2016 Plant Talk 3 Pages 4 – 13 in Botany in a Day (5th ed) Pages 5 – 14 in Botany in a Day (6th ed)



April 13, 2016

Plant Talk 3 Pages 4 – 13 in Botany in a Day (5th ed) Pages 5 – 14 in Botany in a Day (6th ed)

Greetings plant enthusiasts!

What’s Blooming

Things i have noticed blooming recently around Asheville, NC include Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium), a Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobodolon?) Honesty (Lunaria spp.), and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata). Now down in the Piedmont around Chapel hill, NC the Black Locusts (Robinia pseudoacacia) and Cross Vine (Bignonia capreolata) are going of and the Tulip Magnolias (Liriodendron tulipifera) are starting to bloom as well. How about you?

What’s Ready to Eat

The last two species above from the Brassicaceae are invasive and potentially edible. Native favorite foods Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are up and Morels (Morchella spp.) are out. Ramps in particular often lead me to think about ethical foraging. i just came across a great article that addresses this concern. It is important to realize both Ramps and Morels have potentially poisonous lookalikes. The intoduced Eurasian nettles are around as well (Urtica dioica). One popular phrase Frank Cook has been know to say is "Eat Something Wild Every Day" What's available for you to live into a saying such as this?

A photo album that corresponds to this time of year can be seen at the following link

Botany in a Day Pages 4-13

The evolution of plants covered in the next few pages can verge from fascinating to overwhelming. Can anybody really conceive of what 300 million years looks like? Yet we are burning in 300 years petrochemical products that were generated millions of years ago by the deposition of ancient huge Horsetails (Equisetum spp.), Ferns, and Wolfpaws (Lycopodium spp). 300 million and 300 share the same denomination yet the order of magnitude difference is almost beyond human comprehension.

One potentially important lesson is that some plant groups have significantly more history, tenacity and adaptive ability on this earth than others. We are in the midst of the 6th great extinction that has been witnessed by the earth in this current era we are living in that some people term the anthropocene. Elizabeth Kolbert (2014) has written a fascinating book regarding this concept. The vast majority of everything that has ever lived has already perished. The last great extinction happened 65 million years ago when a big meteor hit the Yucatan peninsula. We have a lot to learn from some of the ancient beings that have survived so much.

After the botany overview in the text most people tend to skip over the single celled plants, lichens, ancient non vascular spore plants (Mosses, Hornworts and Liverworts) and vascular spore plants (Horsetails, Club Moss, Ferns). If anyone is interested in going deeper with Lichens, Mosses, Liverworts or Hornworts please tell me and i will get you in touch with good friend and teacher Luke Cannon and/or continue the conversation one on one. Paleobotany is a fascinating science that looks into the lineage of these plants and the evolution of others (Stewart & Rothwell, 2010; Taylor, Taylor, Krings, & Taylor, 2009).

Ferns

Ferns tend to intimidate folks for some reason. Relatively few ferns live in any given area of the temperate world. Only 36 genera live in North America total (Cook, 2007). Some species such as Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) live all over the world. A couple small pocket references can unlock most of the ferns of the east (Evans, 2005; Hallowell, 2001). A couple other references will allow a more complete conception of Fern diversity in general (Cobb, 2005; Lellinger, 1985). i have found at least one good resource for Costa Rican/Panamanian and by extension Central American ferns as well in my research (Lellinger, 1989). Fern taxonomy like several other botanical categories has undergone quite a reformation in recent years  (Kato, 1993; A. R. Smith et al., 2006). Only a few ferns in general are safe for consumption and traditionally eaten and even some of those are in question. The Yahoo Forage Ahead group has exhaustive information on this topic as well as many things wild edible. Ostrich ferns (Matteuccia struthiopteris) which only naturally grow in the Northeast, Midwest and Canada/Alaska, seems to be the most prime. Bracken fern mentioned above has been eaten all over the world but has been known for decades to potentially cause cancer (Fenwick, 1989; Pamukcu, Yalçiner, Hatcher, & Bryan, 1980; B. L. Smith et al., 1994). This effect may even extend to the consumption of milk from cows that have grazed on Brackens. However, there is some question if part of this effect is immunosuppression versus the pure carcinogenic nature or various compounds (Latorre et al., 2009). Ferns also have an enzyme called thiaminase that breaks down vitamin B12 and therefore should always be cooked in order to deactivate this antinutrient. According to a conversation I had with Frank Cook, he took note of much fern eating by people in New Zealand in particular and fern eating is popular in Japan as well.

