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bigfruit dodder
Scientific Name: Cuscuta megalocarpa
Family: Cuscutaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Big-fruit Dodder (Cuscuta megalocarpa)
Big-fruit Dodder, scientifically known as Cuscuta megalocarpa, is a fascinating parasitic plant. This article provides an overview of its taxonomy, morphology, distribution, and more.
Considerations for Pets
- Dodder fruits are small, approximately 1/8 inch wide, and contain 1 to 4 seeds.
- Dodder plants attach to host plants using haustoria, root-like organs that penetrate the stems.
Considerations for Children
- Dodder fruits are small, approximately 1/8 inch wide, and contain 1 to 4 seeds.
- Dodder plants attach to host plants using haustoria, root-like organs that penetrate the stems.
- The vines can produce small fruit from mid-summer to early autumn.
Common Names
- big fruit dodder
- bigfruit dodder
- large-fruit dodder
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cuscuta megalocarpa Rydb.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Genus: Cuscuta
- Family: Cuscutaceae (Dodder family)
- Synonym: Cuscuta gronovii var. curta Engelm.
- Accepted Name: Cuscuta umbrosa Beyr. ex Hook.
Distribution and Habitat
- Often found along roadsides, spreading atop various plants.
- Native to Big Bend National Park.
Ecological Role
- Dodder is a parasitic vine that attaches to host plants via haustoria, drawing nutrients from them.
- It can be damaging to leguminous crops, especially alfalfa.
- Japanese dodder infestations can be extensive, entirely covering host plants.
Morphological Characteristics
- Dodder plants consist mainly of stems, haustoria, flowers, and fruits.
- Stems are thin and appear leafless.
- Fruits are small (about 1/8 inch in diameter) with thin, papery walls and contain 1 to 4 seeds.
- Seeds are minute.
- Flowers are small and white, approximately 3mm wide.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Dodder is a parasitic plant, relying on host plants for survival.
- Observed attached to Jewelweed.
- Dodder weevils interact with dodder plants.
- Probable hosts include fruit trees and ornamental shrubs.
Further Information
- The Plant List
- ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
- BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
- WikiSpecies
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh