Chinese dodder
Cuscuta chinensis

Family: Convolvulaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows attached to other plants. The stems are yellow and thin. They are 1 mm across. The flowers are in heads on the sides of the plant. They are white. The capsule is 3-4 mm across.

It has established anti-cancer properties. Cuscuta plants are parasites growing on other plants. Sometimes also put in the family Cuscutaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical to temperate plant. It grows in fields, mountain slopes and sandy beaches.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Central Asia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Laos, Madagascar, Mongolia, Russia, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand

How it is used for food

The young stems are eaten as a vegetable. They are boiled in water.

These parasitic weeds can damage other crops. It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, stem, plant - tea

How it is grown

Plants can grow from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Bonaka, Fatitrahitra, Foi thong, Huang si teng, Mulupabie, Pakmaia, Phak mai tong, Phoi thong

Synonyms

Cuscuta carinata R. Br.; Cuscuta chinensis var. carinata (R. Br.) Engelm.; Cuscuta fimbriata Bunge ex Engelm.;