Which characteristic describes dodder?

Dodder is best described as a parasitic plant, which sets it apart from other types of plants that rely primarily on photosynthesis to generate energy. Unlike non-parasitic plants, dodder lacks chlorophyll, rendering it incapable of photosynthesis. Instead, it attaches itself to the host plants through specialized structures called haustoria, allowing it to extract water and nutrients directly from the host. This parasitic nature enables dodder to thrive in environments where resources may be limited for typical green plants.

The other choices do not accurately describe dodder's characteristics. For example, classifying it as a perennial herb would suggest that it survives multiple growing seasons while maintaining these structures, which dodder does not do as it relies on hosts for survival. Additionally, calling it an annual flower would imply that it completes its life cycle in one growing season, which does not capture its parasitic lifestyle. Finally, while some aromatic herbs have beneficial properties, dodder does not fit this description due to its lack of chlorophyll and inability to produce its own aroma through typical means of herbal plants.