Dodder, Giant dodder

Cuscuta reflexa

Physical Characteristics

Cuscuta reflexa is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anthelmintic Carminative Purgative The seeds are alterative, anthelmintic and carminative[240, 243]. They are used in the treatment of bilious disorders[240]. The stems are used in the treatment of bilious disorders[243]. The whole plant is purgative[240, 243]. It is used internally in treating protracted fevers and externally in the treatment of body pains and itchy skin[240, 243, 272]. The plant is employed in Ayurvedic medicine to treat difficulty in urinating, jaundice, muscle pain and coughs[254]. The juice of the plant, mixed with the juice of Saccharum officinarum, is used in the treatment of jaundice[272]. The analysis of the plant differs according to the host it is growing on[240]. The report does not say if this makes a difference to its medicinal properties[K].

Known Hazards

None known