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San Joaquin dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta brachycalyx var. brachycalyx

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cuscuta brachycalyx: San Joaquin Dodder

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

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta brachycalyx (Yunck.) Yunck.
  • Common Name: San Joaquin dodder
  • Family: Cuscutaceae
  • Synonyms/Related Species:
    • Cuscuta boldinghii Urban - Boldingh's Dodder
    • Cuscuta californica
    • Cuscuta occidentalis (San Joaquin Dodder)
  • Varieties:
    • Cuscuta brachycalyx var. brachycalyx (Yunck.) Yunck.
    • Cuscuta brachycalyx var. apodanthera (Yunck.) Yunck.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in California, USA.
  • Specifically prevalent in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys.
  • Also found in the high desert region of California.
  • Reported in counties such as San Joaquin, Alpine, Solano and Orange counties.

Ecological Role

  • San Joaquin dodder is a parasitic plant.
  • Dodder is a parasitic weed that attacks many broadleaf crops and weeds.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is classified as a vine and forb/herb.
  • It is a perennial plant.
  • Dodder is a yellow-orange, threadlike parasitic weed.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • As a dodder, this species is a parasitic plant, meaning it obtains nutrients by attaching itself to a host plant.
  • In Australia, lucerne is a host crop for golden dodder.

Further Information

  • Discover Life offers pages about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of this plant.
  • Garden Guides provides plant information and gardening tips.