Family: Convolvulaceae
Author: Choisy
Bibliography: Mém. Soc. Phys. Genève 9:278, t. 3, fig. 3. 1842 (Convolv. diss. tert.)
Year: 1842
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cuscuta
Vegetable: False
Observations: U.S.A. to W. Colombia, Caribbean
Description
Large-seed dodder, scientifically known as Cuscuta indecora, is a remarkable plant species within the family Convolvulaceae. First described by Choisy in the 19th century, this plant has garnered attention for its widespread presence and distinctive characteristics.
Large-seed dodder can primarily be found in the regions extending from the United States to Western Colombia, including the Caribbean. This distribution highlights its adaptability to various climates and environments. The plant is particularly significant due to its parasitic nature, which sets it apart from many of its fellow species in the plant kingdom.
The parasitic mechanism of Cuscuta indecora allows it to derive nutrients from host plants, typically attaching itself using specialized structures known as haustoria. This intriguing method of survival enables it to thrive even in less fertile soils where independent sustenance would be challenging.
Visually, Large-seed dodder is characterized by its thread-like, twining stems which form dense mats over host plants. This growth habit, while fascinating, can be detrimental to the hosts as it can inhibit their photosynthesis and overall growth. The stems are often orange or yellow, lacking chlorophyll, which is typical for parasitic plants that rely on their hosts for nutrients rather than conducting their own photosynthesis.
Historically, Choisy’s documentation of the species in Mém. Soc. Phys. Genève in 1842, including a descriptive figure, marked a significant contribution to botanical science, enhancing the understanding of parasitic plant mechanisms. This foundational work remains a vital reference for botanists studying parasitic plant behaviors and adaptations.
Overall, Cuscuta indecora is a plant of great interest not only for its unique survival strategies but also for its impact on the ecosystems it inhabits. Its presence across the Americas and the Caribbean underscores its evolutionary success and its importance in the study of plant ecology and parasitism.
Common Names
Eng: bigseed alfalfa dodder, large-seed dodder, largeseed dodder, pretty dodder, large alfalfa dodder
Fra: cuscute inélégante
En: Large-seed dodder, Bigseed alfalfa dodder, Largeseed dodder, Pretty dodder, Large alfalfa dodder
Fr: Cuscute inélégante
Pt-br: Cipó-de-chumbo, Tinge-ovos, Fios-de-ovos, Espaguete
Synonyms
- Grammica indecora ((Choisy) W.A.Weber)
- Epithymum indecorum ((Choisy) Nieuwl. & Lunell)
- Cuscuta decora var. indecora ((Choisy) Engelm.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Belize (native)
- California (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Argentina Northeast (introduced)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Argentina South (introduced)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- Brazil Northeast (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Morocco (introduced)
- Paraguay (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 8, 2010 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 27, 2014 by EOL − Richard Reynolds (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 8, 2010 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 13, 2012 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Sharayah Loranger (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 8, 2010 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2010 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2016 by EOL − Steve Jones (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 25, 2016 by EOL − Steve Jones (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 23, 2016 by EOL − Steve Jones (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:72866-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2927498)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cuscuta indecora Choisy)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Forb/herb
