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Santa Rita Mountain dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta odontolepis

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cuscuta odontolepis

Also known as Santa Rita dodder or Santa Rita Mountain dodder, Cuscuta odontolepis is a fascinating plant with a unique lifestyle.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cuscuta odontolepis is a herbaceous vine.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta odontolepis Engelm.
  • Common Names: Santa Rita dodder, Santa Rita Mountain dodder
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Convolvulaceae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: Odontolepis

Distribution and Habitat

  • Originally known from the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.
  • Recent collections have expanded its known range southwards.
  • The Santa Rita Mountains are located approximately 65 km (40 mi) southeast of Tucson, Arizona.

Ecological Role

  • Dodder (Cuscuta) is described as a parasitic herbaceous vine. As such, Cuscuta odontolepis obtains nutrients from other plants.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Dodder has yellow to orange smooth stems.
  • It is a vine.

Related Resources

  • World Plants database
  • Discover Life page
  • Missouri Botanical Garden Encyclopedia
  • USDA Plants Database
  • NCBI