Cuscuta (Noun)
Meaning
Genus of twining leafless parasitic herbs lacking chlorophyll: dodder.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- Cuscuta europaea is a common species that can be found infesting a wide range of hosts in gardens and fields.
- The lack of chlorophyll in cuscuta prevents it from undergoing photosynthesis and relies on its host for nutrients.
- Cuscuta is often used as a model organism in scientific studies of parasitic plants.
- Infestations of cuscuta can be difficult to control and may require removal of the host plant.
- Farmers must be vigilant to prevent the spread of cuscuta, which can quickly overgrow and kill its host.