Scurrula elata

Family: Loranthaceae

What it is like

A woody parasite. It grows on other plants. It can be a shrub 0.5-1.5 m tall. The leaves have stalks. The leaf blades are 3.5-12.5 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. They are oval and end with a short sharp point. They are leathery. The young branches and young leaves have hairs. The flowers are red and in an umbrella shaped arrangement. The flower stalks are short. The fruit is 6-8 mm long and 4-5 mm across. They are yellowish and smooth.

There are about 50 Scurrula species. They occur in Asia.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Nepal they grow between 1600-2700 m altitude. They are on shrubs or trees. In China it grows in mixed forests between 2400-2800 m altitude. They grow on Quercus semecarpifolia and other plants.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. The young shoots are used to make a tea drink.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ainjero, Bhringe, Che, Gao shan ji sheng, Nai, Nyenginmrep

Synonyms

Loranthus elatus Edgeworth;