SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 12944.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "12944" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Cochise dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta mitriformis

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cochise Dodder (Cuscuta mitriformis)

Cochise Dodder, scientifically known as Cuscuta mitriformis, is a fascinating plant with a unique lifestyle. This perennial vine, also classified as a forb/herb, belongs to the Cuscutaceae family.

Common Names

  • Cochise Dodder
  • Joint Dodder
  • More

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta mitriformis Engelm.
  • Family: Cuscutaceae (sometimes listed under Convolvulaceae)
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Not explicitly provided in the text, but various Cuscuta species are mentioned, suggesting potential for taxonomic confusion.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in the Chiricahua Mountains in Cochise County, Arizona, and in several locations in Mexico.
  • Associated with the Sonoran Desert region in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

Ecological Role

  • Dodder species, in general, are often considered problematic due to their parasitic nature. The text references controlling dodder by destroying host plants.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cuscuta mitriformis is described as a vine, and a forb/herb, indicating a twining or trailing growth habit.
  • It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years.

Quirky Facts

  • The text mentions "Cochise" in association with other plants like the Cochise Pincushion Cactus and Cochise Foxtail Cactus, indicating "Cochise" is potentially a regional descriptor tied to Cochise County, Arizona.
  • Dodder is referred to as a "Vampire" plant in the provided data.

Further Information

  • Discover Life hosts a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cuscuta mitriformis.
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a referenced source (TSN 30740).
  • Encyclopedia of Life is referenced as a source for additional information.