Cuscuta approximata Bab.
clustered dodder (alfalfa dodder)
Convolvulaceae (Dodder family)
(Previously in Cuscutaceae)
Introduction to Vascular Plants
clustered dodder (alfalfa dodder)
Convolvulaceae (Dodder family)
(Previously in Cuscutaceae)
Introduction to Vascular Plants
Species Information
General:
Parasitic, leafless perennial herb; stems threadlike, twining and sticking to other plants by means of suckers.
Leaves:
Reduced to tiny scales.
Flowers:
Inflorescence of several to many stalkless flowers in clusters or globular masses; flowers 2-3 mm long; calyx lobes yellowish, as long as wide, slightly fleshy; corolla tubes seldom longer than the calyces; stigmas long-pointed.
Fruits:
Capsules opening in an irregularly circular fashion near the base.
Illustration
If more than one illustration is available for a species (e.g., separate illustrations were provided for two subspecies) then links to the separate images will be provided below. Note that individual subspecies or varietal illustrations are not always available.
Illustration Source: The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia
Habitat and Range
Parasitic, especially on legumes, in the steppe and lower montane zones; rare in SC BC; introduced from Eurasia or Africa.Status Information
Synonyms
Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Cuscuta approximata var. urceolata (Kunze) Yunck.
Cuscuta epithymum subsp. approximata (Bab.) Rouy
Cuscuta planiflora Ten.