Fri, 09 May 2008 02:10:57 GMT

Epimedium grandiflorum

For local readers, just a reminder that the Perennial Plant Sale at UBC BG is coming up on Sunday. This particular Epimedium won''t be there, but I noticed there were several others on the list of plants for sale in 2008.

Thank you to Connor for both today''s photograph and write-up!

Epimedium grandiflorum is a member of the Berberidaceae and is native to China, Korea, and parts of Japan. Its silky white petals and sepals with a retreating border of purple give this flower a particular elegance. On a breezy day the entire inflorescence stirs in unanimous agitation. Common names for this plant are barrenwort and yin yang huo.

This genus has been featured twice before - Epimedium × versicolor ''Sulphureum'' and Epimedium acuminatum -- but I''m pleased to be able to add something not previously mentioned. A quick search of Epimedium yields a number or results using the common name horny goatweed. A small stretch of the imagination provides the requisite myth behind this common name, involving goats and an observant farmer (see Epimedium via Wikipedia).

Epimedium grandiflorum has been used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for many purposes the most prominent, and probably suspect, as an aphrodisiac (Plants For A Future lists 8 uses of this plant). Despite innumerable websites selling Epimedium grandiflorum extracts in the form of pills, sprays, and ointments, I was unable to find any real evidence for this alleged use. Research with rats, however, indicates that barrenwort may be a possible preventative medicine for osteoporosis, as a complement or alternative to hormone treatment in older women. In The osteoprotective effect of Herba epimedii (HEP) extract in vivo and in vitro (PDF), Xie et al. look at the mechanism by which Epimedium extracts could possibly help reduce bone loss. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:59:36 GMT

Corymbia 'Summer Beauty'

Connor is responsible for today''s write-up:

Thanks to kjbeath@Flickr (and Ken''s photo site) for this wonderful shot (original via UBCBG Botany Photo of the Day pool).

Corymbia ''Summer Beauty'' is a hybrid between Corymbia ficifolia, commonly known as the red-flower gum and, Corymbia ptychocarpa, commonly known as the swamp bloodwood. These two species are native to northwestern Australia.

As kjbeath noted, prior to 1995 these two (along with 113 other species) were classified as belonging to Eucalyptus. This genus of the eucalypt group in the Myrtaceae used to be divided into seven subgenera (from Microsatellites retain phylogenetic signals across genera in eucalypts (Myrtaceae) - PDF). Following a taxonomic revision based on morphology characters two of these subgenera Corymbia (the bloodwoods), and, Blakearia (the ghost gums) were included in the new genus Corymbia. What''s a Corymbia from the Australian Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research provides a clarifying summary.

Since this revision, it has been suggested that another closely related eucalypt genus, Angophora, should be included in Corymbia. According to chloroplast DNA, Corymbia is paraphyletic with respect to Angophora. In the first article cited, Ochieng et al. have used more genetic sequence data and found that Corymbia indeed forms its own clade.

Here is an interesting article: Radiation of the Australian flora: what can comparisons of molecular phylogenies across multiple taxa tell us about the evolution of diversity in present-day communities? (PDF) outlining plant speciation in Australia.

For those inclined towards other aspects of botany, Susan K. Martin provides an account of the ''gums'' in literature in The Wood from the Trees: Taxonomy and the Eucalypt as the New National Hero in Recent Australian Writing (PDF). Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:48:06 GMT

Laurus nobilis

Connor Fitzpatrick continues his work on this series:

The second of four entries featuring underutilized species from the Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized species is Laurus nobilis. Thanks Hannes and Paul!

Laurel is an extremely resilient evergreen forest tree that grows in all Mediterranean areas. In Syria, laurel grows wild above 200 meters over sea level along the coastal area. It is resistant to extreme temperatures and to coastal conditions. Its fruits are very dark, small, round berries that ripen between October and December.

In Syria, age-old methods handed down from generation-to-generation are used to produce unique products that are then sold in local markets. Although the local demand has remained stable for decades, export demand has grown recently, creating new income-generating opportunities for the local population. Laurel has been used for centuries in traditional cosmetic products such as laurel oil and laurel soap. Known for its unique perfume, it nourishes, softens, refreshes, and cleanses skin while acting as an antiseptic. It is especially recommended for sensitive and damaged skin. The oil is also used extensively in cosmetics and moisturizing products. In addition, dried laurel leaves are an important ingredient in Syrian and Mediterranean cooking. The leaves are also used in traditional medicine; dried leaves are brewed as an herbal tea and used to treat rheumatism, joint pains, schizophrenia, stress, to stimulate the appetite and as a sedative. The oil extracted from the berries is used as a cure for irritated skin, earache, asthma and urinary ailments.

For generations in Syria, the livelihoods of the community members in two coastal and mountain areas and of the traders in major Syrian cities have depended heavily on the production and marketing of traditional laurel products. Traditional collection and processing of wild laurel leaves and berries accounts for about one-third of their total yearly income. The market chain is made up of collectors, traders, soap producers and consumers. The collectors dry leaves and/or process the berries into oil; the traders buy the oil from the collector/processor and sell it to the soap makers who then produce traditional soap for the local market and for export.

In Syrian mountain communities, villagers collect laurel berries and manually extract the oil using traditional, multi-staged methods. The whole berries are boiled in water for six to eight hours in a metal container over a wood fire. As the oil rises to the surface, it is skimmed off with a wooden spoon then filtered and bottled. Sixteen kilograms of laurel berries produce about one litre of laurel oil. The quality of laurel oil depends on the fatty acid content which varies according to the variety of laurel used.

Laurel soap is believed to have been developed in Syria some 2,000 years ago. There are about 50 privately owned small-scale soap factories that use traditional soap-making methods. Most of the factories are located in the Aleppo Province. The soap is made with laurel oil, olive oil, and caustic soda using a process called saponification. The oil mixture is blended with an aqueous solution containing the soda in large cauldrons. This mixture is then heated to over 200 degree C and stirred until the oil is reduced to glycerine and sodium salts. The caustic soda solution is drained from the cauldron and the soap mixture is left overnight to cool slightly; the excess water is then drained off. Once a solid block has formed, the soap is cut manually into square bars, stamped and stored in a dry place for at least six months. The process of making soap is carried out from November to April. From May to November, soap storage and trading activities are carried out.

A few retailers/producers/distributors include:

• Ugarit
• Syriangate
• Kessab Herbs
• Compagnie Generale de Cosmetique

Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:58:03 GMT

Eremostachys laciniata

The first photograph for today''s entry is courtesy of Amir A. from Israel (thank you for another contribution!). The remaining photographs, as well as the write-up, are thanks to UBC Botanical Garden horticulturist Jackie Chambers. Much appreciated once again! Jackie writes:

The upright stems of this perennial can reach 100-150cm high, but the most striking feature has to be the wooly texture - it''s nearly impossible to look at this plant without stroking it. Sometimes called desert spike, Eremostachys laciniata occurs in fields and fallow land throughout Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan.

The plant is well-adapted to life in the eastern Mediterranean - the leaves emerge after the winter rains, the flowers are produced in the spring, and by summer the whole plant has died back to the ground in order to avoid the heat.

The genus name Eremostachys is derived from two Greek words. The first is eremia, meaning "desert". The second is stachys, which literally means "ear of corn", but was a term instead used by the Greeks to describe the inflorescence of a particular group of plants: the genus Stachys (another member of the Lamiaceae). Those of you familiar with the genus Stachys will recognize the woolly texture and hooded flowers, and appreciate the literal Latin name of "desert stachys". The species name is similarly descriptive: laciniata means "slashed or torn into narrow divisions", and refers to the heavily lobed leaves.

The flowers are produced from March to May and are each 3-4 cm long. Flower colour can range anywhere from white to pale yellow, through to a pinky, purple brown. Just like the stems, the calyx is also woolly. The flowers are bilabiate, meaning the corolla is divided into "two lips", a fused upper section of petals and a fused lower section of petals. Flowers are arranged in whorls along the flower spike, and the fruits are four single seeded units per flower, called nutlets. The flower and fruit shape are typical of the mint family.

