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Dodder vine (Cuscuta) Contrary to common belief there are some plants that can survive without light, the obligate parasitic plant the Dodder vine does reside in both dark and light environments but sunlight is not a necessity. When nutrients are scarce and with seedlings that will run out of energy within 5 to 10 days unless they can find a source, this particular vascular plant has adapted to fend for itself without the need to photosynthesis. Some species may need to photosynthesis to a small degree (Cuscuta reflexa), whereas others are completely reliant on a host (Cuscuta europaea). This species has very small amounts of chlorophyll or none at all which means they are unable to produce their own nutrients. This has led to the development of a modified meristem root called the haustorium. Dodder seeds will begin to germinate around the surface of the soil and uses chemosensory receptors to grow towards a host plant. Once the host plant has been found the Dodder will then use its haustoria to attach to the host and penetrate its vascular system. The haustorium can alter the route in which nutrients, water and carbohydrates take and direct it to its own roots. |
The aggressive nature of this plant means that eventually it will engulf its prey and drain it completely of nutrients until it has killed the host.
http://maximumyield.com/blog/2014/11/01/adapting-to-survive-carnivorous-and-parasitic-plants/