WikiBotanicals - New pages [en]

Pine Cones

WikiSysop — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:45:56 GMT

Summary: New page: {{Template:Planttype right column 02 | | image01=[[Image:AcLasVegas055.jpg |275px|thumb|Pine Cones from Las Vegas]] | image02=[[Image:ObPhotoNeeded03.jpg |275px|thumb|Available]] | image0...

{{Template:Planttype right column 02
|
| image01=[[Image:AcLasVegas055.jpg |275px|thumb|Pine Cones from Las Vegas]]
| image02=[[Image:ObPhotoNeeded03.jpg |275px|thumb|Available]]
| image03=[[Image:ObPhotoNeeded03.jpg |275px|thumb|Available]]
| Kingdom=???
| Subkingdom=???
| Superdivision=???
| Division=???
| Subdivision=
| Class=???
| Subclass=???
| Order=???
| Family=???
| Genus=???
| priceguide=[[Acorn#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

Heliconia vellerigera

James — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:52:32 GMT

Summary: New page: The '''Heliconia vellerigera''', also called the "She Kong" is a furry, exotic Heliconia.

The '''Heliconia vellerigera''', also called the "She Kong" is a furry, exotic Heliconia.

Fir tree

James — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 21:06:02 GMT

Summary: New page: {{Template:Planttype right column 02 | | image01=[[Image:Fir27966510659f4502be.jpg |175px|Fir tree]] | image02=[[Image:Fir35912085931d71536e4b.jpg |175px|Fir tree]] | image03=[[Image:Fir4...

{{Template:Planttype right column 02
|
| image01=[[Image:Fir27966510659f4502be.jpg |175px|Fir tree]]
| image02=[[Image:Fir35912085931d71536e4b.jpg |175px|Fir tree]]
| image03=[[Image:Fir414150621469b53a91.jpg |175px|Fir tree]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=
| Superdivision=
| Division=[[Pinophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=[[Pinopsida]]
| Subclass=
| Order=[[Pinales]]
| Family=[[Pinaceae]]
| Genus= Abies
| priceguide=[[Fir tree#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

African daisies

James — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:26:33 GMT

Summary: New page: {{Template:Planttype right column 04 | | image01=[[Image:Afr4885566130ce5552b.jpg|175px|African daisies]] | image02=[[Image:Afr4665148928a6e195e0.jpg|175px| African daisies]] | image03=[[...

{{Template:Planttype right column 04
|
| image01=[[Image:Afr4885566130ce5552b.jpg|175px|African daisies]]
| image02=[[Image:Afr4665148928a6e195e0.jpg|175px| African daisies]]
| image03=[[Image:Afr4664526647e25608f5.jpg|175px| African daisies]]
| image04=[[Image:Afr546898651cdbcbdc.jpg|175px| African daisies]]
| image05=[[Image:Afr7090332b61e49dd1.jpg |175px| African daisies]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=[[Angiosperms]]
| Superdivision=[[Spermatophyta]]
| Division=[[Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=[[Magnoliopsida]]
| Subclass=
| Order=[[Asterales]]
| Family=[[Asteraceae]]
| Genus=[[Dimorphotheca]]
| Species=
| priceguide=[[African daisies#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

Heuchera

James — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:27:15 GMT

Summary: New page: {{Template:Planttype right column 01 | | image01=[[Image:Heu2534017ee834f1.jpg|175px|Heuchera]] | image02=[[Image:Heu1553e9dc6e6219o.jpg |175px]] | Kingdom=[[Plantae]] | Subkingdom=[[Angi...

{{Template:Planttype right column 01
|
| image01=[[Image:Heu2534017ee834f1.jpg|175px|Heuchera]]
| image02=[[Image:Heu1553e9dc6e6219o.jpg |175px]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=[[Angiosperms]]
| Superdivision=
| Division=
| Subdivision=
| Class=
| Subclass=
| Order=[[Saxifragales]]
| Family=[[Saxifragaceae]]
| Genus=[[Heuchera L.]]
| priceguide=[[Heuchera#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

Tulipa linifolia

James — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:01:56 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Planttype right column 01
|
| image01=[[Image:Lini210233084752f2d5z.jpg|175px|Tulipa linifolia]]
| image02=[[Image:Lini292bd3f63c21z.jpg|175px|Tulipa linifolia]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=[[Tracheobionta]]
| Superdivision=
| Division=[[Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=
| Subclass=
| Order=
| Family=
| Genus=
| priceguide=[[Tulipa linifolia#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

Fouquieria splendens

James — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 22:13:18 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Planttype right column 02
|
| image01=[[Image:Ocotillo GB94658867.jpg|175px|Ocotillo]]
| image02=[[Image:Oct72653209e7226f825o.jpg|175px|Ocotillo Blossom Macro]]
| image03=[[image:240343115c70198b.jpg|175px|Ocotillo Bloom CU]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=[[Tracheobionta]]
| Superdivision=[[Spermatophyta]]
| Division=[[Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=[[Magnoliopsida]]
| Subclass=[[Asteridae]]
| Order=[[Solanales]]
| Family=[[Fouquieriaceae]]
| Genus= Ocotillo
| priceguide=[[Heliconia Rostrata#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

'''Fouquieria splendens''' Engelm. is a curious and unique [[wikipedia:desert|desert]] [[plant]] of the [[wikipedia:southwestern United States|southwestern United States]] and northern [[wikipedia: Mexico|Mexico]]. Common names include '''ocotillo''', '''desert coral''', '''coachwhip''', '''Jacob's staff''', and '''vine cactus''', although it is not a [[wikipedia:cactaceae|true cactus]]. For much of the year, the plant appears to be an arrangement of large spiny dead sticks, although closer examination reveals that the [[wikipedia:Plant stem|stems]] are partly green. With rainfall the plant quickly becomes lush with small (2-4 cm) ovate [[wikipedia:Leaf|leaves]], which may remain for weeks or even months.

Individual stems may reach a diameter of 5 cm at the base, and the plant may grow to a height of 10 m. The plant branches very heavily at its base, but above that the branches are pole-like and only infrequently divide further, and specimens in cultivation may not exhibit any secondary branches. The leaf stalks harden into blunt spines, and new leaves sprout from the base of the spine.

The bright crimson [[flower]]s appear especially after rainfall in spring, summer, and occasionally fall. Flowers are clustered indeterminantly at the tips of each mature stem. Individual flowers are mildly zygomorphic and are [[wikipedia:pollination|pollinated]] by [[wikipedia:hummingbird|hummingbird]]s and native [[wikipedia:carpenter bee|carpenter bee]]s.

==Characteristics==
* Duration: Perennial
* Growth Habit: Shrub
* Native Status: L48 (N)
* Active Growth Period: Spring and Fall
* Growth Rate: Rapid
* Height, Mature (feet): 10.0

==Cultivation==
Planting ocotillo can be done the year around with care. Ideall ocotillo plants have been grown from stem cuttings or from seed. Transplanting large bare-root plants has marginal success. They should be planted to the original growing depth and, as with cacti, in their original directional orientation. The original south side of the plant, which has become more heat and sunlight-resistant, should again face the brighter, hotter southern direction. If their direction is not marked, success is again limited.

Ocotillo plants prefer well drained sandy or gravely [[wikipedia:loam|loam]] soils with light to moderate amounts of organic content. For caliche subsoil, break a hole through it so the plant has adequate drainage.

Sunny, open, unrestricted locations and those where surface water does not collect are ideal for ocotillo.

To help prevent a newly transplanted ocotillo from falling over or blowing down in a storm, large stones may be placed over the root area instead of staking, which often scars the stems. Leave two to four inches space around the trunk. Some degree of growth set-back is to be expected. Properly transplanted, however, this native plant will reestablish itself fairly quickly.

Transplanted ocotillo plants require irrigation to become established, but once established, they can survive on 8 inches of rainfall per year.

A well-balanced fertilizer at half strength will help ocotillo to grow faster. This will usually stimulate plant growth and vigor. However, do not apply fertilizer to newly transplanted plants. When using any fertilizer, apply it evenly to the soil surface over the rooting area and water well into the soil. Do not risk overfertilizing; this plant is adapted to harsh conditions without added fertilizer.

State plant protection laws are enforced; contact the state Department of Agriculture for specific regulations, restrictions, permits, penalties, etc. before digging and moving any cacti, agaves, ocotillos, yuccas, or other protected species. Purchased plants should be from a reputable source.

==Display==
The first time I encountered the ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), it was in a grouping of specimens, three rows of six each. The horticulturists at the University of Nevada Las Vegas had planted them in a rectangular section adjoining the walkway that lead to my office spaces. The specimens were part of the extensive xeriscaping used at the University. Each specimen had four or five “canes,” or elongated stems, that reached upwards to eight or ten feet.

