140 Convolvulus ( Convolvulacece ) . [No. 18 



A delicate parasite, whitish to yellowish or to light red- 

 dish in every part, appearing more like a tangle of thread 

 than a living plant. The seeds germinate in the ground ; 

 then throw up slender stems which soon wither at the 

 root ; but the vine continues its growth over neighboring 

 plants, clinging to them and feeding upon them by help of 

 minute suckers. It is a true parasite, living thus upon 

 other forms of vegetation, sometimes very greatly to their 

 injury. 



The name " Dodder " is said to be the ancient Frissian 

 name, and to signify a tangled hank of silk, such as the 

 stalks often suggest. 



In England other names are given to the Dodder : one, 

 and not a pleasant one, is " Devil's gut," because of the 

 slender stems twining around other plants as though to 

 strangle them. Another name is " Strangle-tare " ; 

 another, " Lady's-lace." 



In a curious poem written nearly a hundred years ago, 

 Dr. Erasmus Darwin comments : 



" The fair Cuscutse please 

 With labored elegance and studied ease. 

 With sly approach they spread their dangerous charms, 

 And round their victims wind their wiry arms. 

 So by Scamander when Laocoon stood, 

 Where Troy's proud turrets glittered in the flood, 

 Two serpent forms . . . 

 Ring above ring in many a tangled fold 

 Close and more close the writhing limbs surround 

 And fix with foamy teeth the envenomed wound." 



