Question

Cuscuta is a parasitic plant and is also called as
A. Amarbel
B. Mulberry
C. Mango
D. Pipal

Answer 1

Hint: The Cuscuta is a parasitic angiosperm which produces both fruits and seeds. The seeds of Cuscuta survive for around 5-7 years. This plant can cause parasitic infection in many other dicotyledonous crop plants.

Complete answer:
Cuscuta is also known as dodder. It is a genus of about 201 species found in various colours including, yellow, orange, and sometimes green parasitic plants. Cuscuta is called amarbel in India. Dodder was formerly treated as the only genus present in the family Cuscutaceae, but now it is included in the morning glory family known as Convolvulaceae. Cuscuta is generally identified by the thin stems which appear leafless. The leaves are converted into tiny scales. The flowers of Cuscuta are found in various colours like white, pink, yellow, cream, etc. The seeds of this plant are tiny and are produced in larger quantities. The seeds contain a hard coating and they normally survive in the soil for around 5–10 years. Cuscuta regrows from the haustoria of the plant and causes infection to the host plant. Hence, the plant cannot die until the host plant is providing its food and nutrients. This way amarbel survives many drastic conditions.
So, the correct answer is option A.

Additional Information:
The genus Cuscuta is present all over the temperate and tropical regions of the world. The greatest species diversity is found in the subtropical and tropical regions. Cuscuta is rare in cool temperate climates, only four species are native to the northern European region.

Note: The other folk names of Cuscuta (Amarbel) include: strangle tare, scald weed, beggar weed, lady's laces, fireweed, wizard's net, devil's guts, devil's hair, devil's ringlet, gold thread, hail weed, hair weed, hell bine, love vine, pull down, strangle weed, angel hair, and witch's hair, etc.