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An illustration of Dodder including: 1, flower removed from; 2, Calyx; Ovary cut acrossed; 4, fruit enveloped by a persistent corolla; 5, seed; and 6, embryo. Dodder) is a genus of about 100-170 species of yellow, orange or red (rarely green) parasitic plants. Formerly treated as the only genus in the family Cuscutaceae, recent genetic research by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group has shown that it is correctly placed in the family Convolvulaceae. The genus is found throughout the temperate to tropical regions of the world, with the greatest species diversity in subtropical and tropical regions; the genus becomes rare in cool temperate climates, with e.g. only four species native to northern Europe.

Dodder

An illustration of Dodder including: 1, flower removed from; 2, Calyx; Ovary cut acrossed; 4, fruit…

Illustrated is cuscuta gronovii, one of the most common species of dodder. The plant is twining on its host. It is a leafless annual.

Dodder

Illustrated is cuscuta gronovii, one of the most common species of dodder. The plant is twining on its…

"Dodder growing upon a Golden-Rod Stem. s, seedling dodder plants, growing in earth; h, stem of host; r, haustoria or parasitic roots of dodder; l, scale-like leaves; A, magnified section of a portion of willow stem, showing penetration of haustoria." -Bergen, 1896

Dodder on Golden Rod

"Dodder growing upon a Golden-Rod Stem. s, seedling dodder plants, growing in earth; h, stem of host;…