Flatglobe dodder

Flatglobe dodder (Cuscuta umbellata) is a parasitic vine that thrives in various regions including Arizona, Bahamas, Brazil Northeast, Colombia, and Florida. Known for its edible parts, particularly the seeds, this plant can be found growing in habitats with full to partial sun exposure, thriving in moist conditions on light, medium, or heavy soils. Native to several Central American countries like Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Mexico, as well as parts of South America such as Guyana and Venezuela, flatglobe dodder is also common in the southeastern United States, including Florida and Texas. One distinctive feature sets it apart: its ability to form a flat, globe-like structure at certain growth stages, making it easily recognizable among other plants.