Balanophoraceae

The Balanophoraceae is a subtropical to tropical family of obligate parasitic flowering plants, consisting of 16 genera. Balanophora fungosa Forster & Forster ssp. indica (Arn.) B. Hansen var. indica is a cosmopolitan plant and belongs to the family Balanophoraceae. For skin diseases, Paliars apply the paste of the whole plant over the infected part. Tribals of Kerala use this plant for piles (the whole plant is dried, powdered, and taken internally with honey) and also used along with other herbs in many preparations for curing internal hemorrhages.