Scientific name: Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.
Family: Cuscutaceae
Synonym: Cuscuta hookeri Sweet
Bengali/Vernacular name: Swarnalata, Tarulata, Algusi, Halde algushilata.
Tribal name: Chi-kro-fung (Chak); Amjikro (Khumi); Mengan, Jigro (Marma); Thortat (Pangkhoa); Nui-apang, Tagral (Rakhaing); Ching oh sak (Tanchangya).
English name: Giant dodder.
Description of the plant: A slender leafless, greenish-yellow, epiphytic, parasitic, twining annual. Flowers small, white, solitary or in umbellate clusters of 2-4 or short racemes. Fruit a capusule, 4-seeded (unripe), subquadrate, obtuse, tough fleshy.
Plant parts used: Whole plant.
Medicinal uses: Decoction of the plant is taken for the treatment of constipation, flatulence and liver complaints.
Plant juice is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time) for 3-4 days to treat jaundice.
To treat eczema, plant paste is applied to affected area until recovery.
Paste of the plant is applied to area affected by rheumatic pain followed by mild warming to relieve pain.
Decoction of plants is taken thrice a day (3 tea spoons amount each time) for one month to treat fever, body pain and rheumatic pain.
Distribution: Grow as parasites on other plants throughout the country.
Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….
