Scurrula cordifolia

Family: Loranthaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It is robust and grows as a parasite on other plants. The leaves are alternate and oblong to oval. They are 5.5 cm long by 4 cm wide. They are whitish and the base is heart shaped. The flowers are condensed and 5 cm wide. They are in groups at the nodes on old branches. There are 30-40 flowers in a group. The flowers are pale yellow. The fruit are round or cone shaped. They have yellow hairs. They are 6 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests as a parasite.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Himalayas, India, Napel, Sri Lanka

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are chewed as betle nut.

Edible parts

Fruit - masticatory

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Banu, Banda, Inar, Pulluruvi

Synonyms

Dendrophtoe cordifolia Wall. ex Mart.; Loranthus buddleioides Thw.; Loranthus cordifolius Wall.; Loranthus vestitus Wall.;