Cynomorium coccineum, Descourt. Middle East: an emergency food cited in the Bible (Job 30:4). The parasitic scarlet plant attaches itself to the roots of saltwort (Atriplex sp.). The host plants - probably Atriplex dimorphostegia, Kar. & Kir.; Atriplex halimus, L.; Atriplex rosea, L.; and Atriplex tatarica, L. - were also gathered and eaten for their soft, mucilaginous leaves. Ref. MOLDENKE.