DENDROLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Dodder stems that have attached to a host plant have been known to survive for several days after being detached from the host plant. As dodder plants grow, they continually reattach to the host.

Detailed explanation-2: -Dodder Cuscuta australis on a soybean host plant: The parasite is flowering and has already produced seed capsules. It uses its host’s flowering signal for flower formation. The plant genus Cuscuta consists of more than 200 species that can be found almost all over the world.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cuscuta (also known as dodder plant) is a parasitic plant. It lacks chlorophyll and thus cannot perform photosynthesis. It obtains the nutrients from other plants, known as host plant through haustorial (sucking) roots. These roots penetrate the conducting vessels of the host plant and absorbs nutrients.