During that first encounter, I was struck by the alien appearance of these plants, which are native to our southwestern deserts. They are a marvel of evolutionary adaptation to a harsh environment. If the Martian rovers had stumbled on any plant life, the ocotillo would have met my preconceived notion of life on the red planet. Each cane is greenish-black in color, and thick with thorns from top to bottom. Tiny ovate leaves sprout, after a good rain, interlacing themselves with the thorns. Small, tubular shaped red flowers sprout at the top of the cane. This plant is worth seeking out and examining closely. Photographs do not do it justice. And, if you are a collector of oddities, by all means cultivate one or more of these in your garden, as conversational pieces.

The stems may reach a diameter of 5 cm at the base, and the plant may grow to a height of 10 m. The plant branches very heavily at its base, but above that the branches are pole-like and only infrequently divide further, and specimens in cultivation may not exhibit any secondary branches. The leaf stalks harden into blunt spines, and new leaves sprout from the base of the spine. The bright red flowers appear in spring and summer. They are pollinated by hummingbirds or carpenter bees.

Ocotillo poles are a common fencing material in their native region, and often take root to form a living fence. Owing to light weight and an interesting pattern, these have been used for canes or walking sticks.

Three subspecies are accepted by some botanists:

* Fouquieria splendens subsp. splendens
* Fouquieria splendens subsp. breviflora Henrickson
* Fouquieria splendens subsp. campanulata (Nash) Henrickson

==Price Guide==
Individual stems, if planted, will grow new plants, and many a corral and fence has been made this way. A bag of seeds, ten or more , are typically sold for around five dollars.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
* [http://www.plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=FOSP2 Natural Resources Conservation Service]

[[Category:Desert Flora]]

Kantuta

James — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:14:00 GMT

Summary: New page: {{Template:Planttype right column 01 | | image01=[[Image:Kantutas Cuzco0646773.jpg|175px]] | image02=[[Image:Kat7384549 73cf126455 b.jpg|175px|Kantuta]] | Kingdom=[[Plantae]] | Subkingdom...

{{Template:Planttype right column 01
|
| image01=[[Image:Kantutas Cuzco0646773.jpg|175px]]
| image02=[[Image:Kat7384549 73cf126455 b.jpg|175px|Kantuta]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=
| Superdivision=
| Division=[[Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class= [[Magnoliopsida]]
| Subclass=
| Order=[[Ericales]]
| Family=[[Polemoniaceae]]
| Genus=[[Cantua]]
| priceguide=[[Kantuta#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

Heliconia

James — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:42:08 GMT

Summary: New page: [[image:Heliconia_latispatha_(Starwiz).jpg|350px|thumb| ''[[Heliconia latispatha]]'' [[inflorescence]]s]] '''''Heliconia''''' is a [[wikipedia:genus|genus]] of about 100 to 200 [[wikipedia...

[[image:Heliconia_latispatha_(Starwiz).jpg|350px|thumb| ''[[Heliconia latispatha]]'' [[inflorescence]]s]]
'''''Heliconia''''' is a [[wikipedia:genus|genus]] of about 100 to 200 [[wikipedia:species|species]] of [[flowering plant]]s native to the tropical [[wikipedia:Americas|Americas]] and the [[wikipedia:Pacific Ocean|Pacific Ocean]] islands west to [[wikipedia:Indonesia|Indonesia]]. Common names for the genus include '''lobster-claws''', '''wild plantains''' or '''false bird-of-paradise'''. The last term refers to their close similarity to the bird-of-paradise flowers (''[[wikipedia:Strelitzia|Strelitzia]]''). Collectively, these plants are also simply referred to as '''heliconias'''.

==Specifications==
* Kingdom: Plantae
* Division: Magnoliophyta
* (unranked): Monocots
* (unranked): Commelinids
* Order: Zingiberales
* Family: Heliconiaceae
* Genus: Heliconia

==Background==
It is the sole genus of the [[wikipedia:family (biology)|family]] '''Heliconiaceae''', but was formerly included in the family [[Musaceae]]. The [[wikipedia:APG system|APG system]] of 1998, and its successor, the [[wikipedia:APG II system|APG II system]] of 2003, confirms the Heliconiaceae as distinct and places them in the [[wikipedia:order (biology)|order]] [[Zingiberales]], in the [[wikipedia:commelinids|commelinid]] [[wikipedia:clade|clade]] of [[wikipedia:monocots|monocots]].

