Boschniakia rossica (Cham. & Schlecht.) Fedtsch.
bosh-nee-AH-kee-uh  ROS-ih-kuh

Orobanchaceae (Broomrape Family)

CDHS Homepage    Project Poppy    Family Index
Color Index    Common Name Index     Orobanchaceae Index
Definitions

* Note: This is a parasitic plant that grows on alder, Alnus crispa, roots. Named after a Russian botanist. Lacks chlorophyll. The family name comes from the Greek word "orogos" meaning "a clinging plant" and "acho" meaning "to strangle". 

* Stem: 8" to 12" tall, looks like an overgrown spruce or pine cone, singly or few togther from a short thick base.

* Flower: Arise between brown bracts, tiny brownish-red to violet.

* Leaves: No leaves.

* Habitat: Lowlands to alpine, northern Alaska and the Yukon to British Columbia.

* Uses: Whole plant considered edible. Medicinally used in stress relieving teas. Can be added to facial steams for oily skin. Grizzly bears like these fleshy plants. Dena'ina tie a piece around the neck of a baby to help it grow correctly.