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cassytha

Scientific Name: Cassytha

Family: Lauraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cassytha: The Parasitic Vine

Cassytha is a fascinating genus of parasitic plants with some interesting characteristics. This page explores the details of this genus and its most well-known species.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cassytha species, like Cassytha filiformis, have a twining and scrambling habit.
  • The plant can engulf structures such as gazebos due to its growth habit.

Considerations for Children

  • Cassytha species, like Cassytha filiformis, have a twining and scrambling habit.
  • The plant can engulf structures such as gazebos due to its growth habit.

Quirky Facts

  • Cassytha filiformis is sometimes called "love-vine" or "devil's gut."
  • Some species are known as Devil's Twine or Devil's Tresses.
  • Cassytha is a rootless, vinelike stem parasite with vestigial, scalelike leaves.

Scientific Classification

  • Genus: Cassytha
  • Family: Lauraceae (Laurel family)
  • Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
  • Kingdom: Plant

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • The taxonomy of the genus Cassytha L. (Lauraceae) in Australia has been revised.
  • Synonyms include:
    • Calodium cochinchinensis L.
    • Cassytha aericana Nees
    • Cassytha aphylla Raeusch.
    • Cassytha americana
    • Cassytha archboldiana C.K. Allen
    • Cassytha brasiliensis
    • Cassytha racemosa Nees
  • Several subspecies and varieties exist, such as:
    • Cassytha filiformis var. pseudopubescens Domin
    • Cassytha candida (J.Z.Weber) J.Z.Weber

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cassytha species are found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include:
    • Australia (many moister parts)
    • Old World tropics (especially Australia)
    • Zimbabwe
    • Ryukyu Archipelago
  • Cassytha filiformis has a pantropical distribution.

Ecological Role

  • Cassytha is an obligately parasitic vine.
  • It can transmit other pathogens between plants.
  • Some species are considered invasive.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cassytha filiformis is a leafless, climbing, twining, vine-like plant.
  • Stems are thread-like, containing chlorophyll, and can be pale green, yellow-green, or orange.
  • The plant is a hemiparasite on herbs, shrubs, or trees.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Cassytha parasitizes other plants. A single stem may parasitize many different plants.
  • Host plants of Cassytha filiformis and Cassytha pergracilis have been studied in the Ryukyu Archipelago.

Common Names

  • Cassytha filiformis: Love-vine, Woevine, Devil's Gut
  • Cassytha glabella: Slender Devil's Twine
  • Cassytha ciliolata: Bobbejaantou, Devils Tresses, False Dodder, Nooienshaar, Nooienshare, Nooishare
  • Cassytha pubescens: Devil's Twine

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

  • Cassytha filiformis is traditionally used as a medicinal plant.

Further Information

  • The Plant List Version 1.1
  • Plantinvasivekruger
  • Philippine Medicinal Plants - An illustrated compilation by Dr Godofredo Stuart Jr