Rare species of dodder (Cuscuta L.; Convolvulaceae) in Quebec and a plea for their search in the wild

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v135i3.2671

Keywords:

dodder, Convolvulaceae, Cuscuta, parasitic plants, phytogeography, Quebec, species of conservation concern

Abstract

We report three rare dodders (Cuscuta L.) from Quebec: Buttonbush Dodder (Cuscuta cephalanthi Engelmann), Hazel Dodder (Cuscuta coryli Engelmann), and Smartweed Dodder (Cuscuta polygonorum Engelmann). Detailed descriptions of their morphological characteristics, ecology, and host range are discussed. The genus Cuscuta is severely under-collected in Quebec and elsewhere, and targetted fieldwork is needed to better assess the distribution and conservation status of the three rare (or overlooked) species reported here. An identification key to all Cuscuta species from Quebec is provided to aid botanists in accurately identifying these challenging species.

Author Biography

Corey W. Burt, Wilfrid Laurier UniversityandWSP Canada Limited

I am currently completing an MSc. at Wilfrid Laurier University, working under Dr. Mihai Costea. I am studying the systematics of dodder (Cuscuta) in section Indecorae.  I am an on-call Terrestrial Ecologist, Botanist and ISA Certified Arborist with WSP Canada Limited.

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Published

2022-01-21

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Articles