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TransPecos dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta decipiens

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cuscuta decipiens: Trans-Pecos Dodder

Explore the fascinating world of Cuscuta decipiens, commonly known as Trans-Pecos dodder. This plant offers a wealth of information for gardeners, botanists, and anyone interested in the natural world.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta decipiens Yunck.
  • Common Names: Trans-Pecos dodder, Transpecos Dodder
  • Family: Cuscutaceae (Convolvulaceae is also mentioned in relation to the Cuscuta (dodder) genus)
  • Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in the Trans-Pecos region, including areas of Texas.
  • Also reported in southern Arizona, northern Arizona, Texas Trans-Pecos, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas Panhandle.
  • Occurs in locations with diverse ecozones, including the Nearctic Ecozone and Chihuahuan Desert.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Described as a vine and forb/herb.
  • Can be either annual or perennial.

Ecological Role

  • Dodder is a parasitic plant. It obtains nutrients by attaching to and penetrating other plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • As a parasitic plant, it directly interacts with other plants by extracting nutrients.

Synonyms and Related Species

  • Smallseed alfalfa dodder, smoothseed alfalfa dodder, and alfalfa dodder are other dodder species.
  • Related species include:
    • Cuscuta cuspidata (Cusp Dodder)
    • Cuscuta dentatasquamata (Los Pinitos Dodder)
    • Cuscuta compacta Juss. ex Choisy (Compact Dodder)
    • Cuscuta coryli Engelm. (Hazel Dodder)
    • Cuscuta attenuata Waterfall (Tapertip Dodder)
    • Cuscuta indecora var. bifida (Large-seeded Dodder)
    • Cuscuta indecora var. indecora
    • Cuscuta salina (Salt Marsh Dodder)

Resources and Further Information

  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): Provides taxonomic information (TSN 30727).
  • Catalogue of Life: Lists Cuscuta decipiens as an accepted species.
  • Discover Life: Offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cuscuta decipiens.
  • Dave's Garden: Provides gardening tips and information.