The [[Leaf|leaves]] of these plants are 15-300 cm long, oblong, growing opposite one another on non-woody petioles often longer than the leaf, often forming large clumps with age. Their [[flower]]s are produced on long, erect or drooping [[panicle]]s, and consist of brightly colored waxy bracts, with small true flowers peeping out from the bracts. The growth habit of heliconias is similar to ''[[Canna]]'', ''Strelitzia'', and [[wikipedia:banana|banana]]s, to which they are related.

==Uses and ecology==
[[image:Heliconia psittacorum.jpg|150px|thumb|[[Parrot Heliconia]], ''[[Heliconia psittacorum]]'']]
Heliconias are grown for the florist's trade and as landscape plants. The flower of ''[[Heliconia psittacorum|H. psittacorum]]'' ([[Parrot Heliconia]]) is especially distinctive, its greenish-yellow flowers with black spots and red [[bract]]s reminding of the bright [[wikipedia:plumage|plumage]] of [[wikipedia:parrot|parrot]]s.

Several [[cultivar]]s and [[wikipedia:Hybrid (biology)|hybrids]] have been selected for garden planting, including:
* ''H. psittacorum'' × ''H. spathocircinata'', both species of [[wikipedia:South America|South America]], mainly [[wikipedia:Brazil|Brazil]]
* ''H. × rauliniana'' = ''H. marginata'' ([[wikipedia:Venezuela|Venezuela]]) × ''H. bihai'' ([[wikipedia:Brazil|Brazil]])
* ''H. chartacea'' cv. 'Sexy Pink'

Heliconias are an important food source for forest [[wikipedia:hummingbird|hummingbird]]s, especially the [[wikipedia:hermit (hummingbird)|hermits]] (Phathornithinae), some of which – such as the [[wikipedia:Rufous-breasted Hermit|Rufous-breasted Hermit]] (''Glaucis hirsuta'') – also use the plant for nesting. The [[wikipedia:Honduran White Bat|Honduran White Bat]] (''Ectophylla alba'') also lives in tents it makes from heliconia leaves.

==Selected species==
[[image:HHeliconia.JPG|right|thumb|''[[Heliconia mariae]]'' [[inflorescence]]]]
[[image:Heliconia pendula1.jpg|right|thumb|''[[Heliconia pendula]]'' inflorescence]]
[[image:Heliconia vellerigera1.jpg|right|thumb|Closeup of ''[[Heliconia vellerigera]]'' inflorescence]]

* ''[[Heliconia acuminata]]''
* ''[[Heliconia aemygdiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia angusta]]''
* ''[[Heliconia angustifolia]]''
* ''[[Heliconia aurantiaca]]''
* ''[[Heliconia aurea]]''
* ''[[Heliconia berryi]]''
* ''[[Heliconia bicolor]]''
* ''[[Heliconia bihai]]'' – [[Balisier]], Bijao, Red Palulu
* ''[[Heliconia bourgaeana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia brasiliensis]]''
* ''[[Heliconia brenneri]]''
* ''[[Heliconia burle-marxii]]''
* ''[[Heliconia caltheaphylla]]''
* ''[[Heliconia caribaea]]''
* ''[[Heliconia champneiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia chartacea]]''
* ''[[Heliconia collinsiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia curtispatha]]''
* ''[[Heliconia episcopalis]]''
* ''[[Heliconia excelsa]]''
* ''[[Heliconia farinosa]]''
* ''[[Heliconia flabellata]]''
* ''[[Heliconia fredberryana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia gaiboriana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia hirsuta]]''
* ''[[Heliconia humilis]]''
* ''[[Heliconia indica]]''
* ''[[Heliconia julianii]]''
* ''[[Heliconia juruana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia latispatha]]''
* ''[[Heliconia lennartiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia lingulata]]''
* ''[[Heliconia litana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia lutheri]]''
* ''[[Heliconia magnifica]]''
* ''[[Heliconia marginata]]''
* ''[[Heliconia mariae]]''
* ''[[Heliconia markiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia marthiasiae]]''
* ''[[Heliconia metallica]]''
* ''[[Heliconia monteverdensis]]''
* ''[[Heliconia mutisiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia nutans]]''
* ''[[Heliconia obscura]]''
* ''[[Heliconia ortotricha]]''
* ''[[Heliconia pearcei]]''
* ''[[Heliconia paka]]''
* ''[[Heliconia paludigena]]''
* ''[[Heliconia pardoi]]''
* ''[[Heliconia peckenpaughii]]''
* ''[[Heliconia pendula]]''
* ''[[Heliconia peteriana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia platystachys]]''
* ''[[Heliconia pogonantha]]''
* ''[[Heliconia pseudoaemygdiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia psittacorum]]'' – [[Parrot Heliconia]]
* ''[[Heliconia ramonensis]]''
* ''[[Heliconia × rauliniana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia revoluta]]''
* ''[[Heliconia richardiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia riopalenquensis]]''
* ''[[Heliconia rostrata]]''
* ''[[Heliconia schiedeana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia sclerotricha]]''
* ''[[Heliconia shumanniana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia spathocircinata]]''
* ''[[Heliconia spissa]]''
* ''[[Heliconia standleyi]]''
* ''[[Heliconia stricta]]''
* ''[[Heliconia subulata]]''
* ''[[Heliconia tortuosa]]''
* ''[[Heliconia vaginalis]]''
* ''[[Heliconia vellerigera]]''
* ''[[Heliconia velloziana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia velutina]]''
* ''[[Heliconia virginalis]]''
* ''[[Heliconia wagneriana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia willisiana]]''
* ''[[Heliconia xanthovillosa]]''
* ''[[Heliconia zebrina]]''

