Balanophora

Balanophora is a genus of parasitic plants in the family Balanophoraceae found in parts of tropical and temperate Asia, including the Eastern Himalayas, Malesia region, Pacific Islands, Madagascar, and tropical Africa. There are about 20 accepted species, including the newly discovered "B. coralliformis". Many species emit an odour which possibly attracts pollinators in the same way that pollinators are attracted to "Rafflesia".
"Balanophora" species are used in folk medicine in many Asian cultures. For example, in China, "Balanophora" is known as "she-gu" (stone-fungus) and in Thailand as "hoh-ra-tao-su-nak". In both cases, the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments and has various ritual purposes. The tubers of "Balanophora" are rich in a wax-like substance which is used in Java as a fuel for torches.
Taxonomy.
The genus was first described in 1775 by Johann Reinhold Forster and his son Georg Forster in "Characteres Generum Plantarum". The name is derived from the ancient Greek words (), meaning "acorn" and (), meaning "to carry".
Species.
, the following species are accepted at Plants of the World Online: