A parasite of the family Orabanchaceae (broom-rape family). The name Cancer root is applied to several of the root parasites but more specifically to the Beechdrop or cancer drops of the beech tree roots. The low wiry plant has pale brown, dull red, or light brown stems usually marked with fine brown purple lines. The stem has leaf scales but no leaves. The root is scaly and tuberous. Altogether the taste is disagreeably astringent. The August and September flowers are white in the upper corolla, about 1 cm long, striped with brown-purple and are sterile; the less conspicuous lower flowers bear seeds.
Facts About Beech drops
| Name | Beech drops |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Epifagus virginiana |
| Common/English Name | Beech drops, beech-drops, beechdrops |
| Name in Other Languages | English: Beechdrops, Virginia beechdrops; French: Épifage de Virginie In |
| Plant Growth Habit | Obligate parasitic plant |
| Soil | Chalky and sandy |
| Plant Size | 30 cm tall |
| Medicinal parts | Tops, root, stems |
| Stem | Pale brown, dull red, or light brown |
| Flowering Season | Late summer/early fall |
| Flower | Reddish, brown or yellowish, tubular, length 1.3 cm |
| Fruit shape & size | Small, ¼ inches |
| Fruit color | Brown |
Beech drops Scientific Classification
Scientific Name: Epifagus virginiana
| Rank | Scientific Name & (Common Name) |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae (Plants) |
| Subkingdom | Viridiplantae (Green plants) |
| Infrakingdom | Streptophyta (Land plants) |
| Superdivision | Embryophyta |
| Division | Tracheophyta (Vascular plants, tracheophytes) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Subclass | Asteridae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Orobanchaceae (Broomrape) |
| Genus | Epifagus Nutt. (Beechdrops) |
| Species | Epifagus virginiana (L.) W.P.C. Barton (Beechdrops) |
| Synonyms |
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Plant description
Beech drops grows to the height of 5 inches to 18 inches. Branches are skinny and tubular with small scale like leaves which are flat pressed against stem. Flowers are tiny occurring singly or in spikes. Flowers are tubular and forms two lip like projections and produce nectar to attract winged pollinators. Flowers bloom from August to October and by the end of November, the plant turns dark brown and brittle. It is used for treating diarrhea, mouth sores, dysentery and externally on cold sores.
Medicinal uses
- It is used for asthma and also helpful for obstinate ulcers of mouth or stomach and diarrhea.
- Use it internally as stimulating expectorant in chronic bronchitis and apply it externally for various skin problems.
- The tea made from fresh plant is used for dysentery, diarrhea, cold sores and mouth sores.
- Apply the poultice or decoction for wounds, ulcers and gangrene.
- Apply the cooled decoction in ulcers, skin disorders and erysipelas.
- Use the tea as a wash.
- The mixture of cherry bark and beech drops are used for treating hemorrhages of bowels.
- In North America, it is used for treating health problems such as dysentery, diarrhea, mouth sores and cold sores.
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