Gallery
Cistanche deserticolaCistanche deserticola
Cistanche deserticola
Cistanche deserticola
Cistanche deserticola
Cistanche deserticolaCistanche deserticolaCistanche deserticolaOverview
Cistanche deserticola is a holoparasitic member of the plant family Orobanchaceae, commonly known as desert-broomrape.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
The plant lacks chlorophyll and obtains its nutrients and water in a parasitic fashion from the black saxaul (Haloxylon ammodendron) and white saxaul (Haloxylon persicum).
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Life cycle
From seed to productSeed & germination
The plant is propagated mainly by **seed**: sow fresh or pre-treated seed in loose, moist soil and keep it evenly damp; germination follows within a few weeks.
Seedling & growth
Seedlings establish, forming leaves and roots; growth rate depends on light and moisture.
Flowering
The plant blooms with **pale purple tubular flowers, May–June**; pollination is by insects and wind.
Fruiting & harvest
After flowering the plant sets fruit and seed; **stems harvested in spring before flowering**.
Uses
- Tonifies kidney yang.
- Nourishes essence and blood.
- Moistens the intestines; used for constipation.
- Strengthens tendons and bones.
- Used as a restorative tonic.
Conservation
Cistanche deserticola has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List (NE). As a medicinal plant, it benefits from sustainable collection and propagation to protect wild genetic resources.
References
- 1Wikipedia – Cistanche deserticola — Wikipedia,
- 2Kew POWO – Cistanche deserticola — Plants of the World Online (Kew),
- 3Wikidata – Q5122273 — Wikidata,