The Hyobanche genus of the Orobanchaceae or broomrape family represents parasite species found in southern Africa. H. sanguinea grows in the Western Cape fynbos as well as the Karoo.

The flowers are the only above-ground parts of these plants, ranging from purple to various shades of red. The corolla shape varies according to the region in which the plant is found. Underground there is a fleshy component attached to the root of a host plant (www.biosci.ohio-state.edu).