Taxonomy and Natural History of Hydnora (Hydnoraceae)

Hydnora is a genus of subterranean holoparasitic herbs found in arid and semiarid regions of Africa, Madagascar, and the southwestern part of the Arabian peninsula. Results from field and herbarium studies suggest the genus consists of four or five species, although more than 12 have been described. The recent rediscovery of H. triceps, a plant that had remained uncollected for a century, supports the need for additional field work. Taxonomic research has been impeded by a paucity of collections, which are often fragmentary in nature and poorly preserved. Supraspecific classification, species complexes, floral biology, and uses are discussed

Interesting, Provocative, and Enigmatic: Morphological Observations on Southeastern Quillworts (\u3ci\u3eIsoetes\u3c/i\u3e Isoetaceae, Lycopodiophyta

The unique morphology of quillworts has received limited attention, and such studies have been limited to only a few species. Our extensive field work during the past two decades has revealed variation in the structures of the plant, including the rhizomorph, scales, phyllopodia, and abscission caps. Polarity of the axes of southeastern quillwort rhizomorphs varies from discoid (most species), to elongate, to upright with axis branching in several species. In species of intermittent streams, these branched rhizomorphs produce plantlets that break off in running water. Scales are tiny brown or black structures in alternating whorls with sporophylls (leaves). They are often overlooked and easily removed when rinsing specimens. Found in most southeastern terrestrial/amphibious species, scales are absent from aquatic species. Scales are distinct from phyllopodia, the sclerified bases of sporophylls, but intermediates between scales and phyllopodia occur. Not all species with scales have phyllopodia. Although scales cannot be used for determination of species, their presence or absence is of taxonomic value. Research on southeastern Isoetes phylogeny could help determine which of the rhizomorph and scale characters are plesiomorphic

Structural Attributes of the Hypogeous Holoparasite Hydnora Triceps Drège & Meyer (Hydnoraceae)

The morphology of the hypogeous root holoparasite Hydnora triceps is highly reduced, and as with many holoparasites, the vegetative body is difficult to interpret. The vegetative body of H. triceps has been historically considered a pilot root studded with lateral appendages known as haustorial roots. We found the vegetative body of H. triceps to consist of a rhizome with a thickened root-cap-like structure that covered a vegetative shoot apical meristem. From the apical meristem, procambial strands originated and developed into endarch collateral vascular bundles arranged radially around a pith without an interfascicular cambium. Xylem vessels had scalariform pitting and simple perforation plates. A continuous periderm without root hairs was observed. Increase in girth was attributed to cork and fascicular cambia. Haustorial roots or bumps on the surface of the vegetative body were exogenous, contained meristems and were the origins of vegetative branching, budding, and haustoria. The haustoria of H. triceps were cylindrical and penetrated the host root stele. Phloem and xylem elements were observed within the endophyte, and direct xylem to host-xylem contacts were observed. The arrangement of vascular tissues and xylem anatomy of H. triceps are likely plesiomorphic features in light of Hydnoraceae\u27s placement in the Piperales

Variation in Establishment Success for American Mistletoe [\u3ci\u3ePhoradendron leucarpum\u3c/i\u3e (Raf.) Reveal & M.C. Johnst. (Viscaceae)] Appears Most Likely to Predict its Distribution in Virginia and North Carolina, United States

Dispersal limitation and variation in habitat suitability may determine an association of American mistletoe [Phoradendron leucarpum (Raf.) Reveal & M.C. Johnst. (Viscaceae)] with forested wetlands in Virginia and North Carolina, United States. Here, we first tested the alternative hypothesis that variation in host availability drives this habitat relationship. We used a generalized linear model to show a positive effect of forested wetland habitat on American mistletoe occurrence after accounting for both variation in host availability and differences among regions in host use. We then used seed sowing experiments to quantify how light availability and flood regime determine the viability of American mistletoe, allowing us to evaluate the potential for establishment limitation to determine this habitat relationship. Light availability predicted establishment rates but % canopy openness did not predict seed germination rates. Thus, variation in the ability for American mistletoe to establish across forested habitat types with different local light availabilities is a potentially important mechanism in determining its distribution

Wildflowers of the Adirondacks

The definitive field guide to the magnificent wildflowers of the Adirondacks. Covering more than six million acres of protected wilderness, the Adirondacks, with their landscape of high peaks, verdant wetlands, majestic trees, and lush carpets of flowers, is a pristine paradise for nature lovers. The only available identification guide to the Adirondack region\u27s wildflowers, this comprehensive resource is packed with more than 300 gorgeous color images, one to represent almost every flower commonly found in this huge range. Revealing the stunning diversity of Adirondack wildflowers, from goldenrod and marsh blue violet to cattails and hellebore … [From the publisher]https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/biology_books/1017/thumbnail.jp

The Quick Guide to Wild Edible Plants Easy to Pick, Easy to Prepare

A recent rise in the popularity of urban farming, farmers’ markets, and foraging from nature means more people are looking for information about plants. In The Quick Guide to Wild Edible Plants, botanists Lytton John Musselman and Harold J. Wiggins coach you on how to safely identify, gather, and prepare delicious dishes from readily available plants―and clearly indicate which ones to avoid. More than 200 color illustrations, accompanied by detailed descriptions, will help you recognize edible plants such as nettles, daylilies, panic grass, and tearthumbs. For decades, Musselman and Wiggins have taught courses on how to prepare local plants, and their field-to-table recipes require only a few easily found ingredients. They offer instructions for making garlic powder out of field garlic and turning acorns into flour for Rappahannock Acorn Cakes. To toast your new skill, they even include recipes for cordials. [From Amazon.com]https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/biology_books/1010/thumbnail.jp

Isoetes toximontana (Isoetaceae), a New Quillwort with Green Megaspores from the Northern Cape of South Africa

Volume: 12Start Page: 504End Page: 50

SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLINGS OF KRAMERIA LANCEOLATA (KRAMERIACEAE)

Volume: 7Start Page: 224End Page: 22

Shorter Notes

Volume: 99Start Page: 333End Page: 33

Parasitic OrobanchaceaeParasitic Mechanisms and Control Strategies /

XVII, 513 p. 79 illus., 45 illus. in color.onlin