Cynomoriaceae FAMILY

Cynomorium coccineum

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

4/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Cynomorium coccineum is a perennial plant, totally lacking in chlorophyl and parasiticupon a range of other plant species. It has underground stems around 15 - 50cm long (occasionally to 100cm), and 6 - 20mm wide (occasionally to 40mm)[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. The plant has a long history of medicinal use in China and is also used in Europe and Africa. It is harvested from the wild on a commercial scale and traded internationally. It is particularly noted for treating various symptoms of sexual dysfunction, increasing stamina and slowing the aging process.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeMediterranean, through Arabia to Afghanistan (Ssp coccineum) Central Asia, Mongolia and northern China (Ssp songaricum)

HabitatUsually parasitic on the roots of Nitraria, Reaumuria, Salsola, and Tamarix shrubs, by lakes, bogs, streams, and rivers in deserts; at elevations from 500 - 700 metres[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ].