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Balanophora fungosa and Balanophora indica

This page provides information about Balanophora fungosa and Balanophora indica, focusing on their taxonomy, distribution, and other notable aspects.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Balanophora fungosa
• Common Name: Fungus root
• Family: Balanophoraceae
• Synonyms and Subspecies:
  • Balanophora indica (Arn.) Griff. (synonym of Balanophora fungosa subsp. indica)
  • Langsdorffia indica Arnott
  • Balanophora fungosa subsp. indica (Arn.) B. Hansen
  • Balanophora fungosa Forster & Forster ssp. indica (Arn.) B. Hansen var. indica
  • Balanophora indica var. agastyamalayana M.B.Viswan., Prem Kumar & N.Ramesh (synonym of Balanophora fungosa subsp. indica)
  • Balanophora indica var. tirunelveliensis M.B.Viswan. & Prem Kumar & N.Ramesh (synonym of Balanophora fungosa subsp. indica)

Distribution and Habitat

• Balanophora fungosa subsp. indica is found in northwest Thailand (Hup Patad cave) and the hills of South India.
• Two different species of Balanophora are found in Fraser's Hill, Malaysia.

Morphological Characteristics

• Dioecious, parasitic herbs, typically 10-25 cm high.
• Rootstock is warted with lenticels.
• Stem is stout, short, and cylindric, measuring 1.5-2 cm in diameter.
• Leafy bracts are 2.5-3.5 x 1.5-2 cm, ovate to.

Ecological Role

• Balanophora is a genus of parasitic plants, specifically root parasites.
• It lacks chlorophyll.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is a root parasite, meaning it obtains nutrients by attaching to the roots of other plants.
• Little is known about the floral visitors of Balanophora.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

• In Chinese folk medicine, Balanophora indica has been used medicinally.

Further Information

• International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
• Tropicos
• ResearchGate (for information on triterpenoids)