==See also==
*[[wikipedia:National Tropical Botanical Garden|National Tropical Botanical Garden]], designated a conservation center by the Heliconia Society International

==External links==
* [http://fm2.fieldmuseum.org/plantguides/guide_pdfs/174%20Peru%20Heliconias%20v1.1.pdf Heliconias of Peru] (pdf file with scientific name and photos) in [[wikipedia:Spanish (language)|Spanish]]
* [http://delta-intkey.com/angio/www/Heliconi.htm Heliconiaceae] in L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz (1992 onwards). ''[http://delta-intkey.com/angio/ The families of flowering plants]: descriptions, illustrations, identification, information retrieval.'' Version: 27 April 2006. http://delta-intkey.com.
* [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1200&taxon_id=20600 ''Monocot families'' (USDA)]
* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?mode=Tree&id=4652&lvl=3&lin=f&keep=1&srchmode=1&unlock NCBI Taxonomy Browser]
* [http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/cgi/gateway_family?fam=Heliconiaceae links at CSDL]

[[Category:Heliconia| ]]
[[Category:Zingiberales genera]]
[[Category:Domesticated plants]]

Heliconia bihai

James — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:56:54 GMT

Summary: New page: '''''Heliconia bihai''''' of the [[Heliconiaceae]] family is an erect [[herb]] typically growing taller than 1.5 m. It is native to [[wikipedia:South America|South America]], specially [[...

'''''Heliconia bihai''''' of the [[Heliconiaceae]] family is an erect [[herb]] typically growing taller than 1.5 m. It is native to [[wikipedia:South America|South America]], specially [[wikipedia:Brazil|Brazil]] and [[wikipedia:Guianas|Guianas]].

==Uses==
This plant is used as popular [[ornamental plant]] in hot regions with a humid climate (USDA zone 9-11), and this plant is typically pollinated by [[wikipedia:bat|bat]]s and [[wikipedia: hummingbird|hummingbird]]s.

This upward facing flower of the [[Heliconia]] family, which acts as a cup, is a natural source of rain water for birds and insects.

==References==
* Lorenzi, H.; Souza, M.S. (2001) ''Plantas Ornamentais no Brasil: arbustivas, herbáceas e trepadeiras.'' [http://www.plantarum.com.br/ Plantarum] ISBN 85-86714-12-7

==Notes==
This plant is used as the symbol to represent the [[wikipedia:People's National Movement|People's National Movement]] Political Party of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as by the Martinique Progressive Party (Parti Progressiste Martiniquais) of the French Overseas Department of Martinique, in the West Indies.

==External links==
* [http://plantencyclo.free.fr/sp/nmauric_heliconia_bihai_gg.html ''Heliconia bihai'']
* [http://umbuzeiro.cnip.org.br/db/pnechk/taxa/3006.html Checklist das Plantas do Nordeste (''Checklist of Plants of Northeast Brazil''): ''Heliconia bihai'']

[[Category:Heliconia]]
[[Category:Flora of Brazil]]
[[Category:Flora of Trinidad and Tobago]]

