Goddess-of-mercy lotus
Balanophora involucrata
Family: Balanophoraceae
What it is like
A fleshy plant that grows on other plants. It is 5-15 cm high and yellowish-red. It has underground tubers on the rhizomes or underground stems. It is connected to the host by suckers. The flowering stems spring up from the tubers. These stems have 5 lobed sheaths. 1-2 mm long. There are many small flowers. Male and female flowers are separate. The fruits are nut like seeds.
Where it is found
It grows in forests along streams. In southern China it grows between 2,300-3,600 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim
How it is used for food
The plant gathered in autumn and dried and pulverized is sprinkled on hard-boiled eggs. It is claimed to help with irregular heart beats.
Edible parts
Plant
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Hong jun