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scaldweed

Scientific Name: Cuscuta gronovii var. calyptrata

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cuscuta gronovii: The Scaldweed

Cuscuta gronovii, commonly known as Scaldweed or Gronovius dodder, is a fascinating plant with a unique lifestyle. Let's explore its characteristics and ecology.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta gronovii Willd. ex Schult.
  • Family: Cuscutaceae (Dodder family), also sometimes classified under Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Epithymum gronovii
    • Grammica gronovii
    • Cuscuta chilensis (Note: some sources list this as a synonym, while others may treat it as a distinct species)
  • Subspecies: Cuscuta gronovii Willd. ex Schult. var. gronovii, Cuscuta gronovii var. latiflora, Cuscuta obtusiflora var. glandulosa, Cuscuta vulgivaga var. tetramera,

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to central and northeastern parts of the world.

Ecological Role

  • Cuscuta gronovii is a parasitic vine.
  • It inserts suckers (haustoria) into the stems of its host plants to obtain nutrients.
  • As it matures, its roots die, and it becomes entirely dependent on its host.
  • It is a leafless, twining annual.

Common Names

  • Scaldweed
  • Gronovius dodder
  • Common Dodder
  • Swamp Dodder
  • Dodder Vine
  • Love-vine
  • Beggarweed
  • Hellweed
  • Strangle Tare
  • Devil's Guts

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • Dave's Garden
  • Discover Life
  • PlantSystematics.org
  • DiversityOfLife.org
  • Gymnosperms.org