Nature Walk: Dodder

Dodder is a parasitic plant that appears like an enormous batch of wet spaghetti draped over and wrapped around other plants such as the wild bergamot we see here. It sprouts from seeds in the soil and its survival depends on finding a host plant. It is a member of the morning glory family but unlike the trumpet-shaped morning glory it has a dense cluster of tiny white flowers. When the flowers were examined they were filled with thrips, minute insects barely visible to the human eye.

If you are interested in purchasing a print of this photo or requesting information on possible use of any of our “Nature Walk” photographs, please contact Carl Kurtz at cpkurtz@netins.net. View our other Nature Walk posts!