Eremostachys laciniata is part of an interesting ongoing Israeli research project investigating the use of various native plants as possible cut flower crops. More photos of this attractive plant are available via the Flora of Israel. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:37:27 GMT

Centaurea cyanoides

Thanks one more time to Jackie for sharing a photograph and write-up from her travels to Israel. One last reminder that Jackie is speaking next Monday on Black Irises and Red Tulips - Wildflowers of Israel and Jordan. If I can get organized, I may set Jackie up with the laptop that records presentations and accompanying audio for the web, but no guarantee!

Syrian cornflower is a low growing, annual groundcover native to Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The entire plant may reach 10-25cm in height, and the foliage is smooth and silver in colour.

Although Centaurea cyanoides looks similar to the European cornflower (Centaurea cyanus), the Syrian cornflower is much smaller and is only found in the Middle East. The stunning blue inflorcence is produced in spring and early summer, and is only 2-3 cm wide. See the Flora of Israel website for more photographs of Centaurea cyanoides.

Like other members of the Asteraceae (the aster family), the flower head is actually made up of a cluster of tiny flowers called florets, and they are collectively referred to as an inflorescence. These florets are tubular in shape; the inner florets (called disk florets) are fertile, the larger outer florets (or ray florets) are sterile and showy to attract pollinators. The inflorescence sits in a cup-like structure called an involucre, made up of dark, bristly bracts (modified leaves). Ray florets, disk florets, and bristly toothed bracts are features shared by many Centaurea species. For a closer look at these interesting flower parts, Microscopy UK provides some lovely and extremely detailed photos of another member of this genus, Centaurea jacea. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 04:00:54 GMT

Balanophora fungosa subsp

Four different people are responsible for today''s entry:

• Dr. Kamarudin Mat Salleh aka Prof KMS@Flickr shared the first two photographs taken in Malaysia by Ng Suan Beng of the female inflorescence of Balanophora fungosa subsp. indica var. indica (original 1 | original 2 | BPotD Flickr Group Pool). Dr. Salleh and Ng Suan Beng are part of the title="Rafflesia Research & Monitoring Team">Rafflesia Research & Monitoring Team (also see the rafflesia-in-bloom weblog).
• The third photograph, of a male inflorescence, was received from thtungdl@Flickr and taken in Vietnam (original 3 | BPotD Flickr Group Pool). It has been tentatively identified as Balanophora harlandii by Douglas Justice.
• Douglas is also responsible for the written accompaniment to today''s entry.

Thank you all for contributing!

Balanophora species are among the most unusual of all higher plants that have been featured here on Botany Photo of the Day. The list of novel characteristics for this genus is lengthy. According to Mabberley (The Plant Book, 2nd ed. 1987, Cambridge), these root parasites are known to parasitize at least 74 species in 35 families (one species, the comparatively well known and widely distributed Balanophora fungosa, has at least 25 host species). Above-ground parts are small and distinctly fungus-like, while underground, the plants produce large tuberous growths without any discernable roots. The tubers are the source for a wax-like substance, balanaphorin, which is the food reserve (instead of starch) for the plants. This material is also used for torches in Java.

Some species of Balanophora are dioecious (male and female flowers are produced on separate plants), while others are monoecious (separate male and female flowers borne on the same plant), such as Balanophora fungosa. In general, the inflorescences burst out of the tuberous structures, leaving a collar at ground level around the base of the flower stalk. Flowers are myiophilous (fly-pollinated) according to some authors. The seeds, which are exceptionally tiny (ca. 7 micrograms apiece) are borne without enclosing carpels. Plants in the genus (and the family, Balanophoraceae) are echlorophyllous (have no chlorophyll) and are holoparasitic (entirely parasitic—completely reliant on their hosts for survival). The 15 species in the genus are all native to the Old World Tropics. For the more botanically inclined, the Angiosperm Phylogeny Web Site and the Parasitic Plants Connection include some fascinating tidbits about the family Balanophoraceae and its relationships to other parasitic plants. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:14:37 GMT

Hibiscus clayi

A thank you to frolickauai@Flickr for today''s first-time contribution to Botany Photo of the Day (original | BPotD Flickr Group Pool). Much appreciated! Do investigate frolickauai''s other photographs on Flickr – plenty of plant photographs.

