Family Cuscutaceae

Dodder Family

Leafless parasitic vines.  Sometimes included in the Family Convolvulaceae.  Stems much thinner than Cassytha filiformis.

HAWAII - ENDEMIC

Cuscuta sandwichiana   

On Scaevola, Makapu'u, Oahu

 

On Sida fallax, Ka'ena Point NAR, Oahu

KAUNA'OA

Orange parasitic annual vine on native coastal & dry lowland plants.  Stems lax and somewhat sticky.  Flowers 3 - 4 mm long, much larger than C. campestris; petals erect, stamens lacking filamentous 'scales' at base.  Endemic to Hawaii.

HAWAII - NATURALIZED

Cuscuta campestris

On Asystasia, Bellows AFB, Oahu

 

On Scaevola, Makapu'u, Oahu

 

WESTERN FIELD DODDER

Parasitic yellow-green to pale orange annual vine on dry disturbed lowland alien plants, especially legumes.  Stems lax and somewhat sticky.  Flowers 2 - 3 mm long, much smaller than C. sandwichiana; petals spreading or reflexed, white filamentous 'scales' at base of stamens.  Uncommon in Hawaii.  Native to western North America.

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