Plants of the genus Cuscuta parasitize other plants. They're not particular: they'll use their modified roots to suck nutrients out of nearly any other plant, including crops, ornamental flowers, weeds, and even trees. Although they've largely given up on photosynthesis, they still produce flowers -- and from those come thousands of tiny seeds that, according to the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, can remain viable for up to 60 years. They certainly take it seriously: the strangleweed entry on their website includes the following (somewhat alarming) instruction:
DO NOT HESITATE. Control infested patches IMMEDIATELY.
Fri
I see this stuff at the beach on occasion, creating a large mat over the low growing beach vegetation. Next time I'll have to examine it more closely.
Posted by: Thom H. | March 31, 2008 at 01:59 PM