Use a spade or digging fork to dig up persistent weeds by the roots. Remove as many root pieces as you can.
While weeding, hold the trowel vertically (like a child holding a crayon) to eliminate strain on your wrist.
