Chinese Dodder
Cuscuta chinensis
Family: Convolvulaceae
What it is like
Cuscuta chinensis 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.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Near seashores, C. and S. Japan. Fields, open mountain slopes, thickets and sandy beaches at elevations up to 3,000 metres in most parts of China.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 3
A lotion made from the stems is used in the treatment of sore heads and inflamed eyes. The seed is aphrodisiac, demulcent, diaphoretic, hepatic and tonic. It is decocted and used with other herbs to treat a variety of ailments. In particular, it is used in the treatment of impotence, nocturnal emissions, vertigo, lumbago, leucorrhoea, frequent micturation, decreased eyesight, threatened abortion and chronic diarrhoea.
Aphrodisiac: Increases the sexual appetite.
Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Hepatic: Acts on the liver (for better or worse!).
Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. This is a parasitic species that is devoid of leaves, roots or chlorophyll and so is totally dependant upon its host. It is most commonly found growing on plants in the families Leguminosae, Compositae and Zygophyllaceae and must be grown next to the host plant, which it penetrates with suckers in order to obtain nutriment.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn, by lodging it among the stems of a host plant.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist