Dodders (Cuscuta/Aftemoon) افطیمون

Overview

Dodders are a group of parasitic plants belonging to the genus Cuscuta. These plants are unique in that they lack chlorophyll and therefore cannot photosynthesize like typical plants. Instead, dodders rely entirely on other host plants for nutrients, water, and support. Dodders are obligate parasites, meaning they must parasitize other plants to survive. They have specialized structures called haustoria that penetrate the host plant’s tissues to extract nutrients and water. Dodders can weaken their host plants and reduce their overall growth and productivity.