Scurrula parasitica

Family: Loranthaceae

What it is like

A shrub which grows by feeding on other plants. The young parts are hairy. The leaves are stalked. They are opposite and 1.5-3 cm long by 0.5-1.5 wide. They are oval and leathery. They have a rusty coating on both surfaces when young. They are smooth at maturity. The flowers are red. They occur in dense arrangements on the axils of leaves. The fruit is pear shaped.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In Nepal they grow up to about 2200 m altitude. They grow on forest trees. In China it grows on plains and mountain slopes between 100-2100 m altitude in the more southerly regions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Asia SE, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten and are sweet.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ainjeri, Hong hua ki sheng, Liso, Lisso, Mephi dhu

Synonyms

Loranthus scurrula L.;