Hibiscus clayi, or Clay''s hibiscus (or Hawaiian red hibiscus), is an extremely rare plant in the wild; as frolickauai notes: “This flower is on one of only four naturally occurring members of Hibiscus clayi in the wild.”. The wild, in this case, is Kaua‘i, Hawaii. Conservation efforts are underway to expand the population beyond the four individuals, and botanical gardens in the area are part of the effort (ref: US Botanical Garden summary). Despite being in a forest reserve, the remaining individuals remain under threat. The profile of Hibiscus clayi on the US Center for Plant Conservation notes that competition with alien plants is the current major problem, although the initial decline was due in large part to cattle grazing (cattle are no longer a threat, though feral pigs are another issue).

The Plants of Hawaii site contains photographs of Hibiscus clayi in cultivation, as well as a resource page about the species. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:43:01 GMT

Phallus impudicus

A thank you to mudman@UBC Botanical Garden Forums for sharing this scan (original thread). Much appreciated!

Common stinkhorn can be found in the temperate forests and rich-soiled gardens of North America and Europe (and, according to Wikipedia, possibly southeast Australia). Of course, this image isn''t of the mature fungus (see: MushroomExpert''s Phallus impudicus for photographs). Instead, this is a cross-section scan of the immature stinkhorn, described succinctly in Wikipedia''s entry on Phallus impudicus:

“Sometimes called the witch''s egg, the immature stinkhorn is whitish and egg-shaped and up to 6 cm (2 in) in diameter. On the outside is a thick whitish volva, also known as the peridium, covering the olive-coloured gelatinous gleba. It is the latter which contains the spores and which later stinks and attracts the flies; within this layer is a green layer which will become the ''head'' of the expanded fruit body; and inside this is a white structure called the receptaculum (the stalk when expanded), which is hard, but with an airy structure like a sponge. The eggs become fully grown stinkhorns very rapidly, over a day or two.”

For those who ask such things, yes, it is edible at this young stage, but it is not commonly eaten.

Lastly, a reminder that if you''re a fan of fungi and lichens, there are two areas of the forums dedicated to these beasties: Fungus and Lichen Appreciation & Discussion and Fungus and Lichen Identification. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:48:16 GMT

Thysanotus tuberosus

The wildflowers of southeastern Australia must be near their peak since David M. aka petrichor@Flickr of Sydney continues to find intriguing plants to share (original via BPotD Flickr Group Pool). Once again, don''t forget to visit David''s weblog, Kipili.com.

Fringed lily or fringe lily is another one of those lily-relative plants that taxonomists have difficulty placing in a particular family. I''ve seen it listed in the Liliaceae (ASGAP), the Asphodelaceae (Plants for a Future Database), the Anthericaceae (New South Wales Flora Online), and, what seems to be currently accepted by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (and a family I don''t think I''ve heard of before), the Laxmanniaceae. One day, perhaps, all of these vexing taxonomic problems will be resolved and a stable portrait will emerge.

The web page by the Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants (ASGAP) suggested above explains the scientific name of the plant: Thysanotus is derived from the Greek thysanotos, meaning fringed; tuberosus is from the Latin tuberculum, or a swelling. The latter name refers to the underground tubers, illustrated on the NSW Flora page linked-to in the second paragraph. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 04:10:25 GMT

Sternbergia lutea

Thank you again to yildizkonca@Flickr of Turkey for sharing with Botany Photo of the Day (original 1 | original 2 | additional image | BPotD Flickr Group Pool). It''s always pleasing to see photographs of a species of Turkey''s famed bulb flora!

Commonly known as winter daffodil, lily of the field, yellow / golden autumn crocus, or sternbergia, these common names are suggestive of the fact that this species is an autumn-blooming bulbous plant related to daffodils (narcissus). Sternbergia lutea is listed by GRIN as having an obscure native range, due to its cultivation as an ornamental throughout the Mediterranean region. It has escaped cultivation and become naturalized elsewhere in the world as well, including southern Australia.

Paghat has written about Sternbergia lutea in her garden, while North Carolina State University provides a factsheet on the species. For an overview of the genus, the Pacific Bulb Society Wiki features photographs and descriptions of seven species of Sternbergia, including the rare, white-flowered Sternbergia candida.

