Japanese dodder
Cuscuta japonica
Family: Convolvulaceae
What it is like
A twining annual herb. The stems are thin, yellow and much branched. They have red stripes or spots. The flowers are pale yellow and bell shaped. They are produced in short spikes.
There are 170 Cuscuta species. The seeds are used in medicine. Also put in the family Cuscutaceae.
Where it is found
A subtropical plant. It grows on herbs and shrubs. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Russia, SE Asia, Taiwan, Vietnam
How it is used for food
These parasitic weeds can damage other crops.
Edible parts
Leaves, shoot
How it is grown
Plants can grow from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Jin deng teng