Devil's gut (Cassytha filiformis)

Devil's gut

Also known as: Love vine, Laurel dodder

Devil's gut (Cassytha filiformis), also paradoxically known as love vine, is a parasitic vine that grows throughout Earth's tropics. These plants feed off other plants' nutrients and have also been known to consume gall wasp larva nests. Because the vines frequently connect trees with crossing vines, they can make travel in their home territory difficult.

Scientific classification

Species

Devil's gut (Cassytha filiformis)

Laurels, spicebushes and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb, Vine

Plant Type

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White, Green

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Devil's gut

Distribution of Devil's gut

Distribution Map

Devil's gut boasts a wide natural distribution embedded across continents such as Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with extensions into Central and South America. Its presence ranges from tropical to subtropical regions, marking a significant biological footprint across major regions where warm climates prevail.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Coastal vegetation, sandy dunes, margins of evergreen, gully and riverine forest, deciduous plateau, coastal woodlands, montane grasslands, swamp margins, vegetation of sandy beaches of lakes, thickets or sparse forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Devil's gut

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Devil's gut thrives in moderate humidity and prefers balanced watering, typically every week. This adaptation enables it to endure dry periods. Found in tropical climates, devil's gut absorbs moisture from humid air, making it suitable for controlled indoor environments.

Fertilize: For devil's gut, apply high-nitrogen fertilizers every two months during active growth, adjusting for winter. Use a quarter-strength liquid fertilizer, avoiding direct stem contact. Benefits include enhanced vitality and potential host support. Always wear gloves, and monitor devil's gut's response to adjust feeding frequency.

Pruning: Prune devil's gut from early to late spring by cutting back long vines and removing damaged sections. This enhances growth, air circulation, and foliage health while preventing spread. Use clean, sharp tools to reduce stress and disease risk, aligning with devil's gut's active growth cycle.

Propagation: Propagation of devil's gut involves direct seed sowing in suitable soils. Key steps include lightly covering seeds and maintaining moisture and warmth for germination. Once established, devil's gut thrives with minimal care, but its vigorous growth necessitates careful placement to prevent over-spreading.

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Images of Devil's gut

Distribution of Devil's gut

Care Guide for Devil's gut

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