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Description
Aphyllon Tuberosum, commonly known as the Potato Dodder, is a parasitic flowering plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. This plant is native to North America and is found in the Great Plains region. The Potato Dodder is a slender, twining vine that grows up to 40 inches in length, with small, scale-like leaves that are about 1 mm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Aphyllon |
Appearance
The Potato Dodder has a thin stem that is yellow or orange in color, with small, scale-like leaves that are barely visible. The flowers are small and white in color, with a tubular shape that is about 3 mm long. The fruit is a capsule that is about 3 mm in diameter and contains numerous seeds.
Care Guide
The Potato Dodder is a parasitic plant that does not require any care as it obtains its nutrients from its host plant. However, it is important to note that this plant can be harmful to its host plant and can cause significant damage to crops.
Water
The Potato Dodder does not require any watering as it obtains its nutrients from its host plant.
Fertilization
The Potato Dodder does not require any fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from its host plant.
Soil
The Potato Dodder does not require any soil as it obtains its nutrients from its host plant.
Sunlight
The Potato Dodder prefers full sunlight.
Hardiness Zones
The Potato Dodder can grow in hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Potato Dodder does not have any common pests or diseases as it is a parasitic plant.
Habitat
The Potato Dodder is native to North America and is found in the Great Plains region. It grows on several host plants, including potatoes, tomatoes, and other members of the Solanaceae family.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Potato Dodder harmful to crops?
A: Yes, the Potato Dodder can be harmful to its host plant and can cause significant damage to crops.
Q: Does the Potato Dodder require any care?
A: No, the Potato Dodder is a parasitic plant that does not require any care as it obtains its nutrients from its host plant.
Q: What is the habitat of the Potato Dodder?
A: The Potato Dodder is native to North America and is found in the Great Plains region. It grows on several host plants, including potatoes, tomatoes, and other members of the Solanaceae family.
Q: What is the appearance of the Potato Dodder?
A: The Potato Dodder has a thin stem that is yellow or orange in color, with small, scale-like leaves that are barely visible. The flowers are small and white in color, with a tubular shape that is about 3 mm long. The fruit is a capsule that is about 3 mm in diameter and contains numerous seeds.
Related Plants
- Aphyllon fasciculatum
- Aphyllon purpureum
- Aphyllon uniflorum
References
- USDA Plants Database: Aphyllon Tuberosum
- Encyclopedia of Life: Aphyllon Tuberosum
- The Plant List: Aphyllon Tuberosum
