Question

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

Answer 1

Cuscuta or dodder is a parasitic plant which is commonly called Amar bail in India. It is the only genus in the Family Cuscutaceae which is found in the tropical as well as temperate zones with species diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.

Complete step by step answer:
Dodder is having thin stems, leafless due to which it closely resembles the same parasytic genus, Cassytha.
Flowers range in color from pink to yellow to cream.
Dodder is a parasite(an organism which lives on or in the body of an organism of other species) because of absence of chlorophyll.
It includes a variety of crop species like alfalfa, potatoes, ivy, trumpet etc. This plant is completely dependent upon the host for food, water and minerals.
Dodder lacks chlorophyll and after the seeding stage it has no connection with soil.
This parasitic plant pierces the stem and sucks the nutrients from the host. This plant is non-photosynthetic. Cuscuta is a rootless, slender stem with small scale leaves, twines around the host.
Characteristics of parasitic plants are:
1. Obligate parasite: can’t complete their life cycle without a host.
2. Facultative parasite: independent of host.
3. Stem parasite: attaches to host stem.
4. Root parasite: attaches root of the host.
5. Hemiparasite: obtain water and mineral nutrients from the host.
6. Holoparasite: they have colors other than green but lack chlorophyll.

Thus, the correct option is ‘A’.

Note:
Stem parasitic plants germinate using the resources inside their endosperms. Cuscuta drop their seeds to ground which remain dormant upto five years before they find a host. After finding the host, the dodder wraps itself around the stem of the host plant.