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Gila River dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta applanata

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cuscuta applanata: Gila River Dodder

Cuscuta applanata, commonly known as Gila River dodder, is a fascinating plant with unique characteristics and ecological interactions.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta applanata Engelm.
  • Nomenclatural Reference: Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis i. (1859) 479.
  • Rank: Species
  • Family: Convolvulaceae
  • Synonyms: Cuscuta alata T. S. Brandegee
  • Common Names: Gila River dodder, smallseed alfalfa dodder, smoothseed alfalfa dodder, alfalfa dodder

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Gila River dodder is found in locations such as the Gila River area in Arizona and New Mexico.
  • References also mention its presence in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

Ecological Role

  • Cuscuta species, including Cuscuta applanata, are known as parasitic plants. This text mentions dodder being managed as an invasive weed.

Related Species

  • The text mentions other Cuscuta species, including Cuscuta compacta, Cuscuta cephalanthi, Cuscuta americana, Cuscuta approximata, Cuscuta campestris, and Cuscuta umbellata var. reflexa.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Dodder is a parasitic plant. It grows on other plants.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cuscuta applanata.
  • Encyclopedia of Life offers information on Cuscuta applanata.