For local readers of BPotD, this species can be seen in UBC Botanical Garden, though I don''t recall noticing it last week when walking near where it is planted in the Winter Garden. Its floral display may be over for the year. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 02:26:15 GMT

Sesamum indicum

Thank you to Nagraj Salian@Flickr from Mumbai, India for sharing today's photograph — here's the original via the BPotD Flickr Group Pool. You might like to view Nagraj's photo sets of flowers or his hiking / trekking trips, by the way. Thanks Nagraj – we're always pleased to have a first-time contributor!

If you haven't guessed from the name of the genus, this is the species responsible for sesame seeds and oil. Cultivated since antiquity, its origin is unknown; GRIN (the Genetic Resources Information Network) suggests a possible origin of Sesamum indicum in India or Africa (the Wikipedia entry goes into more details). Its plant family, the Pedaliaceae, has a similar range, i.e., primarily tropical Old World.

Whenever a spice is featured on BPotD, it's a given that we turn to Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages. Once again, Gernot doesn't disappoint. His detailed page on Sesamum indicum is fascinating, particularly the discussion on hot-pressed oils vs. cold-pressed oils (which I now understand). This transitions into a discussion on how sesame seeds are used for culinary purposes in various cultures.

One property of sesame not touched on by Gernot but mentioned on the GRIN page is allergenic responses to the plant, particularly contact dermatitis. The Botanical Dermatology Database goes into detail: Pedaliaceae @ BoDD (scroll down to Sesamum indicum).

On a final note, I see that Gernot is involved in a museum display on spices. If you're in or near Oldenburg, Germany before the end of this year, do visit the Chiles, Devil's Dung and Saffron exhibition at the Landesmuseum Natur und Mensch Oldenburg. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 21:33:15 GMT

Heliconia stricta (tentative)

Thank you once again to Earl B. of the USA for sharing another one of his photographs, this time from a vacation to Costa Rica. Much appreciated!

If my identification is correct, and it may not be considering there are over a hundred species of Heliconia as well as a number of cultivars, this is Heliconia stricta. Sometimes commonly known as dwarf Jamaican heliconia, it is not native to Jamaica but rather northern and western South America as well as Brazil. Like many Heliconia species, however, it is cultivated as an ornamental throughout the Caribbean.

The family Heliconiaceae belongs to the order Zingiberales, meaning it is related to bananas (Musaceae), true gingers (Zingiberaceae), birds-of-paradise (Strelitziaceae) and cannas (Cannaceae).

To view some of the diversity within the family, visit the Heliconia gallery at Project Amazonas or the Heliconiaceae page at the commercial Montoso Gardens in Puerto Rico (note: this isn't an endorsement of their commercial services). Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:53:38 GMT

Quercus agrifolia

Botany Photo of the Day will have brief written entries on weekends, holidays and my vacations from April through September. – Daniel

Frequent BPotD contributor Eric in SF@Flickr is responsible for today's photograph (original | BPotD Flickr Group Pool). Appreciated as always, Eric.

As noted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's Native Plant Database, Quercus agrifolia is “.... the common oak of the California coast and foothills, forming parklike groves that often appear in the scenery of motion pictures made in Hollywood”. Coast live oak (or California live oak) is native to more than the hills near Hollywood – its range extends from coastal north-central California southwards to Baja California (in other words, the California Floristic Province). Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:52:50 GMT

Pinaropappus roseus

Thanks to David Tarrant are once again in order for today's photograph from Mexico. Appreciated as always, David.

Despite a specific epithet (roseus) that translates to “pink”, the common name often used in the USA for this species is white rocklettuce. Pink dandelion is also sometimes used, as is white dandelion. Curiously, it seems the plants growing in the northern part of its range (south-central USA) tend to have little pink colouration (e.g., these photographs from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center), while those growing in the southern part of its range (central Mexico) are quite pink (e.g., today's photograph and this other photograph from Mexico). Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

August 21, 2007, 5:13 PM CT

Do higher corn prices mean less adherence to ecological principles?

Expectations of higher corn prices are leading some farmers to neglect or ignore integrated pest management strategies, and their behavior could undermine the very technologies that sustain them, University of Illinois scientists report today at the American Chemical Society meeting in Boston.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a set of principles developed to minimize the ecological impacts of pesticides, transgenic crops and other pest management technologies. A primary goal is to slow the emergence of "resistant" insects that have adapted or evolved to evade management strategies that work. Traditional approaches for slowing the development of insect resistance include crop rotation and scouting for pests to determine whether and when to use chemicals to limit damage. Newer strategies include planting non-transgenic corn "refuges" alongside crops of transgenic corn.

