SafePlants

Cuscuta potosina: Globe Dodder

Cuscuta potosina, commonly known as globe dodder, is a parasitic plant species belonging to the genus Cuscuta.

Considerations for Pets

• Dodder is a vine.
• The plant has small seeds and a fruit capsule which is 3-4mm in diameter.

Considerations for Children

• Dodder is a vine.
• The plant has small seeds and a fruit capsule which is 3-4mm in diameter.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cuscuta potosina Schaffn.
• Common Name: Globe Dodder
• Synonyms: Cuscuta umbellata (flat-globe dodder)
• Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning-glory Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Variety: Cuscuta potosina var. globifera Yunck.

Distribution and Habitat

• Dodder species (Cuscuta) are found across the globe, most prevalent.
• Habitat: Disturbed areas.

Ecological Role

• Dodder is a parasitic plant, obtaining nutrients from host plants.
• Dodder is considered invasive.org.
• It can survive over winter on perennial hosts.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Habit: Vine.
• Life Form: Forb, annual or vine, parasite.
• Stems: Twining or trailing, yellow-orange.
• Leaves: Reduced to scales, always leafless.
• Flowers: Small, almost colorless, in many-flowered cymose clusters, globe-shaped.
• Fruit: A globe-shaped capsule, 3–4 mm wide, containing up to 4 seeds.
• Leafless and rootless.

Quirky Facts

• Dodder has been called, "witches' shoelaces," and "angel's-hair".

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Dodder is a parasitic plant, attaching to and deriving nutrients from various host plants.
• Giant Asian dodder has been observed parasitzing 20 host plants in southern Texas.