Wildflower of the valley
dodder, sky creeper
Cuscuta reflexa
- How easy to find
- Rare — you will see it only in some places
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Cuscutaceae (Dodder family)
- Local name
- Akaas bel, Amarbel, Aakaash paavan, Amaravela
- Type
- Climber
- Height
- small
- Flower colour
- white
- Flowering
- Throughout the year
About dodder, sky creeper
Cuscuta reflexa is a leafless, parasitic herbaceous climber with yellowish and greyish, purplish twinning stem. Flowers are ivory white or pale pink and can be found in cymose clusters. The specific name Reflexa refers to the re-flexed corolla lobes. The genetic name cuscuta refers to parasitic climbers.
Where to find it
- Along the trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria
- Near the entrance of the valley
Habitat
Climbing on shrubs and bushes.
Uses & folklore
Whole plant is used in the treatment of body aches, fracture, burn, eye diseases, headache, hair loss, itching, nervous disorder, skin diseases, rheumatism and stomach ache. In Ayurveda whole plant is used as an alternate source for Cassytha filiformis (Aamravalli, Aakashavalli) and used in alleviating anorexia and cardiac disease, hyper acidity and worm infections.
What the name means
Cuscuta is a medieval Latin name possibly from Arabic kushkut; reflexa means "bent back".
Don't confuse it with
C. europaea (sno 147) is finer-stemmed and more densely branched.
More photos
Often seen in serene landscapes, Cuscuta Reflexa enchants with its delicate form and vibrant hues, beloved by nature enthusiasts and…
