Home Page > Picture Archives > Flora of Qatar > Convolvulaceae > Cuscuta campestris

Cuscuta campestris Yunck.

Synonyms

Cuscuta arvensis, Cuscuta pentagona

Common names

Field dodder, golden dodder, shabbakah

Extract from Wikipedia article

Cuscuta campestris, with the common names field dodder, golden dodder, large-seeded alfalfa dodder, yellow dodder and prairie dodder, is a parasitic plant which belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. It was formerly classified in the family Cuscutaceae.[+]

AI-generated description

Cuscuta campestris, also known as field dodder, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. It is an annual vine that obtains its nutrients by attaching itself to host plants. In Qatar, Cuscuta campestris has been found to be a common weed in agricultural fields and urban areas. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of the country, including Doha and Al Rayyan. The plant has been observed to parasitize a range of hosts, including crops such as alfalfa, wheat, and vegetables, as well as wild plants like desert grasses and shrubs. Research conducted in Qatar has focused on the plant's distribution, host range, and potential impact on agriculture. Findings suggest that Cuscuta campestris can cause significant yield losses in infested crops, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to control its spread.

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) parasitizing on alfalfa in Trainah gardens. Southern Qatar, March 5, 2014

Field dodder (Cuscuta campestris) with flowers parasitizing on alfalfa in Trainah gardens. Southern Qatar, March 5, 2014

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. South-western Qatar, October 25, 2014

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 20, 2015

Golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) spreading on a field on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 20, 2015

Flowers of field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 20, 2015

Close up of flowers of field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 20, 2015

Close up of fruits of field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 20, 2015

Fruits of field dodder (Cuscuta campestris) taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, February 20, 2015

Close up of golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, March 14, 2015

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, March 14, 2015

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, August 21, 2015

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) spreading around grass tufts on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, August 21, 2015

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) taken from Onaiza area. Doha, Qatar, May 22, 2016

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 3, 2016

Shoots of golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 3, 2016

Field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on fleabane daisy on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 3, 2016

Blooming field dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 3, 2016

Masses of field, or golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 3, 2016

AI-generated summary of observations

Cuscuta campestris was observed parasitizing alfalfa in Trainah gardens and on Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms, where it formed masses around grass tufts and spread on fields. The plant produced flowers, which were observed in March and June, and fruits, which were seen in February and June. It was also found on fleabane daisy and other hosts. The dodder was present in various areas, including southern Qatar, south-western Qatar, and Doha, with observations made from March 2014 to June 2016. The plant's growth and spread were documented at different times of the year, indicating its ability to thrive in Qatar's environment. Its presence was noted in multiple locations, suggesting its adaptability to different hosts and environments. Overall, Cuscuta campestris appears to be a widespread and prolific species in Qatar.

Outside links

How the web page was created

A list of plants with their common names was written using online sources and books.
Web pages were written by a program consisting of several scripts.
Full names, synonyms, and classification of plants were found online from catalogueoflife.org and theplantlist.org using a script.
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This web page was written using a script.

Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.