Conifers

Conifers represent a very accessible group to approach. Only around 630 total species have been described in the whole world (Groombridge & Jenkins, 2002, p. 236). However, breeders have developed many varieties with dramatic results in increased diversity. Most places in the temperate world have less than ten species of native conifers. Landscape varieties are often easy to identify to genus, though to species can be difficult. A number of great references exist to help with teasing apart the many conifer types (Eckenwalder, 2009; Farjon, 2008, 2010). Conifers are much older than flowering plants. Their range has also been much diminished from a former wider distribution. They tend to live in harsher conditions than the flowering trees as well. Only a few families represent the range of conifer diversity including the Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Taxaceae, and interestingly the monotypic Gingkoaceae. The first two have the lion’s share of the species.

Flowering Plants

The flowering plants are relatively young compared to the other plant groups. Yet as can be seen on page 13/14 of Botany in a Day they contain the vast majority of species now growing on the planet (Elpel, 2004/2013). Therefore, they will be the main focus of our studies this year.

Elpel points out a couple other very useful resources for this exploration of the plant world Wildflowers of North America by Frank Venning (1984) and  Plant Identification Terminology by James G. Harris (2001). Consider purchasing these books as well if you are able. Learning terminology is an incremental process. Flash cards help some. A number of good online resources exist with card sets already made and the ability to generate others. Quizlet is a favorite i have explored so far and mentioned last class as well http://quizlet.com/subject/botany/.  Ultimately, some form of repetition will be necessary to cement certain words into your vocabulary. One bonus is that by learning many of these words you may better understand the roots of romance languages. You can thereby learn Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese easier and may do better on the GRE as well if that is of interest. See the resources section for a list of other electronic resources that may be available for further study.

On page 12/13 one can see a way to conceptualize how plants fit into the greater classification of other biological organisms. The use of domains has overtaken kingdoms as the ultimate level of classification. The main point of this for me is how humbling it is to be a small part of one domain while seeing that organisms we commonly lump together as microbes have two whole domains to themselves.

For the next class we will cover the pages 14-24(5th ed) 15-22(6th ed.) which describe the two major classes of flowering plants and patterns of seven major plant families of the world.

Below are items to think about/comment on. Please write me directly at marc@botanyeveryday.com or leave information in the commentary under this class.

Take a notebook with you and record what distinguishes the blooming plants you see from each other.

Take the quiz on page 24 (5th ed.) This is omitted in the 6th ed.

Check out one of the websites i mentioned in the introduction to this class and pick up an interesting fact or two. Share them with us!

Most people in the world get the vast majority of their food from around 30 plants. An indigenous culture may easily make use of over 150 species of plants for food throughout the year. How many different plants do you consume annually?

Please let me know your thoughts in general and anyway i can help this class serve you best.

Conclusion

Praises to all that have donated to the cause. i encourage everyone to donate as they are able. Your contributions greatly help me continue this crucial work of ethnobotanical research and education.

Thanks, marc

Literature Cited

Cobb, B. L. (2005). A Field Guide to Ferns and Their Related Families: Northeastern and Central North America / Farnsworth, Elizabeth. The Peterson field guide series;. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

Eckenwalder, J. E. (2009). Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.

Elpel, T. J. (2004). Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification (5th ed.). Pony, MT: HOPS Press.

Elpel, T. (2013). Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification. Pony, MT: HOPS Press, LLC.

Evans, A. M. (2005). Ferns & Fern Allies of the Smokies. Gatlinburg, Tenn.: Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Farjon, A. (2008). A natural history of conifers. Portland, Or.: Timber Press.

Farjon, A. (2010). A handbook of the world’s conifers. Leiden; Boston: Brill.

Groombridge, B., & Jenkins, M. (2002). World Atlas of Biodiversity: Earth’s Living Resources Inthe 21st Century. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.

Hallowell, A. C. (2001). Fern Finder: A Guide to Native Ferns of Central and Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada. Rochester, NY: Nature Study Guild Publihers.

Harris, J., & Harris, M. (2001). Plant Identification Terminology (2nd ed.). Spring Lake, Utah: Spring Lake Publishing.

Kato, M. (1993). Biogeography of Ferns: Dispersal and Vicariance. Journal of Biogeography, 20(3), 265–274.

Eckenwalder, J. E. (2009). Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.

Farjon, A. (2008). A natural history of conifers. Portland, Or.: Timber Press.

Farjon, A. (2010). A handbook of the world’s conifers. Leiden; Boston: Brill.

