Dodder (Akashavalli)

Giant dodder is a leafless parasitic vine of the morning glory family, common across India, the Himalaya and Southeast Asia. Its thin yellow stems twine over host trees and hedges, drawing their nutrients, and bear clusters of small white bell-shaped flowers. It has no roots of its own once established.

Known as Amaravalli or Akashavalli, it is used in Ayurvedic and folk practice in traditional preparations, including hair oils and applications for skin care. The whole plant is the part used.