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Cuscuta reflexa

Family: Convolvulaceae


What it is like

A climbing herb. The stems are yellow or pale green. They are 2-3 mm across. They have brown spots. The flowers are on the side. There can be several flowers in a group. They are white or cream and have a scent. They are small and tube shaped.

There are 170 Cuscuta species. Also put in the family Cuscutaceae. Cuscuta plants are parasites growing on other plants.


Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on shrubs between 900-2,800 m above sea level in southern China. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bangladesh, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet


How it is used for food

These parasitic weeds can damage other crops.

Edible parts

Leaves, plant


How it is grown

Plants can grow from seed.


Its other names

Local names

Aakas beli, Megh, Shwe-nwe

Synonyms