Cynomorium coccineum subsp. songaricum (Rupr.) J.Léonard

A root parasite. It grows on Nitraria, Reaumaria, Salsola and Tamarix shrubs. It has an underground stem 15-50 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The aerial portion is 15-40 cm high and 3-6 cm wide. The leaves are like scales. They are 1-2 cm long and wide. They are arranged in spirals. The flowers are small and dark purple. Male and female flowers are separate.

It is a temperate plant. It grows near lakes and streams. In China it grows between 500-700 m altitude in northern provinces. It grows on desert shrubs. It grows in desert areas in Inner Mongolia. It can grow in arid places.

Starch extracted from the stems is used in pastries.