Question

Cuscuta is a
A. Total stem parasite
B. Partial stem parasite
C. Epiphyte
D. Total root parasite

Answer 1

Cuscuta belongs to the genus Convolvulaceae which includes more than two hundred species of plants. These plants are found in Tropical regions and temperate regions of the world. The Cuscuta appears yellow or orange and is a parasitic plant.

Complete answer:Cuscuta is a parasitic plant that derives its nutrition from the host plant by curling around it. It is a yellowish-orange plant having thin stems that lack leaves. The leaves are reduced to minute scales and do not contain chlorophyll. So, it cannot perform photosynthesis. Some of the species can perform photosynthesis but not sufficiently enough to fulfil the needs of eth plants. Due to this reason, it requires to be dependent on some other plant from where it can derive its nutrition. The plant which serves as a nutrition source to Cuscuta is called the host plant. The Cuscuta plant as a parasite depends entirely on the host plant. It is also known as dodder. It attaches itself to the host plant and curls around it. After this, it enters the host plant’s tissues with the help of a sucking apparatus. This sucking apparatus is called haustoria. The haustoria enter the cells of the host plant and start sucking nutrients. Cuscuta wraps around the whole host plant and stays attached to it until the host dies. The vegetative part of Cuscuta is its stem and thus it is a total stem parasite.
Therefore, option A is the right answer.

Note:Cuscuta produces minute seeds in large quantities. These seeds are covered with a hard protective layer that helps them survive in harsh conditions. The seeds germinate only on finding a suitable host. Cuscuta affects many healthy plant species and is sometimes a threat to crops.