Cassytha filiformis
Sp. Pl. 1: 35. 1753.
Stems twining, pale green to yellow-green to orange, filiform, glabrous or pubescent. Leaves alternate, ca. 1 mm. Inflorescences spikes, rarely reduced to single flower. Flowers bisexual, subtended by ciliate bract and bracteoles; outer 3 tepals 0.1-1 mm, similar to bracteoles, inner 3 tepals 1-1.8 mm, apex incurved; pistil 1.2 mm, glabrous. Drupe to 7 mm diam. 2n = 48.
Phenology: Flowering spring–summer (May–Jul).
Habitat: Coastal vegetation
Elevation: 0-20 m
Discussion
Cassytha filiformis is a very distinctive plant that can be confused only with Cuscuta, a vining parasite of the Cuscutaceae.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.