The dodder seedling then draws sustenance from the host plant. Shading can inhibit initial growth and attachment. Stems grow and branch up to 3 inches per day. Nodes and small scale-like leaves also are present and branching occurs at the nodes. The degree of twining, branching and attachment varies among species.
Some species have tendrils for twining.
A dense mat will develop over the host as the dodder spreads. Reproduction and Dispersal Many clusters of flowers develop after a short period of vegetative growth. Many capsules with two to four seeds are produced and fall to the ground or are gathered during harvest. The dodder stems, nodes, tendrils, and even haustoria also have regenerative cells. These cells are capable of developing new shoots.