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chaparral dodder
Scientific Name: Cuscuta californica
Family: Cuscutaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cuscuta californica: Chaparral Dodder and California Dodder
Cuscuta californica, commonly known as Chaparral Dodder or California Dodder, is a fascinating parasitic plant native to western North America.
Considerations for Pets
- As a vine that grows around other plants, it may be easily accessible to curious pets.
Considerations for Children
- The plant resembles "orange-brown spaghetti" or "yellow or orange straw," which may be enticing to young children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cuscuta californica Hook. & Arn.
- Common Names: Chaparral Dodder, California Dodder, Witch's Hair, Strangleweed
- Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family), Cuscutaceae (Dodder Family)
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Subspecies/Varieties:
- Cuscuta californica var. californica
- Cuscuta californica var. papillosa (Rough Chaparral Dodder)
- Cuscuta californica var. breviflora
- Cuscuta californica ssp. apiculata
- Cuscuta californica ssp. breviflora
- Synonyms: Fideo (Spanish for noodle)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to western North America.
- Found in many plant communities, including chaparral ecosystems.
- Grows at elevations ranging from sea level to 8,000 feet.
- Specifically mentioned as occurring in California and the Sonoran Desert (Ajo Peak).
Ecological Role
- Cuscuta californica is a parasitic plant, meaning it derives its nutrients from a host plant.
- It lacks chlorophyll and is entirely dependent on its host for survival.
- Its presence can impact the health and vigor of host plants.
- May be considered undesirable, as some sources suggest burning chaparral loaded with dodder.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Herbaceous annual vine.
- Resembles fine strands of orange-brown spaghetti or yellow-orange straw.
- Attaches to host plants via haustoria to extract nutrients.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Parasitic on a wide variety of chaparral plants.
- Eaten by many animals in the chaparral ecosystem.
- Its abundance is linked to the availability of its food plants.