Cistanche phelypaea


Observations:

  • Karkur Talh (Jebel Uweinat), October 2006, following rains of 2005
  • Karkur Ibrahim (Jebel Uweinat), observation by Alessandro Menard-Noguera, December 2007, following rains of 2007
  • Karkur Talh (Jebel Uweinat), November 2014, sprouting fllowing rains of 2014
  • Karkur Delein (Jebel Uweinat), November 2019, following rains of 2018

    A single cluster of this parasitic species was noted in lower Karkur Talh in October 2006, in a dried state. The host Aerva persica was also completely dry. The cluster was not observed in October 2005 following the rains of 2005, however the host plant was in a fresh state at that time.

    In late December 2007, Alessandro Menardi-Noguera observed a growing specimen emerging from the gravel in upper Karkur Ibrahim, approximately 5 months after the rain event that year.

    In November 2017 a sprouting cluster was observed, just emerging from the ground in a dried-out pool near one of the few still green Aerva persica plants remaining from the growth following the 2014 summer rains.

    In March 2019 numerous examples were noted along a several hundred metre stretch of the lower Karkur Delein, on Morettia philaeana hosts, following localised but apparently quite heavy rains in the summer of 2018.

         
    Lower Karkur Talh (Jebel Uweinat), near end of 2005 rain runoff, October 2006. (On Aerva persica host plant)

    The host Aerva persica
    in October, 2005

    Karkur Ibrahim, December 2007
    (Photo by Alessandro Menardi-Noguera)

       
    South-west branch of Karkur Talh (Jebel Uweinat),
    near dry pool of 2014 summer rains, November 2015.
    (On Aerva persica host plant)

       
    Lower Karkur Delein (Jebel Uweinat), March 2019.
    (On Morettia philaeana host plant)