Cuscuta
Dodder
Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder, is a fascinating parasitic plant characterized by its leafless, yellow, thread-like stems. Lacking chlorophyll, it relies entirely on host plants for nutrients via specialized structures called haustoria. This unique botanical phenomenon plays a significant role in studying plant interactions and complex ecological relationships.
- Scientific name: Cuscuta
- Family: Convolvulaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Solanales and the family Convolvulaceae. Finally, the medicinal plant is identified under the genus Cuscuta.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Convolvulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cuscuta | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cuscuta, is recognized by several different names depending on the regional linguistic context. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 菟丝子属 (zh-hans) or 菟丝子属 (zh-cn), and similarly in Singapore as 菟丝子属 (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is written as 菟絲子屬 (zh-hant) and 菟絲子屬 (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 菟丝子属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 菟絲子屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 菟絲子屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 菟丝子属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 菟丝子属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 菟絲子屬 | Wikidata |
| pl | Kanianka | Wikidata |
| eu | Kuskuta | Wikidata |
| qu | Mallunwa | Wikidata |
| he | כשות | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific presence across various regions within Northern Europe. Its distribution can be observed in the country of Denmark, where it finds suitable habitats. Additionally, it is recorded in the northern landscapes of Finland and Norway. The species is also known to occur across the waters of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the island of Ireland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Chemicals
Cuscuta has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chlorpyrifos, fatty acids, flavonoids, lignans, tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| chlorpyrifos | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cuscuta has 7 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antihypertensive, Antioxidant, Antipyretic.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cuscuta has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, impotence, male sterility.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| impotence | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| male sterility | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |