It is a frequently used theme in horror movies and horticulture. An alien species is introduced into a pristine environment, either intentionally or by accident, and quickly escapes control to the detriment of the locals.
It is always better theater if the invader has as many overt malevolent qualities as possible. Parasitic behavior which slowly entwines and engulfs its prey to the revulsion of bystanders is an easy trait to demonstrate.
Unfortunately, when this scenario occurs in a setting with native plants or a home landscape, the recovery is both costly and destructive. In many cases the intruder must be beaten back repeatedly.
Japanese Dodder, botanically known as Cuscuta japonica, has the aforementioned features and escaped into the wilds of panhandle Florida. Sources vary on how this invasive annual arrived in panhandle Florida.
Some say it was deliberately introduced for its alleged medicinal properties. Others indicate its seeds arrived in a load of kudzu tubers in the early 20th century when that pest species was considered an erosion control option.
The distinctive appearance of this exotic pest species is unmistakable. Unlucky hosts appear as if a large pot of angel hair pasta has been slung over the plant or tree’s canopy.
Either way it quickly established itself at the expense of any unlucky plant which hosts this weed. A prolific seed producer, it is capable of distributing up to 2,000 vigorous and viable seeds annually.
The seeds mature in tiny caplet-like fruits, each having less than five seeds. They are easily moved to new locations by moving water, animals and equipment which inadvertently distribute the seeds.
While many of the seeds germinate within a year, they are capable of lasting 20 years waiting for the ideal conditions to sprout. They can emerge from either soil or the bark of a host plant.
Rootless and leafless, they must have a host plant from which to steal nutrients. If unlucky enough to sprout in the soil without a host in close proximity, they will quickly die.
This weed can also reproduce from stem fragments, an attribute which is convenient if the parent plant is removed without collecting all the branches.
A distinctive feature of this plant is it lacks the ability to produce chlorophyll and must rob it from its host. Japanese Dodder attaches to its host with pin-like roots and extracts the nutrients it needs for survival.
After three seasons of being parasitized, the perennial host will die. Annuals afflicted with this pale predator are lucky to last two months.
Hosts for this invasive plant can be many native hardwoods, landscape shrubs and even garden vegetables. It is also capable of transmitting several viruses to citrus trees if established on the popular home fruit trees.
The stems of this vine are smooth, with many branches and scale-like leaves. Host plants appear as though they have had a giant pot of spaghetti slung across the canopy.
Japanese Dodder’s colors range from a pale cream to a very light green. Blooms are small and light yellow.
Control options are few and severe. When removing this weed, the host plant usually is eliminated too.
The application of a preemergent herbicide is commonly used at the site in the spring for several years to assure there is no recurrence.
Much like cinematic sequels, Japanese Dodder can reappear and continue the attack. Tenacious and effective follow-up is the silver bullet to stop this invader.
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