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Dodder
Cuscuta epithymum
Family: Convolvulaceae
Fire effect on plant
Dodder is a root-less, parasitic, annual plant that is killed by fire.
Key traits
Dodder is a prolific seed producer; each plant can produce several thousand seeds. Seeds may survive the heat of fire dependent on the duration and intensity (Dawson et al. 1984).
Plant response to fire
Fire reduces Dodder seed viability, and burning is used as a method of controlling dodder infestations (Dawson et al. 1984).
Timing of life history
Annual species. Seeds produced within one growing season. Flowering June to October.
Conservation status
None.
References
Dawson, J. H., F. M. Ashton, W. V. Welker, J. R. Frank, and G. A. Buchanan. 1984. Dodder and its control. Farmer’s Bulletin USDA. No. 2276. [Empirical evidence; Grey literature]
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