Contents
Description
Cuscuta Approximata, commonly known as the giant dodder, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It is a native of North America and can be found in the eastern part of the continent, from Ontario to Florida, and as far west as Texas. The plant is an annual species that grows to be approximately 1-2 meters long. It has slender and twining stems that are yellow or orange in color, and its leaves are reduced to tiny scales.This plant is a parasite, meaning it feeds on the nutrients of other plants by attaching itself to their stems with small, disc-like structures called haustoria. The giant dodder has no chlorophyll of its own, and therefore relies entirely on its host plant for energy.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Convolvulaceae |
| Genus | Cuscuta |
Appearance
The giant dodder has thin, thread-like stems that can grow up to 2 meters in length. The stems are yellow or orange in color and are covered in small, disc-like structures called haustoria. The leaves of the plant are reduced to tiny scales, and the flowers are small, white or pinkish, and grow in clusters.
Care Guide
Giant dodder is a parasitic plant and therefore requires no care from the gardener. However, if you are growing a host plant that is being attacked by the giant dodder, it is important to remove the dodder as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading to other plants.
Water
As a parasitic plant, giant dodder doesn’t require any watering as it gets all its nutrients from the host plant.
Fertilization
Giant dodder doesn’t require any fertilization as it gets all its nutrients from the host plant.
Soil
Giant dodder doesn’t require any soil as it grows on the stems of other plants.
Sunlight
Giant dodder prefers to grow in full sunlight, as this helps it to locate and attach itself to host plants.
Hardiness Zones
Giant dodder can be found in hardiness zones 4-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Giant dodder does not have any common pests or diseases, as it is a parasite and does not have any leaves or roots of its own.
Habitat
Giant dodder can be found in a variety of habitats, including fields, forests, and wetlands. It prefers to grow on the stems of other plants, particularly those in the families Asteraceae and Fabaceae.
Question and Answer
Q: Is giant dodder harmful to host plants?
A: Yes, giant dodder can be harmful to host plants as it feeds on their nutrients and can weaken or even kill them if left untreated.
Q: Can giant dodder be controlled?
A: Yes, giant dodder can be controlled by removing it from the host plant as soon as possible. If the infestation is severe, chemical control may be necessary.
Q: How does giant dodder attach itself to host plants?
A: Giant dodder attaches itself to host plants with small, disc-like structures called haustoria. These structures penetrate the host plant’s stem and allow the giant dodder to extract nutrients from it.
Q: Where is giant dodder found?
A: Giant dodder is native to North America and can be found in the eastern part of the continent, from Ontario to Florida, and as far west as Texas.
Related Plants
- Cuscuta campestris
- Cuscuta epithymum
- Cuscuta gronovii
- Cuscuta pentagona
References
- “Giant Dodder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b967. Accessed 14 Aug. 2021.
- “Cuscuta Approximata.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 July 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuscuta_approximata. Accessed 14 Aug. 2021.
