Cassytha glabella
Cassytha glabella, commonly known as the dodder vine, is a fascinating parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll. Instead of photosynthesis, it survives by wrapping around host plants and extracting nutrients through specialized structures called haustoria. Found across various tropical regions, this climbing vine plays a unique role in forest ecosystems.
- Scientific name: Cassytha glabella
- Family: Lauraceae
- Native range: Australasia
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Laurales, situated within the family Lauraceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Cassytha.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Laurales | WCVP |
| Family | Lauraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cassytha | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cassytha glabella, is a parasitic vine that can be identified in Japan by its common name, イトスナヅル (itosunazuru).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | イトスナヅル | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within the Australian continent. It can be found growing in the eastern states, specifically throughout New South Wales and Queensland. Its presence extends into the southern parts of the country, where it inhabits Victoria and South Australia. Additionally, the species is documented in the cooler climates of Tasmania. Overall, these locations highlight a broad geographical range spanning much of southeastern Australia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | New South Wales | WCVP |
| Australia | Queensland | WCVP |
| Australia | South Australia | WCVP |
| Australia | Tasmania | WCVP |
| Australia | Victoria | WCVP |
| Australia | Western Australia | WCVP |
Activities
Cassytha glabella has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cassytha glabella has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include wounds.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |