|
|
Giant Dodder |
|
|
|
The
Dodder
is a genus of a parasitic plant, with a yellowish,
slender, filament-like appearance, that reminds of
spaghetti or
noodles,
especially of
bamih (fig.), and
is known by the scientific designation Cuscuta. |
Worldwide, this
genus has well over 100 species, found throughout
subtropical and tropical regions. The botanical name for
the species most frequently found in Thailand, and as
here in Laos, is Cuscuta reflexa, which is known by the
common names Giant Dodder and Southern Asian Dodder. |
|
|
Giant Dodder |
|
|
Giant Dodder |
|
|
Because most
species lack or have very low levels of chlorophyll,
they cannot photosynthesize fully –though Cuscuta reflexa is able to do so slightly– they generally have a yellowish colour. |
This parasitic
vine grows fast and rapidly forms a dense mass of thin,
apparently leafless stems, entwined in the host plant.
In fact, many species do have leaves, but those are
reduced to minuscule scales and barely visible from a
distance. It germinates in the earth, then, after the
part of the germinated seed which later grows into the
root dies, it clings to its host, which may become
completely overgrown.
|
|
|
Giant Dodder |
|
|
|