(Transgenic corn hybrids, such as Bt corn, are engineered to produce toxins that target specific insect pests. Planting refuges of non-Bt corn near Bt crops slows the development of Bt-resistance in insects.).

The use of corn for biofuels production has pushed corn prices higher this year than they have been for a long time, said Kevin Steffey, a U. of I. Extension specialist in entomology and professor of crop sciences. Steffey is one of three scientists at Illinois to present at the ACS meeting......... Posted by: Jessica      Read more         Source

August 6, 2007, 5:24 PM CT

Can hemp help the everglades?

Within Southern Florida, soil and water conditions indicate potential for leaching from the use of atrazine-based herbicides in corn crops. Researchers from USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and University of Florida conducted studies to evaluate the specific groundwater risk from atrazine use by focusing on a specific cover crop that seems to have the potential to greatly reduce that risk. The crop is called sunn hemp. Its a tall, herbaceous annual that grows rapidly to a height of 6 to 7 feet.

The regions aquifer provides drinkable water for nearly all of the rapidly growing population. Agricultural practices that impair water quality may also stunt a massive project intended to restore the Florida Everglades ecosystem. A number of investigations have shown that cover crops can reduce herbicide leaching; however groundwater quality has not been widely observed and the effectiveness of cover crops on water contamination has not been documented.

The studies revealed that atrazine and some of its products may seep into the groundwater and impair water quality. Climate, cropping patterns, high dilution rates, and high chemical degradation rates limited the contamination levels. Measurements also showed that cover crops significantly reduced contamination in groundwater. The studies focused on sweet corn production and included whether fields with a highly vigorous cover crop would reduce impacts. Sunn hemp planted during uncultivated summer periods was the most focused upon. Crops such as these can be effective in reducing weeds and leaching while enriching soil. Sunn hemp can be grown to prevent soil erosion, as high-protein forage, and in older plants, it can be used to make cloth, twine, and rope......... Posted by: Tyler      Read more         Source

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 20:45:37 GMT

Alpinia zerumbet

Thank you to lorax @ UBC Botanical Garden Forums of Ecuador for submitting today's photograph (original. Much appreciated!

Cal's Plant of the Week featured shell ginger several years ago. Native to eastern Asia, it is one of the species in which the leaves are used in the wrapping of zongzi (Chinese rice dumplings). Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:14:46 GMT

Foeniculum vulgare and Rhagonycha fulva

Ask most people about the various kinds of flower pollinators and the first responses you are likely to get are bees and butterflies. Beetles, however, are also important pollinating organisms. One site uses the figure of beetles contributing to the population of up to 88% of the world's flowering plants (source: Beetle Pollinators via the USDA's Pollinators site), though I haven't been able to find a scientific reference to back up that number (and considering the number of exclusively bee-, butterfly-, moth-, bat-, wind- and water-pollinated plants, I find it a bit hard to believe). Beetle pollination is scientifically known as cantharophily, coincidentally named after the soldier beetle family, Cantharidae, to which the beetle in today's photo belongs.

My observations, later verified upon researching, were that this beetle is an incidental pollinator. In its quest for seeking out small edible insects, the common red soldier beetle (photo in flight | Wikipedia) inserts its head into the diminutive flowers and brushes up against the anthers. Pollen sticks to the head of the beetle and is subsequently transferred to other flowers as it continues its grazing behaviour. In the span of ten minutes, I observed this beetle visiting approximately twenty flowers — quite a pace!

Rhagonycha fulva is often found on members of the Apiaceae, or umbel family, like the plant in today's photograph: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel (previously featured on BPotD here with a link to Gernot Katzer's spice page on fennel). Interestingly, Gernot Katzer notes that it is not only the fruits of fennel that are used in cuisine; the pollen of fennel (aka “Spice of the Angels”) is a small-scale exotic (and expensive) herb crop in Italy and California. If only the beetles could be trained....

Lastly, thank you to both BugGuide and What's That Bug? for enabling me to identify the beetle. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 04:07:19 GMT

Matelea pilosa

Thank you to David Tarrant for today's photograph. It was taken in El Charco del Ingenio in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Thanks again, David!

