Cuscuta L. (Convolvulaceae) in Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT

Cuscuta is widely distributed and comprises about 200 species of parasitic vines. It is estimated that 26 species of Cuscuta occur in Brazil, however, there are no recent published studies concerning the flora of this country. We found fifteen taxa of Cuscuta regarding of the Southern Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina e Rio Grande do Sul states): Cuscuta boliviana, C. campestris, C. corniculata, C. epilinum, C. incurvata, C. indecora var. neuropetala, C. obtusiflora, C. odorata, C. orbiculata, C. platyloba, C. racemosa, C. taimensis, C. xanthochortos var. xanthochortos, C. xanthochortos var. carinata and C. xanthochortos var. lanceolata. One new species was described (C. taimensis P.P.A. Ferreira & Dettke) and new records were confirmed for states and Brazil. We provide a key to species of Cuscuta, morphological descriptions, illustrations, information about geographic distribution and habitat.

Keywords:
dodders; infrastaminal scales; morphology; parasitic plants; taxonomy