131376 COMMON DODDER Cuscuta epithymum (Cuscutaceae) * Climbing. Bizarre, parasitic and leafless plant that lacks chlorophyll and gains its nutrition from host plants, which include Heather, clovers and other herbaceous plants. Found in grassy places and on heaths, the slender, red stems twining through the vegetation. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, pink and borne in dense clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are absent. STATUS-Locally common in S; scarce elsewhere.
