About Aeginetia indica L.
Taxonomy and Common Names
Aeginetia indica, commonly called Indian broomrape or forest ghost flower, is a holoparasitic herb that acts as a root parasite, and belongs to the plant family Orobanchaceae.
Habitat and Distribution
This species grows in moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests located in tropical and subtropical Asia and New Guinea.
Host Plant Families
It parasitizes host plants from seven families: Cannaceae, Commelinaceae, Cyperaceae, Juncaceae, Poaceae, and Zingiberaceae.
Traditional Uses Overview
Across many regions, including the Eastern Himalayas of Nepal, Aeginetia indica is used for both medicinal and ritual purposes.
Recorded Ritual Use
One recorded ritual use is placing the entire plant in shrines or on altars during the Teej festival, where it serves as a symbol of Shiva and Parvati.
