Cuscuta epithymum - Common Dodder
Large areas of Gorse (
Ulex europaeus ) can become smothered by the tangled mass of red-coloured stems of this parasitic plant. It is very common on the maritime heaths of the north coast, but may also be seen inland on the Western Heaths of Penwith (SW33 and SW43) and areas where gose scrub is dominant, as near Porthleven (SW62H). Recent records include near Woon Gumpus Common (SW43B, 1997, C.N. French), Trewavas Mine (SW52Y, 1996, C.N. French), Trink Hill (SW53D, 1996, C.N. French), Nancekuke (SW64S, 1996, C.N. French), Rosenannon Downs (SW96N, 1996, I.J. Bennallick), Daymer Bay and Brea Hill (SW97I, 1995, R. Tofts), Lower Sharpnose Point (SS11W, 1997, M. Atkinson), Great Lizzen Farm (SX15V, 1997, M. Atkinson) and Penlee Point (SX44P, 1997, M. Atkinson). It is also recorded on the Isles of Scilly.
Click here to see Aphotoflora images by David Fenwick
Source:
French, C.N., Murphy, R.J. & Atkinson, M. 1999. Flora of Cornwall. Wheal Seton Press, Camborne.