Cuscuta campestris Yunck.
Family: Convolvulaceae
Pertinent Synonyms & Notes (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other synonyms)
Cuscuta pentagona Englem. has been misapplied to California plants
Pertinent Common Names (particularly those used in California; go to GRIN for other common names)
western field dodder
Primary Disseminule Type
seed
Description (diagnostics are in brown)
Fruit a 2–4-seeded capsule, depressed-globose, 1.3–2.8 mm long x 1.9–3.8 mm diameter, with dried perianth parts still attached (corolla enveloping <0.34 of fruit).
Seed obovate to reniform or comma-shaped in outline, ± terete to somewhat compressed, one side convex, the other side with hilum near margin and the face typically angled, sometimes dimpled or convex, 1–1.5 mm long x 0.9–1.1(1.5) mm wide x 0.7–1 mm thick. Surface dull, rough (variously honeycombed or pitted), typically light to dark brown.
Hilar region near margin of one of the faces, a large (0.5–0.8 mm across) roundish to angular depression that may be darker or lighter than rest of testa, with a whitish, round to oblong vascular scar.
Similar Species
Similar Species Comparison Chart
Risk Assessment (codes in yellow or red indicate cause for concern; assessments are current as of mid-2011; click AUQP, NZBORIC, or NZBPI for access to the most recent versions of these databases and possible assessment changes)
AUQP, NZBORIC, NZBPI