SucculentWildAnnualMedicinal

Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.

Akas-bail

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Description

Cuscuta reflexa is a leafless, parasitic twining herb with slender yellow-green stems that form dense tangled masses over host plants. True leaves are absent or reduced to minute scales. The plant attaches to hosts through specialized structures called haustoria that penetrate host tissues to obtain water and nutrients. Flowers are small, white to cream-colored, tubular, and arranged in clusters. Fruits are small capsules containing several tiny seeds.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative

Leafless yellow-orange twining stems forming parasitic networks.

Floral

Small clustered white flowers.

Fruit & Seed

Small capsules containing tiny seeds.

Distribution

Native range: South Asia and tropical regions of Asia.

In Pakistan: Common throughout Pakistan on shrubs, trees, and agricultural plants.

Phenology

Flowering

Fruiting

Flowering: August–November Fruiting: September–December

Ethnobotany & Uses

Medicinal Uses

Traditionally used for treating jaundice, liver disorders, urinary problems, and inflammation.

Agricultural Importance

Can become harmful by weakening host plants and reducing crop productivity.

Ecological Importance

Represents an important example of plant parasitism and host interaction.

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Where it grows on campus

This species is on the campus floristic list but was not pinned during the GPS mapping survey, so it has no map records yet.

Taxonomic Notes

Cuscuta reflexa, commonly known as Dodder, is easily recognized by its leafless yellow twining stems and parasitic habit. It is one of the most widespread parasitic plants in South Asia.