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Cuscuta australis

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Cuscuta australis R. Br.

Family Name: Convolvulaceae
Synonyms: Cuscuta obtusiflora var. cordofana, Cuscuta hygrophilae, Cuscuta kawakamii, Cuscuta obtusiflora var. australis, Cuscuta obtusiflora, Cuscuta cordofana, Cuscuta millettii, Cuscuta tasmanica
Common Name: Southern Dodder, 南方菟丝子, 无根草, 豆虎, 菟丝, 金丝草, 吐血丝, 天碧草

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Climber, Herbaceous Plant
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Heterotrophic (Symbiotic - Parasite of)

Biogeography

Native Distribution Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, Paleotropics
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Secondary Rainforest, Monsoon Forest, Temperate Forest, Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland, Disturbed Area / Open Ground)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal, Temperate, Mediterranean

Description and Ethnobotany

Ethnobotanical Uses Food (Herb or Spice)
Others: Whole plant and seeds have a number of medicinal uses.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Stems

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Seed or Spore Dispersal Abiotic (Explosive Dehiscence)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Little Water
Plant Growth Rate Fast
Rootzone Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Modification Reduced / Needle-like

Non - Foliar and Storage

Stem Type & Modification Herbaceous, Runner / Stolon
Root Type Underground (Fibrous Root)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) White

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown, Red
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 86
Species ID 1382
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 24 February 2022.
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