Heliconia Rostrata

James — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:46:14 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Planttype right column 01
|
| image01=[[Image:Claw484b4382eb.jpg|175px|''"Lobster Claw", "False-bird-of-paradise"'']]
| image02=[[Image:Rost29198 b2af761a0c b.jpg|175px]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=[[Angiosperms]]
| Superdivision=[[Spermatophyta]]
| Division=[[Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=[[Liliopsida]]
| Subclass=[[Zingiberidae]]
| Order=[[Zingiberales]]
| Family=[[Heliconiaceae]]
| Genus=[[Heliconia]]
| priceguide=[[Heliconia Rostrata#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

'''Heliconia Rostrata''' (Lobster claw, False-bird-of-paradise) is an [[wikipedia:Herbaceous plant|herbaceous]] [[wikipedia:perennial|perennial]] originally from the Amazon and native to [[wikipedia:Ecuador|Ecuador]] and [[wikipedia:Peru|Peru]].

==Specifications==
* Origin: [[wikipedia:Peru|Peru]], [[wikipedia:Ecuador|Ecuador]]
* Duration: [[wikipedia:Perennial|Perennial]]
* Size: 7' on average
* Growth Rate: Fast
* Light Requirements: Partial sun/filtered sun
* Water Requirements: Keep moist
* Min. Temp.: high 20s
* Flower: [[wikipedia:summer|Summer]]

==Background==
The Heliconia Rostrata is related to the [[wikipedia:Bird-of-paradise|Bird of Paradise]] and the banana.<ref>[http://www.rareflora.com/heliconiaros.htm Rare Flora - Rare and Unusual Plants]</ref> It's an aggressive botanical, it will spread rapidly, given favorable conditions. This is good for growers because purchasing Heliconias can be expensive ---especially if you plan to display a number of them (which is often necessary to complete an effective [[Heliconia Rostrata#Display|display]]).

Heliconia rostrata is one of the most recognized and widely grown [[heliconias]], and one of the most beautiful. The [[wikipedia: inflorescence|inflorescence]] it produces is one of the most colorful you will ever encounter, with red bracts and greenish yellow edges. The flowers last a long time and make an excellent cut flower. It is an easy grower in tropical areas but some room is required because the stalks can reach 7 feet in height. Bright shade is ideal with good moisture in the air and in the soil.

Heliconia was named by [[wikipedia: Carl Linnaeus|Carolus Linnaeus]] for [[wikipedia:Mount Helicon|Helicon]], the mountain in the South of [[wikipedia:Greece|Greece]], where by mythology was living the [[wikipedia:Apollo|Apollon]] (god of the art) and the nine muses (daughters of [[wikipedia:Zeus|Zeus]] and patronesses of an art and science). The muses was young and beautiful. And the name "Heliconia" hint at the beauty and long-lived of these flowers.<ref>[http://www.veselo.info/english/photo/plant/heliconia-rostrata-070305.html Veselo.info - Heliconia Rostrata - Tropical Flower]</ref>

==Cultivation==
Heliconias can be grown in pots but open landscape is best. They are also heavy feeders so they do needed tending. Sheltered areas are necessary if you are near strong winds, which can shred the attractive outer leaves. They can withstand temperatures in the high 20°s (with some protection) for a while but it grows better if kept above 50°.<ref>[http://www.rareflora.com/heliconiaros.htm Rare Flora - Rare and Unusual Plants]</ref>

This striking tropical can grow to seven feet and more, depending on conditions. When one first encounters this beauty, the experience can be unsettling, since the inverted appearance of these flowers gives them their common name of “Lobster Claw(s)”. They look more like papier mache painted with bright colors, creating a “carnival in Rio” effect. Smooth and waxy to the touch, one can see why the greenhouse populated with rostratas surprises and delights visitors. As cut flowers, they provide a striking centerpiece for a formal dining occasion. The plant grows fast and can be invasive, and when you contemplate it in its full glory, you wonder if, in its own way, it is aware of you as you are aware of it.

==Display==
This exotic, and most recognized, heliconia blooms a remarkable tropical plant of princely dimension hanging up to 3 feet in length with striking red and yellow bracts. In pots it will flower at 5 to 6 feet tall! Making for an extremely striking display. This writer has seen the Heliconia Rostrata displayed at top floral shops and is usually displayed at full-length. Not an easy flower to display but change the dynamic in any room. To be really effective, it is recommended many hanging Heleconia be displayed simultaneously. Although this can be costly, it is sure to grab everyones attention.

The Heliconia rostrata is the national flower of [[wikipedia:Bolivia|Bolivia]] along with the [[Kantuta]] flower. Displaying these two together can impress and capture the attention of those in-the-know. Cut flowers, especially exotic flowers, displayed by region is an excellent conversation piece.

Long vases are recommended when displaying the long-stemmed Heliconia. This plant has downward-facing flowers so ample room should be provided in order to display properly. EXTREMELY long vases (5 feet or more) are often used for large displays although shorter vases can be used when other cut flowers are displayed along with the Heliconia. This writer has seen some extremely fine flower displays with the Heliconia in rounder, bowl-sized, vases that are effective.

* Heliconias are known to those who grow them as a host flower to many birds, especially the [[wikipedia:Hummingbird|Hummingbird]]. Keep this in mind if you are displaying your Heliconias according to theme. Because of its unique characteristics, the Heliconia Rostrata is often used as a specimen for tropical gardens.
* Heliconia is a genus of about 100 to 200 species of flowering plants, which have a rich and original colouring of flowers. Displaying the Heliconia Rostrata with other Heliconias can create gorgeous combinations. Experiment, mix and match. You'll find bringing the Heliconias together in unique combinations to be entertaining.
* Heliconia is also close to the family Musaceae and Strelitzia (most of flowering plants native to the tropical Americas and the Pacific Ocean islands west to Indonesia). These are worth exploring when creating unique flowering combinations.

Heliconias Rostratas make excellent cut flowers because of their long lasting characteristics. They're also an excellent container plant that can be grown indoors for the winter and outdoors during the summer.

==Price Guide==
Heliconia Rostrata are sold per [[wikipedia:Rhizome|Rhizome]]. A '''rhizome''' is a sinlge horizontal [[wikipedia:plant stem|stem]] of a [[plant]] that is usually found underground. Rhizomes may also be referred to as "creeping rootstalks" or "rootstocks". A single rhizome typically sells for around ten dollars.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External Links==
* [http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HERO7 Natural Resources Conservation Service]
* [http://www.veselo.info/english/photo/plant/heliconia-rostrata-070305.html Veselo (Heliconia Rostrata - Tropical Flower)]
* [http://stokestropicals.com/heliconia-rostrata.htm Stokes Tropicals]
* [http://www.heliconias.net/heliconia_colg_rostrata.htm Heliconias.net - Heliconia Rostrata]

[[Category:Heliconia]]

Blue Agave

James — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:22:43 GMT

Summary:

[[Image:3248132963agave.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Blue Agave Cactus]]
My first vivid memory of the Blue agave, or Agave tequilana, was seeing it by the thousands, cultivated on rolling hillsides surrounding the Hacienda de San Jose del Refugio, in Amatitan, Jalisco, Mexico, not far from Guadlajara. We rode horseback, moving up towards a ridge, and stopped to watch a jimador, ranch worker, shearing off the spiky leaves from a mature Blue agave plant. The core of the agave is harvested as the base ingredient for the distillation of tequila, Mexico’s signature alcoholic drink. Called the pina, it can weigh a hundred pounds or more, and looks much like a giant pineapple.

== Scientific classification ==
* Kingdom: Plantae
* (unranked): Angiosperms
* (unranked): Monocots
* Order: Asparagales
* Family: Agavaceae
* Genus: Agave
* Species: A. tequilana

==Background==
[[Image:1424106722.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Blue Agave Cactus]]
The Blue agave grows natively in Jalisco, favoring the high altitudes of more than 1,500 m and sandy soil. Commercial and wild agaves have very different life cycles. Both start as a large succulent, with spiky fleshy leaves, which can grow to over two meters in length. Wild agaves sprout a shoot when about five years old, which grows into a stem up to five meters and topped with yellow flowers.

The flowers are pollinated by a native bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) and produce several thousand seeds per plant. The plant then dies. The shoots are removed when about a year old from commercial plants to allow the heart to grow larger. The plants are then reproduced by planting these shoots; this has led to a considerable loss of genetic diversity in cultivated blue agave.

It is rare for one kept as a houseplant to flower; nevertheless, a fifty year old blue agave in Boston has grown a 10 m (30 ft) stalk requiring a hole in the greenhouse roof and flowered sometime during the summer of 2006.<ref>Johnson, Carolyn Y. (July 11, 2006). [http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/07/11/whats_really_up_on_beacon_hill/ What's really up on Beacon Hill: 50-year-old plant starts its blooming finale] The Boston Globe. Retrieved on 2006-07-11. </ref>

== Agave on Beacon Hill, Boston ==
<center>{{#ev:youtube|6idrlI9erV0|600}}</center>

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[category:cactus]]

Goldsmith Seeds

James — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:52:10 GMT

Summary: New page: '''Goldsmith Seeds''' motto is "Quality Products through Creative Research." From the beginning, Goldsmith Seeds' research programs have had solid breeding goals and objectives, which are ...

