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beaked dodder
Scientific Name: Cuscuta rostrata
Family: Cuscutaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names: MD (beaked dodder)
Beaked Dodder (Cuscuta rostrata)
Cuscuta rostrata, commonly known as Beaked Dodder or Appalachian Dodder, is a fascinating parasitic plant found in specific regions of North America.
Considerations for Pets
- Dodder is a parasitic plant that taps into the phloem of other plants to suck their sap.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cuscuta rostrata Shuttlw. ex Engelm. & A. Gray
- Common Names: Beaked Dodder, Appalachian Dodder
- Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning glory family)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Mention of "Flora of Virginia Name/Status: Cuscuta rostrata Shuttlw. ex Engelm. & Gray" suggests this is an accepted name.
Distribution and Habitat
- Beaked Dodder is primarily found in North America.
- It is considered rare and confined mainly to the Blue Ridge region and Appalachian Mountains.
- It is found at higher elevations, such as 4500'.
Ecological Role
- Beaked Dodder is a parasitic vine.
- Dodder seedlings must attach to a suitable host within a few days of germination.
- Some dodder species are invasive in the U.S., but Cuscuta rostrata is not considered one of them.
Morphological Characteristics
- It is a stem parasite and lacks chlorophyll.
- The plant is named "Beaked Dodder" because of a characteristic "beak" on its fruits.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It parasitizes other plants, attaching to a host stem (e.g., Jewelweed) via haustoria to obtain nutrients.
Resources and Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: CURO)
- Invasive Plant Atlas
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Discover Life
- EDDMapS (Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System)