Mystery moorland plant

[RobF]

I found these strange leaves attached to the stem of a Cranberry, I assume its some sort of hemi-parasite, but am struggling to ID it. Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks,


Rob

[thunder]

Assuming the leaves are the Cranberry (hard to see the detail in the photo), then the red stems are probably Dodder (Cuscuta epithymum) It has no roots so is a complete parasite, I think

henrya

[RobF]

Many thanks Henry, the 'host' was indeed Cranberry. Its a new species for me.

Cheers,


Rob

[ceterach]

Hi Rob

If those red stems have leaves then it is highly unlikely to be Dodder. Common Dodder (Cuscuta epithymum) is a parasite that once attached to it's host has no leaves or roots, just reddish stems attached to the host stem with small bunches of whitish-pink flowers.

I can't see the stem and leaves very clearly in your photo but in could be a St.John's Wort (Hypericum sp) but I can't remember which one but it will not be physically attached to the Cranberry.

All the best

John

[thunder]

Quote
If those red stems have leaves then it is highly unlikely to be Dodder.
Endquote

I quite agree, as ceterach says, Dodder doesn't have leaves. It's hard to see what's what in the photo RobF, do you have any more detailed shots?

henrya

[RobF]

This is the most detailed pic I have. The stem is firmly attached to the Cranberry stem.

I've worked in the uplands for 13 years now and have never noticed these before. The area they were in is covered in Cranberry but these stems were only present in patches sheltered by surrounding mature heather.

Rob

[ceterach]

Hi Rob

Looking at the second photo, I think I misunderstood your first question, are you suggesting the large shoot is the abnormal part (since the longer stem is how I usually think of Cranberry), if so I think it is some sort of abnormal growth of the Cranberry itself.

All the best

John

[thunder]

Quote
so I think it is some sort of abnormal growth of the Cranberry itself.
Endquote

Have seen the second picture, I agree with ceterach - but it does look very odd. Does not appear to be caused by a gall.

henrya

[RobF]

I'll keep an eye on them and see if they flower at any point.

Thanks for the info.

Rob

[Andy Warne]

I was just flicking through Phillip's trying to identify a fungi growing in the garden when I saw a picture and remembered this thread. There is a fungi, Exobasidium vaccinii, that attacks Ericacea and causes their leaves and shoots to become distorted.
Could it be the cause?