Cassytha pubescens
Cassytha pubescens R.Br.
Cassytha pubescens is a hemiparasitic vine species in the Lauraceae family, native to southeastern Australia. It is commonly known as devils twine, dodder-laurel, spilled devil's twine, snotty gobble, or downy dodder-laurel. First described in 1810 by Robert Brown, the species is widespread and common in its range, which includes New South Wales, New Zealand North, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria. The plant has reduced leaves that appear as scales, and photosynthesis occurs through chlorophyll in the stems. Stems measure 0.5mm to 1.5mm in diameter, with haustoria ranging from 2 to 3 mm in length.
Description
Cassytha pubescens is a member of the Lauraceae family and is found in several regions of Australia and New Zealand. The plant is hemiparasitic, relying on host plants for part of its nutritional needs. Its leaves are reduced to small scales, and the stems perform photosynthesis. The stems are slender, with a diameter of 0.5mm to 1.5mm, and the haustoria, which connect to host plants, are 2 to 3 mm long. The species was first formally described in 1810 by Robert Brown in Prodromus Flora Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van Diemen.
Distribution
New South Wales · New Zealand North · Queensland · South Australia · Tasmania · Victoria
Synonyms
Cassytha glabellaCassytha paniculataCassytha paniculata var. phaeolasiaCassytha paniculata var. remotifloraCassytha phaeolasiaCassytha piligeraCassytha pubescens var. fasciculataCassytha remotifloraCassytha rugulosaCassytha tasmanicaCassytha tepperianaCassytha pubescens var. macrocarpaCassytha paniculata var. phaeolarisCassytha phaeolasia
