Status:
valid
Authors:
Griff.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1846
Citation Micro:
Trans. Linn. Soc. London 20: 94 (1846)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000558723
Common Names
- Balanophora polyandra
- Polyandra Balanophora
- Polyandra Balanophoras
Synonyms
- Acroblastum polyandrum (Griff.) Setch. [unknown]
- Polyplethia polyandra Tiegh. [unknown]
Description
Balanophora polyandra (also called 'Many-stamened 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 polyandra is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a medicinal plant for treating skin diseases, fever, and other ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Balanophora polyandra has small, white flowers that are clustered together in a dense head. The seeds are small, black and round in shape. The seedlings are short and have a single, narrow leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Balanophora polyandra is a tropical evergreen tree that grows up to 25 m tall. It is propagated by seed. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until germination. The seedlings should be transplanted when they reach a height of 15-20 cm.
Where to Find Balanophora polyandra
Balanophora polyandra 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 polyandra FAQ
What are the common names of Balanophora polyandra?
Common names of Balanophora polyandra include many-stamened balanophora and many-stamened coralroot.
What is the distribution of Balanophora polyandra?
Balanophora polyandra is native to China, Taiwan, and Japan.
What is the habitat of Balanophora polyandra?
Balanophora polyandra 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,