About

Cuscuta epithymum (dodder, lesser dodder, hellweed, strangle-tare) is a parasitic plant assigned to the family Cuscutaceae or Convolvulaceae, depending on the taxonomy. It is red-pigmented, not being photosynthetically active. It has a filiform habit, like a group of yarns. Its leaves are very small, like flakes. Its flowers, disposed in little glomerules, have a white corolla, with the androecium welded to the corolla.

In Eurasia, this species of dodder would often attach itself to the Conehead thyme (Thymus capitatus), taking on the plant's pungency. This gave rise to its specific name, which means upon thyme and from whence it also derived its host's Arabic name, al-ṣaʿitrah.

Where it grows

As a native species C. epithymum occurs from Macaronesia in the west throughout most of Europe to as far east as Xinjiang in Northwest China. It is also present in parts of western North Africa.

Uses

This dodder species is widely used in traditional medicine to treat a large variety of ailments. It has been used as a purgative and to treat insanity, depression, leprosy, diabetes, jaundice, liver disorders, spleen disorders, urinary tract disorders, vision problems, syphilis and rheumatism. There are indications of hepatotoxicity when used in high doses over long periods.

Other Cuscuta plants

Alfalfa dodder · Australian Dodder · Cuscuta babylonica · Chaparral dodder · Field dodder · Chinese Dodder · Compact dodder · Hazel dodder · Desert dodder · Flax dodder · Greater dodder · Rope dodder