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scaldweed

Scientific Name: Cuscuta gronovii

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cuscuta gronovii: Scaldweed

Cuscuta gronovii, commonly known as Scaldweed or Gronovius Dodder, is a fascinating parasitic plant with a unique life cycle and ecological role.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta gronovii Willd. ex Schult.
  • Synonyms: The text mentions several synonyms and related names including:
    • Cuscuta chilensis (implied, as in "syn C chilensis" - likely a synonym)
    • Cuscuta gronovii Willd. ex Schult. var. gronovii
    • Cuscuta gronovii var. latiflora
    • Epithymum gronovii
    • Grammica gronovii
  • Family: Cuscutaceae (Dodder Family, also sometimes placed within Convolvulaceae - Morning Glory Family)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cuscuta gronovii is noted as the most common species of dodder in the northeastern part of its range.
  • It is native to central regions.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Scaldweed is described as a leafless, twining parasitic annual.
  • It is a parasitic vine that inserts suckers into the stems of its host plants. As it matures, its roots die.

Ecological Role

  • Cuscuta gronovii is a parasitic plant, meaning it obtains nutrients by attaching to and penetrating other plants.

Common Names

  • Scaldweed
  • Gronovius Dodder
  • Dodder Vine
  • Other common names for dodder species mentioned in the text include: Beggarweed, Hellweed, Strangle Tare, Devil's Guts, Love-vine.

Further Information

  • The text references several resources for additional information, including:
    • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
    • Dave's Garden
    • Discover Life
    • PlantSystematics.org
    • DiversityOfLife.org
    • Gymnosperms.org