Dodder is a type of parasitic plant belonging to the genus Cuscuta. It lacks chlorophyll, which means it cannot perform photosynthesis like most plants. Instead, dodder relies on other plants for nutrients and water, wrapping around them with its thin, twining stems. This plant can be found in various habitats, often growing on vines, shrubs, and trees. Dodder seeds germinate in the soil, and once they find a host plant, they attach themselves using specialized structures called haustoria. This allows dodder to siphon off nutrients, which can weaken or even kill the host plant over time.