As treated here, the plant family Cynomoriaceae consists of a single genus, with a single species in that genus. Cynomorium coccineum itself is comprised of two subspecies:-
Subspecies coccineum has its range from the Canary Islands through the Meditteranean, Arab Peninsular to Afghanistan.
Cynomorium coccineum subsp. songaricum (Rupr.) J.Léonard is found through Central Asia to Mongolia and northern China.

Common Name:

General Information

Cynomorium coccineum is a perennial plant, totally lacking in chlorophyl and parasiticupon a range of other plant species. It has underground stems around 15 - 50cm long (occasionally to 100cm), and 6 - 20mm wide (occasionally to 40mm)[].
The plant has a long history of medicinal use in China and is also used in Europe and Africa. It is harvested from the wild on a commercial scale and traded internationally. It is particularly noted for treating various symptoms of sexual dysfunction, increasing stamina and slowing the aging process.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Mediterranean, through Arabia to Afghanistan (Ssp coccineum) Central Asia, Mongolia and northern China (Ssp songaricum)

Habitat

Usually parasitic on the roots of Nitraria, Reaumuria, Salsola, and Tamarix shrubs, by lakes, bogs, streams, and rivers in deserts; at elevations from 500 - 700 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A parasitic plant, growing on the roots of several different species. In the west of its range (subspecies coccineum) it is found mainly on shrubs in the family Amaranthaceae, whilst in the east (subspecies songaricum) it grows mainly on species of Nitraria, Tamarix and Salsola[, ]
The flowering spadix is aromatic[].
The plant gives off a strong odour of putrefaction[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Subspecies coccineum
The stem is aphrodisiac, cholagogue, hypotensive[, ]. It is used in the treatment of gastritis, impotence (where it can improve production of sperm), jaundice and piles[].
There are two known traditional uses of Cynomorium coccineum: for the treatment of haemorrhoids, a decoction of the aerial part; three cups are taken before meals every day. For treating diarrhoea, a decoction of the aerial
part in a litre of water; three glasses are taken before meals every day[].
The hydroalcoholic extract of the plant is oestrogenic, antioxidant and stimulates spermatogenesis. The plant has fertilising, aphrodisiac, tonic, astringent, antiulcerous, antihaemorrhoidal and antivomitive properties and is a regulator of menstrual disorders[].


Subspecies songaricum
The fleshy stems are used medicinally as an emollient, tonic, and to treat nocturnal ejaculation and impotence[].. They augment the liver and kidney yin but excite the yang, they augment the liver yin and blood, and have a strong abilityto nourish the sinews and treat male impotence, infertility, urinary frequency, and spermatorrhea.. They are often used in the treatment of atrophy of the sinews and bones causing difficulty in walking, due to liver and kidney deficiency, and impotence due to kidney yang deficiency. Because the stems are moist, they moisten the intestines to promote movement of stool[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -