SafePlants

Balanophora: An Intriguing Genus of Parasitic Plants

Balanophora is a fascinating genus of approximately 100 species of parasitic plants. These plants belong to the family Balanophoraceae and are found in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, as well as Australia and the Philippines.

Considerations for Pets

• Plants of the genera Balanophora and Langsdorffia contain an inflammable waxy material.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Balanophora
• Family: Balanophoraceae
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
• Species Examples: Balanophora fungosa, Balanophora coralliformis, Balanophora japonica, Balanophora laxiflora, Balanophora dioica, Balanophora hongkongensis, Balanophora polyandra, Balanophora papuana
• Synonyms and Subspecies:
  • Balanophora indica (synonym for Balanophora fungosa subsp. indica)
  • Balanophora fungosa Forster & Forster ssp. indica (Arn.) B. Hansen var. indica

Distribution and Habitat

• Balanophora species are widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics.
• They are found in parts of tropical and temperate Asia, including South Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Hong Kong.
• Specific locations include Luzon Island in the Philippines, hills of South India, Taiwan, southern China, and the eastern Himalayas.
• One subpopulation is found in the hill and mountain ranges on the island of Rarotonga below c. 400 m asl.
• Balanophora hongkongensis grows in the shade of a mixed forest on a hill at an elevation of 200 m.

Ecological Role

• Balanophora is a genus of root holoparasites, meaning they are entirely dependent on their host plants for survival.
• Balanophora coralliformis is already considered endangered shortly after its discovery.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Balanophora plants parasitize the roots of trees.
• They are flowering plants that display extreme floral reduction.
• Balanophora coralliformis has a unique coral-like appearance.
• Balanophora fungosa has a flowering structure shaped like a toadstool but consists of a globe.
• East-Himalayan Balanophora has ochre yellow, brown, or reddish rhizomes.
• Some species are described as small, apparently leafless plants that resemble a fungus with a large rounded head.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Balanophora plants parasitize the roots of trees and rainforest plants.
• Endophytic fungi have been isolated from Balanophora japonica.

Quirky Facts

• Stems of plants of the genera Balanophora and Langsdorffia have been used as candles in South America.

Traditional Uses

• In Asia, Balanophora species are used in folk medicine for the treatment of a number of ailments.

Further Information

• Tropicos.org
• For a list of synonyms, refer to Hansen (1972, 1999) (PDF file available).
• Australian Plant Census
• EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)