Status:
valid
Authors:
R.Br.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1810
Citation Micro:
Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. : 404 (1810)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000589798
Common Names
- Cassytha melantha
- Melantha
- Melantha Dodder
Synonyms
- Cassytha robusta Meisn. [unknown]
Description
Cassytha melantha (also called Black dodder, among many other common names) is a parasitic vine native to tropical Asia. It typically grows to a length of 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) and has small, white flowers. It is found in moist, shady forests and in disturbed habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Cassytha melantha is used as an ornamental plant in gardens, and its leaves can be used to make a tea that is believed to have medicinal properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The Cassytha melantha flower is small, white and has a bell-shaped corolla. The seed is small and black, and the seedlings are small and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cassytha melantha is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that grows in clumps and spreads by underground rhizomes. It is easily propagated by division of the clumps. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Where to Find Cassytha melantha
Cassytha melantha is native to Australia and New Zealand. It can be found in open, disturbed areas such as roadsides and pastures.
Cassytha melantha FAQ
What is the scientific name of Cassytha melantha?
Cassytha melantha
What is the natural habitat of Cassytha melantha?
It is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world
What are the common uses of Cassytha melantha?
Cassytha melantha is used as an ornamental plant
Species in the Cassytha genus
Species in the Lauraceae family
Actinodaphne acuminata,
Actinodaphne albifrons,
Actinodaphne amabilis,
Actinodaphne ambigua,
Actinodaphne archboldiana,
Actinodaphne areolata,
Actinodaphne bicolor,
Actinodaphne borneensis,
Actinodaphne bourdillonii,
Actinodaphne bourneae,
Actinodaphne brassii,
Actinodaphne caesia,
Actinodaphne campanulata,
Actinodaphne candolleana,
Actinodaphne celebica,
Actinodaphne cinerea,
Actinodaphne concinna,
Actinodaphne concolor,
Actinodaphne corymbosa,
Actinodaphne crassa,
Actinodaphne cupularis,
Actinodaphne diversifolia,
Actinodaphne dolichophylla,
Actinodaphne elegans,
Actinodaphne ellipticibacca,
Actinodaphne engleriana,
Actinodaphne ferruginea,
Actinodaphne forrestii,
Actinodaphne fragilis,
Actinodaphne fuliginosa,
Actinodaphne furfuracea,
Actinodaphne glabra,
Actinodaphne glauca,
Actinodaphne glaucina,
Actinodaphne glomerata,
Actinodaphne gracilis,
Actinodaphne henryi,
Actinodaphne hirsuta,
Actinodaphne hypoleucophylla,
Actinodaphne javanica,
Actinodaphne johorensis,
Actinodaphne kinabaluensis,
Actinodaphne koshepangii,
Actinodaphne kostermansii,
Actinodaphne kweichowensis,
Actinodaphne lanata,
Actinodaphne lanceolata,
Actinodaphne latifolia,
Actinodaphne lawsonii,
Actinodaphne lecomtei,