Five-segmented parasite
Helixanthera parasitica
Family: Loranthaceae
What it is like
It is a parasite that grows over other trees and can kill them. It is a woody plant. The branches are up to 1.5 m long. The leaves are opposite and papery. They are oval and 5-12 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The flowers are red or pink or yellow. They have short stalks. There are 40-60 flowers in spike like groups in the axils of leaves. These are 5-10 cm long. The fruit are red and oblong. They are 6 mm long by 4 mm wide. They are densely hairy.
There are about 50 Helixanthera species. They are tropical and subtropical.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows on oaks, chestnuts, camphors, tung-oil trees and various wild figs.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.
Edible parts
Fruit, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Dalimukey