Common Name:

General Information

Alectra sessiliflora is an erect annual herb growing up to 60cm tall. It is a hemiparasitic weed on the roots of Asteraceae, grasses and a number of crops (e.g. groundnut, maize, sugar cane)[].
The plant is harvested from the wild locally for medicinal use and as a dye[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Widespread from tropical Africa and subtropical southern Africa to southeast Asia.

Habitat

Grassland and cultivation areas, from sea-level up to elevations of 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics and subtropics.

Alectra sessiliflora is a hemiparasitic weed and is at least partly dependent on the host plant for minerals and water[]. It can become a serious pest in crops and is a declared noxious weed in the USA.
A very variable species, it is sometimes treated as an aggregate of a number of species.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Macerated fresh plants are eaten by pregnant women as a galactagogue[].
A leaf decoction is used against kwashiorkor (severe malnutrition in children resulting from a diet excessively high in carbohydrates and low in protein)[].
The leaf sap is taken to hasten childbirth[].

The ash of the plant, mixed with castor oil, is rubbed onto scars caused by leprosy[].

A root decoction is used as a mouthwash against toothache and is given to small children to treat diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

The yellow to orange flowers and roots (haustoria) have been used to dye cloths and other textiles[].
A golden yellow dye is extracted which is used for colouring wood[].

Propagation

The seeds require a chemical stimulant from the host roots in order to germinate[]. The temperature also plays an important role for successful germination[].

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