Dhunun
Cistanche tubulosa

Family: Orobanchaceae

What it is like

A fleshy herb. It grows attached to other plants. It is yellow brown. It grow 30-60 cm high. It often has a purplish tinge. It is erect and often 5 cm across at the base. It has scales 2-3 cm long by 10-15 mm wide. Flowers can vary between purplish-yellow to white.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows along coastlines. It is highly salt tolerant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Arabia, Egypt - Sinai, India, Israel, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, UAE

How it is used for food

The root is roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Thanon

Synonyms

Cistanche tubulosa var. tomentosa Hook. f.; Phelypaea tubulosa Schrenk;