Fenwick, G. R. (1989). Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)—toxic effects and toxic constituents. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 46(2), 147–173. http://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.2740460204

Kato, M. (1993). Biogeography of Ferns: Dispersal and Vicariance. Journal of Biogeography, 20(3), 265–274.

Latorre, A. O., Furlan, M. S., Sakai, M., Fukumasu, H., Hueza, I. M., Haraguchi, M., & Górniak, S. L. (2009). Immunomodulatory effects of Pteridium aquilinum on natural killer cell activity and select aspects of the cellular immune response of mice. Journal of Immunotoxicology, 6(2), 104–114. http://doi.org/10.1080/15476910902972465

Pamukcu, A. M., Yalçiner, Ş., Hatcher, J. F., & Bryan, G. T. (1980). Quercetin, a Rat Intestinal and Bladder Carcinogen Present in Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum). Cancer Research, 40(10), 3468–3472.

Smith, A. R., Pryer, K. M., Schuettpelz, E., Korall, P., Schneider, H., & Wolf, P. G. (2006). A Classification for Extant Ferns. Taxon, 55(3), 705. http://doi.org/10.2307/25065646

Smith, B. L., Seawright, A. A., Ng, J. C., Hertle, A. T., Thomson, J. A., & Bostock, P. D. (1994). Concentration of ptaquiloside, a major carcinogen in bracken fern (Pteridium spp.), from eastern australia and from a cultivated worldwide collection held in Sydney, Australia. Natural Toxins, 2(6), 347–353. http://doi.org/10.1002/nt.2620020602

Stewart, W. N., & Rothwell, G. W. (2010). Paleobotany and the Evolution of Plants (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Taylor, T. N., Taylor, E. L., Krings, M., & Taylor, T. N. (2009). Paleobotany: the biology and evolution of fossil plants. Amsterdam; Boston: Academic Press.

Lellinger, D. B. (1985). A Field Manual of the Ferns & Fern-Allies of the United States & Canada. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press.

Lellinger, D. B. (1989). The Ferns and Fern-Allies of Costa Rica, Panama, and the Chocó. Washington, D.C.: American Fern Society.Eckenwalder, J. E. (2009). Conifers of the world: the complete reference. Portland: Timber Press.

Farjon, A. (2008). A natural history of conifers. Portland, Or.: Timber Press.

Farjon, A. (2010). A handbook of the world’s conifers. Leiden; Boston: Brill.

Fenwick, G. R. (1989). Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum)—toxic effects and toxic constituents. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 46(2), 147–173. http://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.2740460204

Kato, M. (1993). Biogeography of Ferns: Dispersal and Vicariance. Journal of Biogeography, 20(3), 265–274.

Latorre, A. O., Furlan, M. S., Sakai, M., Fukumasu, H., Hueza, I. M., Haraguchi, M., & Górniak, S. L. (2009). Immunomodulatory effects of Pteridium aquilinum on natural killer cell activity and select aspects of the cellular immune response of mice. Journal of Immunotoxicology, 6(2), 104–114. http://doi.org/10.1080/15476910902972465

Pamukcu, A. M., Yalçiner, Ş., Hatcher, J. F., & Bryan, G. T. (1980). Quercetin, a Rat Intestinal and Bladder Carcinogen Present in Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum). Cancer Research, 40(10), 3468–3472.

Smith, A. R., Pryer, K. M., Schuettpelz, E., Korall, P., Schneider, H., & Wolf, P. G. (2006). A Classification for Extant Ferns. Taxon, 55(3), 705. http://doi.org/10.2307/25065646

Smith, B. L., Seawright, A. A., Ng, J. C., Hertle, A. T., Thomson, J. A., & Bostock, P. D. (1994). Concentration of ptaquiloside, a major carcinogen in bracken fern (Pteridium spp.), from eastern australia and from a cultivated worldwide collection held in Sydney, Australia. Natural Toxins, 2(6), 347–353. http://doi.org/10.1002/nt.2620020602

Stewart, W. N., & Rothwell, G. W. (2010). Paleobotany and the Evolution of Plants (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Taylor, T. N., Taylor, E. L., Krings, M., & Taylor, T. N. (2009). Paleobotany: the biology and evolution of fossil plants. Amsterdam; Boston: Academic Press.

Stewart, W. N., & Rothwell, G. W. (2010). Paleobotany and the Evolution of Plants (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Taylor, T. N., Taylor, E. L., Krings, M., & Taylor, T. N. (2009). Paleobotany: the biology and evolution of fossil plants. Amsterdam; Boston: Academic Press.

Venning, F. D. (1984). Wildflowers of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. The Golden field guide series. New York: Golden Press.

 

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