This entry and (I neglected to mention, but now corrected) the two previous entries were written by Alexis:

Thank you to PietervH@Flickr for sharing this picture of Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata, taken in Newfoundland, Canada.

Corallorhiza, the coral-root orchids, are myco-heterotrophs, vascular plants species that rely on a parasitic relationship with fungi to supply the necessary nutrients to grow. Corallorhiza species have rhizomes instead of roots and even if stems cannot be seen above ground, oftentimes the rhizomes and fungi remain dormant underground. Flowering stems emerge when conditions are favourable (Luer's The Native Orchids of the United States and Canada (1975)).

Corallorhiza maculata is among the most common and variable of the coral-roots. The stem, sepals, and petals of Corallorhiza maculata var. maculata can be anywhere from brownish-purple to yellowish. The name maculata is Latin for "spotted" (contrast with immaculate, i.e., spotless), a reference to the dark purple spots commonly found on the flower's white labellum, which is a modified petal used for attracting pollinators. Varying plant colours sometimes delineate different varieties of the species. As an example, if Corallorhiza maculata var. flavida is recognized as a valid variety (it is not so recognized by the Flora of North America), then it is distinguished by its lemon-yellow appearance and bright white unspotted labellum (Szczawinski's The Orchids of British Columbia (1959)).

Corallorhiza maculata grows best in the decaying humus of coniferous or mixed forests, flowering anywhere from April to September. The range of the species extends across Canada from British Columbia to Newfoundland, south through much of the western USA and northeastern USA, as well as Mexico and Guatemala.

Alexis was the author of today's entry:

Today's photo was taken by James Gaither (J.G. in S.F.@Flickr) at the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley. Thanks, James!

Hyoscyamus niger, better known as henbane, black henbane or stinking nightshade, belongs to the nightshade family. Originally from Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, this species was introduced to North America in the 17th century for ornamental and medicinal purposes. It is now considered a weed in some places, e.g., Nevada (PDF), and has spread throughout much of Canada and the USA.

Henbane is poisonous to people and animals; luckily, many tend to avoid it because it is sticky to the touch and gives off an unpleasant odour. Symptoms of henbane poisoning can include tachycardia, blurred vision, delirium and confusion (Lampe's 1985 AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants). Several recorded cases of people, especially children and youths, consuming henbane have resulted in death or hospitalization (Frohne and Pfander's Poisonous Plants (2005)). Despite its harmful potential, Hyoscyamus niger has been used as a painkiller in folk medicine, and also as a hallucinogen (Allen and Hatfield's Medicinal Plants in Folk Tradition (2004)).

You may recognize this species from Shakespeare's Hamlet, in which King Hamlet is murdered by a distillation of henbane being poured into his ear (see: Kotsias, BA. 2002. Scopolamine and the Murder of King Hamlet . Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 128:847-849).

First of all, sorry to those who commented on the previous entry and had their comments held up due to the spam filter. The discussion used a number of keywords that pharmaceutical product spammers like to use, so the spam filter sent many comments to moderation. I'll keep an eye on additional comments as best I can this weekend.

Alexis wrote today's entry:

Thank you to Safia girl@Flickr from the Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool for sharing today's image. Her photo captures the intriguing dark flowers of Podophyllum pleianthum.

Podophyllum includes over a dozen species, almost all of which are endemic to eastern Asia. Podophyllum pleianthum, sometimes listed as Dysosma pleiantha, is a species native to China and Taiwan. Its large leaves, usually occurring two to a single stem, grow to about 30cm across and shelter the pendulous flowers found underneath the foliage (Flora of Taiwan (1996)). In addition to producing seed, plants also reproduce via underground rhizomes, from which new stems emerge.

Podophyllum hexandrum and Podophyllum peltatum (the sole North American species) contain a chemical compound called podophyllotoxin, which is used to develop etoposide. This anti-cancer agent is used to treat testicular cancer and lung cancer. Podophyllum pleianthum also contains this compound, and therefore may also have potential as an anti-cancer drug (see: Jackson, DE, and Dewick, PM. 1985. Tumour-inhibitory aryltetralin lignans from Podophyllum pleianthum. Phytochemistry. 24(10): 2407-2409).

Today's photographs were taken during the field trip I led last weekend for the Native Plant Society of British Columbia. These were taken directly across the highway from the entrance to Goldpan Provincial Park, though we later saw a better display of plants (with less traffic) along Highway 97C south of Ashcroft.

Alexis wrote the remainder of today's entry. For those of you interested in the program we use to hire the students that help with Botany Photo of the Day with reader donations, there is an article about it featuring Alexis on the UBC web site: Putting Students to Work. I slightly mangled what I shared as a quote -- I should have said the program is a win-win for the Garden and the students... ah well.

Alexis writes:

Asclepias, from the name of the Greek god of medicine Asklepios, is the name for a group of plants known as the milkweeds. Historically, there were numerous uses for species of Asclepias, for the purposes of both medicine and consumption. The latex found in all the plant parts was used for treating cuts, sores, warts, calluses, and ringworms, and was also enjoyed as chewing gum by North American First Nations. Many ailments such as coughs, asthma, indigestion, gonorrhea, and syphilitic sores were treated with milkweed root extracts. The young shoots and roots could be cooked then eaten, and the unopened flower buds acted as a tenderizer when boiled with meat (source: Willard's Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rocky Mountains and Neighbouring Territories (1992)).

Showy milkweed grows in dry open areas, prairies, and rangelands in western to central Canada and the United States. Plants can reach a height of about 1.2m (4ft). Its showy flowers attract both hummingbirds and monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) that feed on the nectar; the larvae of the monarchs also use Asclepias speciosa as a host plant.

The seeds, found inside the pods or follicles of this species, have long silky hairs for wind dispersal. During WWII, these long fibers were collected and used to fill aviation life jackets.

Alexis wrote today's entry:

Monceau@Flickr took this photo of Colletia paradoxa at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, France. Thank you, Monceau!

A genus within Rhamnaceae, Colletia consists of about 17 thorny shrub species that are all native to South America. They are cultivated for ornamental use.

Colletia paradoxa, commonly known as anchor plant, naturally occurs in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Though quite slow growing, the plant is able to reach a total height of 1.8m (6ft) (ref: The Firefly Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs (2001)). Its yellow-white flowers are said to smell like almonds and bloom in September to October. In place of leaves, Colletia paradoxa has triangular flattened stems called cladodes, which both perform photosynthesis and possess spines to discourage herbivory.

The breeding and selection of the 'Rainier' strawberry occurred in the 1960s, with commercial introduction in 1972. This cultivar was developed by Dr. Bruce Barritt (now retired) and C.D. Schwartz of Washington State University--hence the name. That it continues to be commercially grown is a testament to the quality of the fruit produced (it is quite tasty, though nothing surpasses wild strawberries) and cultivation demands of the plants. 'Rainier' is sufficiently disease-resistant for this particular farmer to use an integrated pest management approach. in IPM, synthetic pesticides are only used when necessary, and not necessarily used at all. Instead, other techniques such as preventative cultural practices (e.g., quick removal of diseased plants) or biological controls are used preferentially. This is a bit of a comfort, as strawberries as a crop are typically subject to pesticides.

Botanically speaking, strawberries aren't true berries; a berry is a fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary, like a blueberry. Instead, strawberries are classified as an accessory fruit, where the edible part is not produced by the ovary at all. The fleshy part of the strawberry is actually the swollen receptacle. To make a comparison with raspberries (each an aggregate of drupelets), the receptacle of the raspberry plant is the pulpy, yellowish-white part left behind after the raspberry is picked.

Today's entry was again written by Alexis:

Thank you to Van Swearingen (Van in LA@Flickr) who shares this photo from the Los Angeles County Arboretum via the Photo of the Day Flickr Pool.

The name Calodendrum capense holds no surprises--it comes from the Greek kalos and dendron, meaning "beautiful" and "tree", and the Latin word for "from the Cape". However, its common name Cape chestnut is somewhat misleading because this species is not a true chestnut. Chestnuts belong to Fagaceae, or beech family, while this species is included in Rutaceae, the rue or citrus family. To take it one step more removed from chestnuts, it was actually thought to resemble the horse-chestnut (itself not a true chestnut, but a member of the Sapindaceae or soapberry family). Calodendrum capense is native to the eastern and southern coasts of Africa, from Kenya to South Africa (incuding some of the Cape provinces) where is grows in highland and coastal forests. It favours slightly inland areas near to the coast where the water moderates temperatures but the winds are not too strong.

The flowers have five narrow petals accompanied by ten stamens, only five of which are fertile and produce pollen. What look like petals with dark spots (oil glands) in the photo are actually the remaining five sterile stamens known as staminodes.

Though not a true chestnut or horse-chestnut, Calodendrum capense's fruits do have a resemblance to the bumpy fruits of horse-chestnut. The fruits of Calodendrum capense enclose large black seeds that contain an oil that can be used in soap-making. The seeds are also a food source for some animals, or as in the case of a native swallowtail butterfly, the tree is also a place to breed.

Alexis is the author of today's entry.

Damon Tighe@Flickr took this picture of Ribes californicum or hillside gooseberry at Kennedy Grove East Bay Regional Park in California. Thank you, Damon! Seen here are the bristly berries, foliage, and nodal spines of the plant. Ribes includes around 120-150 shrubs, with 30 species native to California, and is the only genus within the Grossulariaceae. Gooseberries and currants both belong to this genus.

