3-31 Cuscutaceae, dodder family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Nicholas M. Hill, fernhillns@gmail.com, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia;

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, dodder family, dicots, Cuscuta, parasitic

Abstract

Distributed throughout the world, the family includes 100 species. Typified by a parasitic lifestyle, they lack chlorophyll. Attaching to host plants they enter tissue of their hosts via haustoria, promoting degeneration of the weak roots. Stems are glabrous and variously pink, yellow, orange or white. Flowers are small and perfect. Corolla is sympetalous; the calyx is deeply incised or of distinct sepals. Plants 4–5-merous and fleshy. Stamens are subtended by a set of scales. The styles may have a disc-shaped base called a stylopodium. Fruits are in the form of globose or ovoid capsules or utricles, sometimes even concave. Images supplied by Martin Thomas, David Mazerolle and Sean Blaney.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Nicholas M. Hill, fernhillns@gmail.com, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia;

Director; Adjunct Professor