Parasitic laurel

Dodder Laurel Cassytha filiformis is a parasitic plant found in Enoggera Creek catchment which may be easily confused with the introduced species Golden Dodder Cuscuta campestris. Dodder Laurel is a thin twining vine with yellow or orange to pale green hollow stems 1-3 mm in diameter between 3 and 8 metres long. As an obligate parasite Dodder Laurel completes its life-cycle by exploiting a suitable host. The vine attaches to host plants by growing shoots from the base of its root. Native host plants are preferred including shrubs, Lomandra species and other perennials. The Atlas of Living Australia records Dodder Laurel found in coastal areas from south of Sydney north through Queensland to Cape York and in tropical areas of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. While originating in Australia, Dodder Laurel has been introduced to coastal forests of warm tropical regions worldwide according to weed expert Tim Low who reports seeing Cassytha filiformis growing in Florida, USA.

Cassytha filiformis Dodder Laurel flowers at Emu Park Queensland. Photo: Mark Marathon CC-BY 4.0

Cassytha filiformis Dodder Laurel stems and flowers. Photo: Forest and Kim Starr CC-BY 3.0