Mojave Desert Dodder Plant
by J Marielle
Title
Mojave Desert Dodder Plant
Artist
J Marielle
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
This brilliantly colored vine is the Dodder vine or Vampire Plant. It is a parasitic plant that wraps long orange filaments over the host plant. These filaments have sucking roots that attach to the host and actually suck the plant dry, eventually killing it. The seeds of this plant can be dormant in the desert for over 60 years before springing to life after a rainfall. They are absolutely gorgeous as they dot the desert landscape, but it is at the expense of the host plants. This plant is abundant throughout the lower elevations in the Mohave Desert and throughout Death Valley.
Uploaded
April 15th, 2017
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Comments (7)
A Hillman
Love it, Jane...so cool! l/f
J Marielle replied:
It is such a unique and colorful looking plant that almost looks alien. They can be spotted from a great distance because of their bright colors. I know they harm the host plant, but they are always fun to see. Thanks so much!!!
Marvin Spates
What a lovely and interesting plant!!! LF
J Marielle replied:
Thank you very much, Marvin. Yes, it is so brilliant that it can be seen from long distances. Too bad it's really a parasite as the color is amazing! Thanks again!
Veikko Suikkanen
Great color hedge. Wilderness treasures. L
J Marielle replied:
Thanks so much, Veikko! Yes, the desert is alive with amazing color and life. So much fun to explore out there.
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