Saturday, April 2, 2011

Canyon Dodder


Scientific name: Cuscuta subinclusa

Date collected: May 31st, 2009

Location collected: Deukmejian Wilderness Park along the Le Mesnager trail.

Habitat: Common in the chaparral community, and in forested areas near streams, at evelation to 5,000'.

Nativity: C. subinclusa is native to California and Oregon.

Special Notes: Dodder is a parasitic vine that lacks chlorophyll. The seeds may remain dormant for several years before germinating. Once they have germinated they must attach to host within a few days or they will die. The stem of the seedling will grope for a suitable branch at which point it will coil around the host and form root-like branches that penetrate the host to gain water, nutrients and sugars.

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