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San Joaquin dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta brachycalyx

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

San Joaquin Dodder (Cuscuta brachycalyx)

Cuscuta brachycalyx, commonly known as San Joaquin dodder, is a parasitic plant found in specific regions of California.

Considerations for Pets

  • San Joaquin dodder is a vine, which could present an entanglement hazard for small animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta brachycalyx (Yunck.) Yunck.
  • Common Name: San Joaquin dodder
  • Family: Cuscutaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Cuscuta boldinghii
  • Varieties:
    • Cuscuta brachycalyx var. brachycalyx (Yunck.) Yunck.
    • Cuscuta brachycalyx var. apodanthera (Yunck.) Yunck.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys of California.
  • Also present in Alpine County, CA, Orange County, CA, Solano County, CA and San Joaquin County, CA, US.

Ecological Role

  • San Joaquin dodder is a parasitic plant, meaning it obtains nutrients from a host plant.
  • Dodder can be an expensive pest for seed alfalfa producers.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • San Joaquin dodder is a vine.
  • It is a perennial plant.
  • It is described as a forb/herb.
  • It has a yellow-orange, threadlike appearance.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Dodder is known to parasitize broadleaf crops and weeds, including alfalfa and lucerne.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cuscuta brachycalyx.
  • Garden Guides provides plant information, identification details, and information on uses and gardening with San Joaquin dodder.
  • Portal-jardin.com offers information on Cuscuta brachycalyx var. brachycalyx.