Fringed dodder

Fringed dodder

Cuscuta suaveolens

Common Name:

Fringed dodder

Scientific Name:

Cuscuta suaveolens


Alternative common names:

Fringed dodder (English), Lucerne dodder (English) Umankunkunku (isiZulu) Unyendenyende (isiZulu)

Description:

Slender, leafless, parasitic plants with yellowish or whitish, twining stems up to 2m high and forming dense patches up to 6m across. Loose clusters of whitish flowers 3-4mm long from November to April. Greenish-yellow fruits.Invades: A wide range of habitats, especially river banks, other moist sites and irrigated crop lands

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

North America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Gauteng province.

How does it spread?

It is dispersed by seeds and pieces carried by water or when the crop is harvested.

Why is it a problem?

Fringed dodder smothers and parasitises other plants; of economic importance in agricultural croplands, particularly lucerne.

What does it look like?

€¢Bark: Slender, leafless, parasitic herb with yellow or whitish, twining stems up to 2 m high and forming dense patches up to 6 m across.
€¢Leaves: Has no leaves.
€¢Flowers: Compact, globose clusters as opposed to C. suaveolens which has larger flowers. Flowering time November-April.
€¢Fruit/Seeds: Produce Greenish-yellow fruits.

Does the plant have any uses?

None.

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