The genus Matelea contains approximately one hundred and eighty species distributed in subtropical and tropical areas of the Americas. Collectively, these twining vines are known as the milkvines, a common name similar to their cousins the milkweeds (the genus Asclepias). Matelea pilosa is a relatively unknown species (few search engine results, no common name), but the Neotropical Herbarium Specimen database at the Field Museum does have a scanned specimen online. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 04:27:40 GMT

Hesperoyucca whipplei

Botany Photo of the Day will have brief written entries on weekends, holidays and my vacations from April through September. – Daniel

Words of thanks to xpeditions@Flickr for today's photograph contribution (original via BPotD Flickr Group Pool).

Most online references suggest the scientific name of chapparal yucca is Yucca whipplei, but recent DNA studies have reinforced the 1893 recognition by Trelease of Hesperoyucca as a separate genus. The Flora of North America's description of Hesperoyucca provides more information; the FNA entry on Hesperoyucca whipplei describes the species and includes a map of its distribution north of Mexico. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:22:41 GMT

Fuchsia procumbens

A thank you to JPierre of Préaux, France, for sharing today's photograph (submitted via this thread on the UBC BG discussion forums). Merci beaucoup!

Creeping fuchsia is native to the North Island of New Zealand, where it is sparsely distributed and sometimes considered threatened. JPierre originally posted this taxon as Fuchsia procumbens var. kirkii, a name which I'm uncertain was ever scientifically published (Fuchsia kirkii Hook. f., though, was published but is now typically considered a synonym of Fuchsia procumbens). There is a reason for recognizing it as something distinct, though it seems most taxonomists do not feel the distinction warrants separating the species into forms or varieties. Fuchsia procumbens is heterostylous, meaning different morphological forms of the flower exist. In the case of the morph in today's photograph, the flower is short-styled (this is referable to what was once known as Fuchsia kirkii). Two other flower morphs exist, one with a style of intermediate length, and another with a long style that greatly exceeds the stamens in length. Wikipedia has an explanation of the function of heterostyly. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source

June 10, 2007, 7:35 PM CT

Oxygen trick could see organic costs tumble

A simple, cheap treatment using just oxygen could allow growers to store organic produce for longer and go a long way towards reducing the price of organic fruit and vegetables, reports Lisa Richards in Chemistry & Industry, the magazine of the SCI.

Currently UK shoppers have to pay twice as much for some organic products. Organic apples, for example, are around double the price of conventionally grown apples in Sainburys, Waitrose and Tesco.

One of the major contributing factors affecting the price is the short shelf life of organic produce. Conventional produce can be treated with inexpensive chemicals to aid preservation. But these cannot be used for organic produce, as by definition no artificial chemicals are used during processing.

With some organic fruit and veg, there can be large losses [during storage], Claudia Ruane, spokes person for Abel & Cole organic produce retailers told C&I. Ruane explained that although many organic farms do have reasonably sophisticated refrigeration units, there are very expensive and used only for brief storage before collection. These are important and costly but if paying out for these facilities can ensure a whole crop is not rejected by a retailer because it is a little limp or dehydrated, then it is a cost that has to be absorbed, she said......... Posted by: Jessica      Read more         Source

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 23:11:26 GMT

Tulipa 'Queen of Night'

A nod of appreciation to fotrristi@Flickr aka Pygge of Sweden for today's photograph (original | BPotD Flickr Group Pool). Thank you!

I encourage you to read Pygge's comments accompanying her photograph, but if you don't, I should at least pass along the name of the tulips in the background: Tulipa 'Blushing Apeldoorn'.

Interested in black plants? Read Black Plants for Green Thumbs by Dr. Leonard Perry of the University of Vermont Extension Office.

Botany resource link (for Canadians): Pollination Canada is “a new ‘citizen science’ program, that allows the Canadian public to participate in a nationwide survey of pollinators.”. The idea is to monitor insect populations and diversity across Canada, so that declines in numbers or disappearances of species can be flagged and researched. Pollination Canada is a joint venture of Seeds of Diversity Canada and Environment Canada's Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network Coordinating Office. Posted by: Daniel Mosquin      Read more     Source