Cuscuta Linnaeus. Common name: Dodder.

Key to Cuscuta

A genus of about 200 species, parasitic, achlorophyllose annual or perennial herbs, nearly cosmopolitan. Variously treated as a monogeneric family, or as a component of the Convolvulaceae; Neyland (2001) and Stefanović, Krueger, & Olmstead (2002) provide molecular evidence for the treatment of Cuscuta as a derived member of Convolvulaceae. Hadač & Chrtek (1970) suggested that Cuscuta should be separated into 4 genera based on chromosome number, morphology, and distribution; if followed, all our native species would be in Grammica and Cuscuta, with Monogynella represented by one native and a couple of introduced species.

ID notes: The orange string-like stems of Cuscuta are unmistakable in our flora outside of the distribution of Cassytha filiformis in FL and southernmost TX. Fresh material of Cuscuta lacks the aromatic odor of Cassytha; more technical characters of the flower and fruit also distinguish the two genera readily (see Key K).

Key advice:Corolla measurements are from the base to the sinuses of the corolla. The infrastaminal scales are transparent structures at the base of the stamens.

References: Aaron (2024); Albal, Costea, and Stefanović (2024); Costea & Nesom (2023) In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (2023c); Costea et al. (2023); Costea, Nesom, & Stefanović (2006a); Costea, Nesom, & Stefanović (2006b); Costea, Nesom, & Stefanović (2006c); Floden & Brant (2018); Gandhi, Thomas, & Hatch (1987); Musselman (1986); Neyland (2001); Spaulding (2013a); Stefanović, Krueger, & Olmstead (2002); Williams, Tippery, & Les (2022); Yuncker (1921); Yuncker (1965). Show full citations.

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