Cuscuta epithymum

''Cuscuta epithymum'' is a parasitic plant assigned to the family Cuscutaceae or Convolvulaceae, depending on the taxonomy. It is red-pigmented, not being photosynthetically active. It has a filiform habit, like a group of yarns. Its leaves are very small, like flakes. Its flowers, disposed in little glomerules, have a white corolla, with the androecium welded to the corolla.

In Eurasia, this species of dodder would often attach itself to the Conehead thyme , taking on the plant's pungency and from whence it also derived its host's Arabic name, ''al-ṣaʿitrah''. During medieval times, dodder was often used as a medicinal cure in treating depression, but causes thirst and dryness of the mouth when consumed.