Q: What is that orange stringy stuff that is all over the place right now?

Dodder is a parasitic plant that attaches itself to wild plants, including California sage scrub. It is classified as an annual, so it will appear to come and go. Although it is parasitic, it will not normally kill its host plant. Mistletoe is another example of a parasitic plant.

Q: What are epiphytes, and how are they different from parasites?

Parasites attach to and derive all (or almost all) of their nutrition from their hosts. Epiphytes grow on other plants or objects for support, but don’t harm or take nutrients from the plants they attach to. Most species of epiphytes come from regions with humid climates, such as rainforests, and can obtain enough water from rain or fog. They derive nutrients from airborn

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