Cynomorium coccineum
- Rodrigo
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Cynomoriaceae
Genus: Cynomorium
Species: Cynomorium coccineum
Morphological description
Across the Mediterranean coasts and the deserts of the Middle East, Cynomorium coccineum emerges with a striking and unusual appearance. This fleshy holoparasitic herb produces cylindrical inflorescences that arise in clusters directly from the ground, typically displaying a deep red to dark crimson coloration, resembling vivid gemstones embedded within barren landscapes. The plant lacks chlorophyll, and its stems bear only scale-like reduced leaves. It connects to its host through a swollen, tuberous haustorial root system.
Its flowers are extremely reduced. Staminate flowers possess four to six free perianth segments arranged in a single whorl beneath a solitary stamen. Above the stamen lies a wedge-shaped pistillode. Before filament elongation, the base of the anther fits into a depression at the apex of the pistillode. Pistillate flowers consist of a single carpel with a slender, longitudinally grooved style, while the perianth is reduced to small papilla-like scales located at the apex or along the sides of the ovary. Bisexual flowers resemble pistillate flowers but include an additional stamen at the base of the ovary. The pollen is tricolpate, belonging to the tricolpate pollen group. Due to this extreme morphological reduction, comparisons with photosynthetic relatives are highly challenging.
Etymology
The genus name Cynomorium derives from the Greek words kynos (dog) and morion (genital organ), likely referring to the resemblance of its inflorescence to canine genitalia as perceived by early observers.
The species epithet coccineum originates from the Latin coccineus, meaning "scarlet" or "bright red", directly referencing the conspicuous coloration of its inflorescence. This nomenclature reflects both historical interpretation and its most visually distinctive trait.
Biological description
Cynomorium coccineum is a holoparasitic angiosperm that may be dioecious or monoecious and lacks photosynthetic capability. It depends entirely on host plants, including members of Nitrariaceae, Fabaceae, and Amaranthaceae, for nutrients. Its distribution spans the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and arid to semi-arid areas of the Middle East. It has long been known in the Arab world and among Bedouins as "tarthuth".
Local populations consume the inner tissues of young stems or prepare decoctions from older stems to treat ailments such as colic and stomach ulcers. The dried plant may also be ground into powder and used as a seasoning for meat. Historical medicinal use dates back to scholars such as Al-Kindi, Al-Razi (Rhazes), and Maimonides.
During the 16th century, members of the Knights Hospitaller encountered this plant in Jerusalem and later introduced it to Malta, where it became known as the "Maltese mushroom". Its primary locality, Fungus Rock, was heavily guarded to prevent unauthorized harvesting.
In Eastern historical tradition, it is said that the Tang dynasty general Xue Rengui, when besieged, ordered wells to be dug, leading to the discovery of large quantities of Cynomorium. This provided both hydration and sustenance, and the site was later renamed in its honor.
Modern pharmacological studies have shown that extracts of Cynomorium coccineum can influence mammalian reproductive systems, including modulation of pituitary gonadotrophins, as well as effects on testicular development and sperm characteristics . A related species, Cynomorium songaricum, contains triterpenes with inhibitory activity against HIV protease.
At present, large-scale cultivation methods for this plant are lacking, and most medicinal material is harvested from wild populations. Overexploitation has already resulted in local extinctions, raising serious conservation concerns and emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable management strategies.
（Author: Rodrigo）
Reference
Nickrent, D. L., Der, J. P., & Anderson, F. E. (2005). Discovery of the photosynthetic relatives of the "Maltese mushroom" Cynomorium. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 5(38), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-5-38
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