Status:
valid
Authors:
Hemsl.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1894
Citation Micro:
J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 26: 410 (1894)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000558698
Common Names
- Balanophora laxiflora
- Laxiflora Balanophora
- Laxiflora Balanophoras
Synonyms
- Polyplethia minor Nakai [unknown]
- Polyplethia parvior (Hayata) Yamam. [unknown]
- Polyplethia morrisonicola (Hayata) Nakai [unknown]
- Polyplethia hexamera Tiegh. [unknown]
- Polyplethia formosana (Hayata) Nakai [unknown]
- Polyplethia oshimae (Yamam.) Yamam. [unknown]
- Acroblastum hexamerum (Tiegh.) Setch. [unknown]
- Acroblastum parvius (Hayata) Setch. & Yamam. [unknown]
- Acroblastum spicatum (Hayata) Setch. [unknown]
- Balania formosana (Hayata) Masam. [unknown]
- Balania parvior (Hayata) Masam. [unknown]
- Balania spicata (Hayata) Masam. [unknown]
- Balanophora formosana Hayata [unknown]
- Balanophora hexamera (Tiegh.) Lecomte [unknown]
- Balanophora hongkongensis K.M.Lau, N.H.Li & S.Y.Hu [unknown]
- Balanophora morisonicola Hayata [unknown]
- Balanophora oshimae Yamam. [unknown]
- Balanophora parvior Hayata [unknown]
- Balanophora rugosa P.C.Tam [unknown]
- Balanophora spicata Hayata [unknown]
- Polyplethia spicata (Hayata) Nakai [unknown]
- Balanophora taiwaniana S.S.Ying [unknown]
Description
Balanophora laxiflora (also called 'Lax-flowered Balanophora', among many other common names) is a parasitic flowering plant native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is a small, herbaceous plant that grows in moist, shady habitats, such as tropical rainforests and woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Balanophora laxiflora is used as a medicinal plant and for making paper pulp.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Balanophora laxiflora is small and yellow, with four petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Balanophora laxiflora can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist but not wet. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and planted in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet and provide bright, indirect light.
Where to Find Balanophora laxiflora
Balanophora laxiflora is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It is found in moist, shady forests at elevations of up to 1,000 m.
Balanophora laxiflora FAQ
What are the common names of Balanophora laxiflora?
Common names of Balanophora laxiflora include lax-flowered balanophora and lax-flowered coralroot.
What is the distribution of Balanophora laxiflora?
Balanophora laxiflora is native to China, Taiwan, and Japan.
What is the habitat of Balanophora laxiflora?
Balanophora laxiflora grows in moist, shady forests, often near streams.
Species in the Balanophora genus
Balanophora abbreviata,
Balanophora dioica,
Balanophora dioica,
Balanophora elongata,
Balanophora fargesii,
Balanophora fungosa,
Balanophora harlandii,
Balanophora involucrata,
Balanophora japonica,
Balanophora latisepala,
Balanophora laxiflora,
Balanophora lowii,
Balanophora nipponica,
Balanophora papuana,
Balanophora polyandra,
Balanophora reflexa,
Balanophora subcupularis,
Balanophora tobiracola,
Balanophora wilderi,
Balanophora yakushimensis,
Balanophora coralliformis,
Species in the Balanophoraceae family
Balanophora abbreviata,
Balanophora dioica,
Balanophora dioica,
Balanophora elongata,
Balanophora fargesii,
Balanophora fungosa,
Balanophora harlandii,
Balanophora involucrata,
Balanophora japonica,
Balanophora latisepala,
Balanophora laxiflora,
Balanophora lowii,
Balanophora nipponica,
Balanophora papuana,
Balanophora polyandra,
Balanophora reflexa,
Balanophora subcupularis,
Balanophora tobiracola,
Balanophora wilderi,
Balanophora yakushimensis,
Balanophora coralliformis,
Chlamydophytum aphyllum,
Corynaea crassa,
Dactylanthus taylorii,
Ditepalanthus afzelii,
Ditepalanthus malagasicus,
Hachettea austrocaledonica,
Helosis cayennensis,
Helosis ruficeps,
Helosis antillensis,
Langsdorffia papuana,
Langsdorffia hypogaea,
Langsdorffia heterotepala,
Langsdorffia malagasica,
Lathrophytum peckoltii,
Lophophytum rizzoi,
Lophophytum weddellii,
Lophophytum mirabile,
Lophophytum pyramidale,
Mystropetalon thomii,
Ombrophytum peruvianum,
Ombrophytum subterraneum,
Ombrophytum violaceum,
Ombrophytum microlepis,
Ombrophytum guayanense,
Rhopalocnemis phalloides,
Sarcophyte sanguinea,
Sarcophyte piriei,
Scybalium jamaicense,
Scybalium depressum,