Dodder

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• clover dodder
• thyme dodder
• Common Dodder
• Dodder
• Lesser Dodder

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cuscuta europaea var. epithymum
• Lepimenes epithymum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Solanales, it is classified under the family Convolvulaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cuscuta, specifically as the species Cuscuta epithymum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Additionally, its presence is documented across the northern landscapes of Finland. The species also extends its range to include the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its habitat reaches as far as the rugged territories of Norway.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cuscuta epithymum is characterized by its presence in diverse environments, ranging from sea level up to an elevation of 1280 m AMSL. This species is commonly found inhabiting crop fields, where it integrates into the existing agricultural landscape. Its vertical distribution spans a broad altitudinal gradient, beginning at 0 m AMSL and extending through various topographical zones to reach its maximum recorded elevation of 1280 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1280 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

crop fields

Life history

The life history of Cuscuta epithymum is characterized by an annual lifecycle, completing its entire developmental process within a single growing season. As a therophyte, the plant survives the unfavorable seasons primarily through seed dormancy, emerging from the soil to rapidly establish its parasitic structures. Throughout its active growth phase, the species exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its specialized climbing stems as the seasonal cycle concludes. This life strategy allows it to function effectively as a short-lived, seasonal specialist within its ecological niche.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Cuscuta epithymum is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb, manifesting as a self-supporting climber. As an obligatory parasite, it lacks the independent structures typically found in free-living plants, instead functioning as a terrestrial organism rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic one. Its growth habit is strictly terrestrial, lacking any epiphytic tendencies such as holoepiphytic or hemiepiphytic lifestyles. The plant exhibits significant variation in stature, with a minimum height of 0.01 m, a mean height of 0.5 m, and a maximum recorded height of 0.6 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

obligatory

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.5 m

Plant height min:

0.01 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Cuscuta epithymum is characterized by its specialized parasitic lifestyle, functioning as a non-carnivorous organism that relies entirely on a host for nutrients rather than capturing prey. Morphologically, the plant exhibits extreme reduction in its photosynthetic structures, featuring highly diminished leaves that serve more as vestigial scales than functional organs for energy production. These leaves are notably minute, with a minimum leaf length of 0.5 cm and a minimum leaf width of 0.5 cm, reflecting an evolutionary adaptation to prioritize the development of haustoria over expansive foliage. Because it lacks significant leaf surface area, its physiological processes are centered around the extraction of water and organic solutes from host tissues through specialized invasive structures, bypassing the need for traditional autotrophic efficiency.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf length min:

0.5 cm

Leaf width min:

0.5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cuscuta epithymum is characterized by a sexual process, as asexual reproduction is absent in this species. The flowering period typically begins in June and concludes in August. The pollination process follows a biotic syndrome, specifically relying on insects, with bees serving as a primary pollinator. Fertilization is supported by the presence of self-fertilization capabilities. Following successful pollination, the plant develops dry, dehiscent fruit in the form of a capsule. These capsules are relatively small, measuring approximately 0.2 cm in both length and width. The seeds produced are minute, with a consistent length of 1 mm and a mean mass of 0.0003595 g (ranging up to a maximum of 0.00041 g). Dispersal of the seeds is achieved through an anemochorous syndrome, meaning they are dispersed by the wind.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit dryness :

dry

Fruit length mean:

0.2 cm

Fruit type :

capsule

Fruit width mean:

0.2 cm

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed length mean:

1 mm

Seed mass max:

0.00041 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0003595 g

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cuscuta epithymum has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, kaempferol 3,7-O-diglucoside, Astragalin, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Gallic acid.

Flavonoids

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

kaempferol 3,7-O-diglucoside

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Astragalin

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Hyperoside

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Isoquercitrin

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Kaempferol-3-O-galactoside

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Quercetin 3-O-glucoside

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Saponins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Cuscuta epithymum has 4 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticonvulsant, Cytotoxic, Neuroprotective, Purgative.

Anticonvulsant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Neuroprotective

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Purgative

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Cuscuta epithymum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Insomnia, joint, kidney, nervous system, neutropenia.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations