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Project Noah Nature School
Cuscuta epithymum
This parasitic plant is growing over gorse bushes along the top of cliffs on a small section of coastal path. Smells disgusting.
About this species Cuscuta epithymum is a rootless, wholly parasitic plant that occurs most commonly on heather (Calluna vulgaris), gorse (Ulex europaeus) and clover (Trifolium) species. Clover dodder is native to Europe, but occurs almost worldwide. It is a member of the Convolvulaceae family, which includes Ipomoea and Convolvulus species, many of which are commonly known as bindweed and morning glory. Clover dodder is normally insect-pollinated, but can also self-pollinate. Studies have shown that flowers are visited by many different insects, including ants, bees and wasps.
I think the disgusting smell would deter anyone from planting it as well shebebusynow : (
For a moment I was excited that this might be useful, but if it's related to bindweed then we probably don't want to introduce it outside its native territory.
Spotted on Sep 6, 2012
Submitted on Mar 15, 2013
+1
