Cuscuta monogyna

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Monogynella monogyna

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

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

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several regions within Southern and Southeastern Europe. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing throughout France, Portugal, and Spain. Its range also extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is established in Bulgaria. Additionally, the species is widely distributed across the landscapes of Greece. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various Mediterranean climates.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cuscuta monogyna is characterized by a broad vertical distribution, ranging from a minimum elevation of 800 m AMSL to a maximum of 3400 m AMSL, with a mean elevational range of 3400 m AMSL. This species is commonly found inhabiting anthropogenic and disturbed environments, specifically frequenting crop fields and roadsides where it can access various host plants.

Elevational range max:

3400 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Habitat :

crop fields, roadsides

Life history

The life history of Cuscuta monogyna is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning it completes its entire developmental sequence from germination to seed production within a single growing season. As a therophyte, the plant spends the majority of its life cycle in the form of dormant seeds, emerging only when environmental conditions are favorable for rapid growth. This life form strategy allows the species to exploit seasonal resources efficiently, relying on a quick vegetative expansion followed by reproductive maturity before the onset of unfavorable conditions. Throughout its brief existence, the plant undergoes a specialized developmental process that facilitates its parasitic nature, ensuring it can complete its biological objectives within its single-year temporal window.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Cuscuta monogyna is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form that functions as a specialized climber. Rather than being self-supporting, it develops as a delicate, thread-like herb that lacks significant structural rigidity. Although its ecological niche is primarily terrestrial, the plant exhibits a complex relationship with its environment, functioning as a facultative parasite that relies on host plants for nutrients. In terms of its spatial habit, it is categorized as a terrestrial organism rather than an epiphyte, utilizing its climbing mechanism to navigate through surrounding vegetation to reach suitable hosts.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

facultative

Woodiness :

non-woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cuscuta monogyna is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window and the production of minute reproductive structures. The flowering period typically begins in July and concludes in August, though the timing can be variable depending on environmental conditions. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces fruits that are highly uniform in size, with a mean, minimum, and maximum fruit length all recorded at 0.4 cm. Following fertilization, the plant produces seeds that exhibit slight variations in mass; the average seed mass is approximately 0.005735 g, with individual seeds ranging from a minimum of 0.00502 g to a maximum of 0.00645 g.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Fruit length max:

0.4 cm

Seed mass max:

0.00645 g

Seed mass mean:

0.005735 g

Seed mass min:

0.00502 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cuscuta monogyna has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Astragalin, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Kaempferol-3-O-galactoside, Quercetin 3-O-glucoside, kaempferol 3,7-O-diglucoside.

Astragalin

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Kaempferol-3-O-galactoside

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

Quercetin 3-O-glucoside

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

kaempferol 3,7-O-diglucoside

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)

quercetin 3-O-galactoside

1. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)