Dodder (Cuscuta) belonging to Convolvulaceae family is a light green, yellow to orange colored stem parasite often wrapping the host plant, choking with their dense mat. These parasites insert their haustoria into the host plant and absorb nutrition. The host plants fall susceptible to pathogenic attack. So, its required to remove the parasite before things go out of control, requiring host plant to be pruned. I had seen these menacing parasites in India, growing on hedge bushes and dripping from higher plants. Recently I saw heavy infestation of dodder in the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Preserve. I was horrified to see the native shrubs and trees engulfed by this terror. I wonder, the authorities are aware of this threat on not. Whatever, its high time to eradicate the parasite for safeguarding the natural vegetation.
draped on pickleweed (Salicornia)........
Tiny blooms...
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