What is Orobanche haenseleri var . deludens Beck ?

Orobanche haenseleri var. deludens Beck (Orobanchaceae), a problematic taxon described from Algeciras (Cádiz, S Spain) is here identified after studying the original material of Wolley-Dod (BM 4476). It is considered to be the same as O. austrohispanica M.J.Y. Foley and better included, as a variety, under O. gracilis Sm. The new combination O. gracilis var. deludens (Beck) A. Pujadas is consequently proposed. It mainly parasites Ulex (Fabaceae) in the western Mediterranean Region (Iberian Peninsula

The taxon has been largely ignored by subsequent authors.Only Foley (2001b: 54), after studying the original material, concluded that it was impossible to identify the specimen accurately, although he also stated that it did not fit O. haenseleri Reut.It is clear that Orobanche haenseleri var.deludens Beck constitutes a problematic taxon that remains as an unidentified en-try in the current edition of Flora iberica."Deludens", from the latin verb "deludo" meaning to mock, to cheat, to simulate, to do trap, to be deceptive, is a very adequate name for this taxon, since it has been a confusing case during many years.
The type of O. haenseleri var.deludens is similar to O. gracilis in calyx shape, hairy calyx and corolla, clearly ciliate corolla lip margins, and the insertion of the staminal filaments close to the corolla base.However, the ovate to ovate-deltate leaves, the ochre to (occasionally) reddish internal corolla when dry, and the narrow staminal filaments pubescent at the base, make it also similar to a taxon, relatively abundant in the southern Iberian Peninsula, which has yellowishbrown corolla often reddish inside.This taxon was first recognized by Haenseler (1837), who found it growing on Ulex baeticus ("Ulex australis") in Carratraca (Malaga, S Spain).Subsequently, it was included in O. cruenta Bertol.(Boissier, 1839: 475) Foley (Foley 2001a: 226).
Based on the similarity of morphological characters, the taxon in question, in our opinion, should be subordinated to O. gracilis at the varietal rank.Accordingly, the new combination is proposed here:

Identification key
The var. deludens can be separate from the typical variety with the following key: Note.-InOrobanche gracilis var.deludens the pigmentation of the corolla is very variable even in the same population as shown in Figs. 2 and 3.

Geographical distribution and habitat
Orobanche gracilis var.deludens is distributed in the western Mediterranean Region (Fig. 4).It grows in three discontinuous regions: NW Iberian Peninsula, with just a few populations; S Spain, where it seems to be relatively abundant; and NW Africa, in the Rif and High Atlas mountains of Morocco, where it seems to be undercollected.It grows in rocky areas, often on dry grasslands or degraded scrubland.It parasites perennial Fabaceae, namely species of Ulex (U. parviflorus  Pourr.and U. baeticus Boiss.), but sometimes on Anthyllis cytisoides L. or Dorycnium pentaphyllum Scop.Flowering from February to June (July).Fructification from April to July.Altitudinal range from 200-1400 m.

Relationships with Orobanche gracilis
Orobanche gracilis var.deludens has often been confused with O. gracilis var.gracilis, to which it is very close morphologically.We believe that the varietal rank -the same established by Beck-is the more appropiate for this plant because there is no clear-cut geographical separation between both varieties.In addition, the two are linked by forms intermediate in leaf width, corolla color, and hairiness and width of the staminal filaments.
Biomolecular analyses further justify the use of the varietal rank for this taxon and its subordination to O. gracilis.Thus, RAPD analysis (Román & al., 2003) revealed very short genetic distances among the four O. gracilis populations studied.The first population of O. gracilis to appear in the dendrogram sequence corresponded to var.deludens from Sierra de Cabra (Córdoba, Spain, COA 29293) and the other three to var.gracilis (Román & al., 2003: 640).Likewise, results by Schneeweiss & al. (2004), repeatedly included var.gracilis and var.deludens (as O. austrohispanica) within the same small clade based on the short genetic distances found.