Fringed Dodder
Cuscuta suaveolens
NEMBA category
English: Fringed Dodder, Lucerne Dodder
Zulu: Umankunkunku, Unyendenyende
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Origins: South America
Overall Appearance:
Dodder is a leafless, twining vine that lacks chlorophyll and is completely dependent on its host plant for survival.
Height and Width:
The plant can grow to several meters in length, covering and smothering its host.
Leaves:
Dodder lacks true leaves. Instead, it has small, scale-like structures.
Flowers:
Small, white or greenish-white flowers that are arranged in clusters from spring to summer
Fruits:
Small, dry capsules containing several seeds.
Seeds:
Numerous, small, and easily dispersed by wind, water, and animals.
Aspect:
Dodder can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Provinces Affected:
Dodder is a widespread problem in South Africa, affecting various provinces.
Notes:
Dodder is a serious agricultural pest as it can infest and damage a wide range of crops, including alfalfa, clover, and vegetables. It weakens and kills its host plants by stealing their nutrients and water.
The two species of dodder, Cuscuta campestris (Common dodder) and Cuscuta suaveolens (Fringed dodder), are very similar in appearance and both pose significant threats as agricultural pests in South Africa. However, there are some key differences:
Origin:
C. campestris originates from North America.
C. suaveolens originates from South America.Host Range: While both species can parasitize a wide range of plants, C. suaveolens is particularly problematic for legumes, especially alfalfa (lucerne).
Flower Clusters: C. campestris tends to have denser flower clusters.
C. suaveolens has looser flower clusters with flowers borne on longer stalks.
It's important to note that accurate identification of dodder species can be challenging and often requires expert botanical analysis.
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Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
No plant types available.
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)