Ribes californicum is a shrub that grows to 1m tall and is endemic to the Californian coast where it grows in woodlands and chapparal below 1000m. Two varieties are recognized: Ribes californicum var. californicum of northern California and Ribes californicum var. hesperium of southern California. The individual pictured is likely of the first variety because the leaves appear hairless; only the southern variety has hairy leaves. In the northern portion of its range, the species likely hybridizes with Ribes menziesii, the canyon gooseberry. Stuart and Sawyer's Trees and Shrubs of California (2001) served as a reference for today's entry.

In my long-standing efforts to assemble enough photographic material to create a presentation on endemic plant species of the Pacific Northwest of North America, I managed to do the "two birds, one stone" thing when I photographed this species yesterday. I hadn't realized that Rafinesque was the author of the name Phemeranthus, so I'll also be able to use the images for my November talk entitled "Constantine Rafinesque: The Controversial Titan of American Natural History".

Mount Savona Provincial Park is purportedly the highest-elevation site in British Columbia known for Phemeranthus sediformis at about 1500m (5000ft), but I note the Flora of North America entry lists Phemeranthus sediformis occurring at 1000-2000m, so perhaps there are higher-elevation sites in neighbouring Washington or I have old information. Fameflower or Okanogan fameflower or Okanogan talinum is known only from southern interior British Columbia (E-Flora BC uses a synonym, Talinum sediforme -- and I note that I could also add these to my presentation on that topic as well) and two counties in Washington. Of particular interest is that all of its known localities were subject to glaciation.

Also of note is that this species was described and first published in 1933 by the German botanist Karl von Poellnitz, apparently from a specimen that was collected in 1851 by John Jeffrey.

Thanks to 3Point141@Flickr for sharing today's photograph of eight different mango cultivars with us.

From the upper left and in clockwise order, the cultivars are: 'Kent', 'Beverly', 'Alphonso', 'Carrie', 'Palmer', 'Valencia Pride', and 'Keitt'. The one in the middle is 'Tommy Atkins'. Additional photographs of mango cultivars are available from Wikimedia Commons, including comparative photographs of some of today's cultivars (and others) with 'Ataulfo', a mango commonly sold in local supermarkets. Given my enjoyment of the mangoes available to me and suspecting that locally-ripened ones might taste even better, it's an ardent desire of mine to one day attend the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden's annual Mango Festival and sample, sample, sample. Unfortunately, no trip planned for me to this year's festival on July 9-10.

Mangoes have been in cultivation for millenia, with India being the world's largest producer (but Pakistan the largest exporter). Along with the article, Wikipedia provides an excellent set of resources for additional reading.

Last in the series on the buttercup family and the last brief entry (for at least a couple weeks):

Clematis occidentalis var. grosseserrata, or western blue virginsbower, is restricted to western North America whereas a second variety, var. occidentalis is only found in eastern North America. A third variety, Clematis occidentalis var. dissecta occurs only in the Wenatchee Mountains and adjacent ranges in Washington state.

These photographs were taken the first time I encountered the species in the wild, sometime in early to mid-June.

Second-last in the series on the Ranunculaceae, but again with a brief entry:

Anemone canadensis, or the Canada anemone, is widespread across much of North America (though I would say it is more prevalent in eastern North America). According to the Flora of North America, Anemone canadensis can be found in "damp thickets, meadows, wet prairies, lake shores, streamsides, clearings, occasionally swampy areas". I think I've encountered it in almost all of those habitats -- in this case, riverside in early June.

Continuing with the series on Ranunculaceae combined with brief entries:

Delphinium distichum, commonly known as meadow larkspur or strict larkspur, is strictly western North American in distribution. This photograph from mid-July was taken among a population of several thousand individuals. It is a species of wet meadows, which ticks also apparently enjoy--this was one of the few places during that trip where I attracted a couple of the parasites.

Continuing the series on the Ranunculaceae, or buttercup family, here is another brief entry:

This photograph of Aconitum columbianum was taken in mid-July in northern Washington. Columbian monkshood or western monkshood is primarily western North American, though disjunct populations occur in New York, Wisconsin and Ohio. Like all aconites, it is quite poisonous.

I'm away this week, so only brief entries with the photographs.

To start a small series on Ranunculaceae, or the buttercup family, I've chosen this native of northern North America, Aquilegia brevistyla or blue columbine. It has a continuous distribution throughout much of Canada and Alaska from Ontario west, but also has disjunct populations occurring in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. This photograph was taken in mid-June in open woods along the roadside near Chetwynd, British Columbia.