Balanophoraceae

Genera : 18 - 19 Species: 45 - 120      Links to Genus Directory of Images: Balanophora Helosis

Distribution: Pantropical.

Economic Uses: Rumored as an aphrodisiac, wax extracted from some species is burned as a source of light in Java.

Defining Features of Interest: The family is parasitic and non-green. It looks fungal and is fleshy, attached to the host tree roots by a tuber- like structure. The classification of this unique family is open to question.

Fossil Evidence: No known fossil record.