Why cuscuta is discolored and unbranched?

Answer 1

Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder, is a parasitic plant that lacks chlorophyll, which is why it appears discolored, often yellow or orange. Its inability to photosynthesize means it cannot produce its own food, relying instead on host plants for nutrients. Consequently, Cuscuta is often unbranched and thin, as it does not develop the typical foliage associated with photosynthetic plants. Its growth is primarily focused on attaching to and extracting resources from its host.