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saltmarsh dodder

Scientific Name: Cuscuta salina

Family: Cuscutaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Vine, Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Salt Marsh Dodder (Cuscuta salina)

Cuscuta salina, commonly known as salt marsh dodder, is a fascinating parasitic plant found in specific environments. Its unique appearance and lifestyle make it a notable species in its native habitat.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cuscuta salina grows as a leafless, rootless vine that can be yellow, orange, pink, or white.
  • It attaches to other plants, potentially creating a tangle of hair-like stems.

Considerations for Children

  • Cuscuta salina grows as a leafless, rootless vine that can be yellow, orange, pink, or white.
  • It attaches to other plants, potentially creating a tangle of hair-like stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cuscuta salina Engelm.
  • Common Name: Salt marsh dodder, Goldenthread
  • Family: Convolvulaceae (Dodder Family)
  • Synonyms/Related Species: Cuscuta pacifica, Cuscuta halophyta, Cuscuta salina var. major

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to western North America.
  • Found in seasonal alkaline or salt marsh habitats.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include California (Elkhorn Slough, Baylands Nature Preserve, Carpinteria Salt Marsh, Palo Alto marsh, China Camp State Park, Tomales Bay), southern British Columbia and Baja California.
  • Also found in inland salt flats.

Ecological Role

  • Cuscuta salina is a holoparasite, meaning it is entirely dependent on its host plant for nutrients.
  • It parasitizes several species of salt marsh plants.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Leafless and rootless vine.
  • Typically yellow or orange in color, but can also be pink or white.
  • Characterized by twining, hair-like stems that attach to host plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Parasitizes various salt marsh plants, including Pickleweed or Virginia Glasswort (Salicornia virginica), alkali heath (Frankenia salina), common orache (Atriplex patula), and Chenopodium album.
  • Observed interacting with wasps (Tachytes).

Quirky Facts

  • From a distance, a patch of salt marsh dodder can look like someone splashed bright orange paint onto the vegetation.
  • The central portions of a dodder patch may die off.

Further Information

  • CalPhotos
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • USDA
  • Saint Mary's College of California