Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Cuscuta L., Sp. Pl. 124 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Dodder
 Description

Annual or perennial herbaceous rootless parasites with thread-like twining stems bearing haustoria and lacking chlorophyll or latex, often forming a dense mass on the host plant. Lvs reduced to minute scales. Infl. cymose, umbellate, capitate or spike-like. Fls small, white to pink or yellowish. Calyx (3)–4–5-lobed, occasionally with free sepals. Corolla (3)–4–5-lobed, usually urceolate, campanulate or ± globose; lobes imbricate. Stamens inserted in throat of corolla, with lobed or fimbriate scales between the stamens; anthers very short. Ovary 2-locular, sometimes incompletely so; each loculus with 2 ovules. Styles 2, free or connate. Fr. a globose or ovoid capsule, dry or ± fleshy, dehiscing transversely or by an irregular split, 1–4-seeded. Seeds glabrous, with filiform embryo surrounding the endosperm. Cotyledons rudimentary or 0.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Cuscuta L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised2
Exotic: Casual3
Total5
 Bibliography