Parasitic plants can have a variety of effects on species diversity in communities. We tested whether Dodder, Cuscuta howelliana, acted as a keystone species in California vernal pools. We conducted a host species usage study and a Dodder removal experiment. Vernal pool endemics were more likely to be parasitized and decreased the cover of one species. Dodder presence increased species richness, but this was true for both native and exotic species. Therefore, Dodder acts as a keystone species in California vernal pools
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