Orobanche ballotae (Orobanchaceae) in Tunisia, a confirmation for the African parasitic flora

This paper reports the first discovery in Tunisia of Orobanche ballotae (Orobanchaceae) parasiting on Pseudodictamnus hirsutus, its specific plant-host, within the mountains of Le Kef region in the northwestern part of the country. The species was considered to be endemic to Spain but reported later also from Greece and doubtfully from Morocco. The population reported confirms it as a floristic record to the African holoparasitic flora. Moreover, its geographical distribution together with its phenology, habitat and ecology in Tunisia are presented.