'''Goldsmith Seeds''' motto is "Quality Products through Creative Research." From the beginning, Goldsmith Seeds' research programs have had solid breeding goals and objectives, which are guidelines for future introductions. Goldsmith's breeding projects are a unique blend of research work and plant selection at both our Gilroy research station and Goldsmith Seeds Europe B.V., our station in The Netherlands.

Perennial

James — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:38:24 GMT

[[Image:512083912_4ec96abf26_b.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Red Valerian]], a perennial plant.]]
A '''perennial plant''' or '''perennial''' ([[wikipedia:Latin language|Latin]] ''per'', "through", ''annus'', "year") is a [[plant]] that lives for more than two years.<ref>The Garden Helper. [http://www.thegardenhelper.com/planting.html The Difference Between Annual Plants and Perennial Plants in the Garden.] Retrieved on 2008-06-22.</ref> When used by gardeners or horticulturalists, this term applies specifically to perennial [[herbaceous plant]]s. Scientifically, [[woody plant]]s like [[shrub]]s and [[tree]]s are also perennial in their habit.

Perennials, especially small [[flowering plant]]s, grow and bloom over the spring and summer and then die back every autumn and winter, then return in the spring from their [[root-stock]] rather than seeding themselves as an [[annual plant]] does. These are known as '''''herbaceous perennials'''''. However, depending on the rigors of local climate, a plant that is a perennial in its native habitat, or in a milder garden, may be treated by a gardener as an annual and planted out every year, from seed, from cuttings or from divisions.

The symbol for a perennial plant, based on [[wikifirsteditions:Species Plantarum| Species Plantarum]] by [[wikipedia:Linnaeus| Linnaeus]], which is also the [[wikipedia:astronomical symbol| astronomical symbol]] for the planet [[wikipedia:Jupiter| Jupiter]]. <ref>Stearn, William T. "Botanical Latin" (four editions, 1966-92)</ref>

==Life cycle==
Perennial plants can be short-lived (only a few years) or they can be long-lived, as are some woody plants like trees which can live for over 3,000 years. They can vary in height from only a few millimeters to over 100 meters tall. They include a wide assortment of plant groups from [[fern]]s and [[liverwort]]s to the highly diverse flowering plants like [[Orchid]]s and [[Grass]]es.

Plants that flower and fruit only once and then die are termed '''''[[monocarpic]]''''' or [[semelparous]]. However, most perennials are '''''[[polycarpic]]''''', flowering over many seasons in their lifetime.

==Structure==
[[Image:Dahlia at the RBG in 2008.JPG|right|thumb|150px|The ''[[dahlia]]'' is a perennial.]]
Perennials typically grow structures that allow them to adapt to living from one year to the next. These structures include [[bulb]]s, [[tuber]]s, woody crowns, [[rhizome]]s plus others. They might have specialized [[stem]]s or [[Crown|crown]]s that allow them to survive periods of [[wikipedia:dormancy| dormancy]] over cold or dry seasons during the year. [[Annual plant|Annual]]s produce seeds to continue the species as a new generation while the growing season is suitable, and the seeds survive over the cold or dry period to begin growth when the conditions are again suitable.
Many perennials, in contrast, have specialized to survive under extreme environmental conditions: some have adapted to survive hot and dry conditions, or to survive under cold temperatures. Those plants tend to invest a lot of resource into their adaptations and often do not flower and set seed until after a few years of growth. Many perennials produce relatively large seeds, which can have an advantage, with larger [[seedling]]s produced after [[germination]] that can better compete with other plants or more quickly develop leaves for [[wikipedia:photosynthesis| photosynthesis]]. Annuals tend to produce many more seeds per plant since they will die at the end of the [[wikipedia:growing season| growing season]], while perennials are not under the same pressure to produce large numbers of seeds but can produce seeds over many years.

==Growth==
In warmer and more favorable [[wikipedia:climate| climate]]s, perennials grow continuously. In seasonal climates, their growth is limited to the growing season. For example, in temperate regions a perennial plant may grow and bloom during the warm part of the year, with the [[foliage]] dying back in the winter. These plants are '''[[deciduous]]''' perennials. Regrowth is from existing stem tissue. In many parts of the world, seasonality is expressed as wet and dry periods rather than warm and cold periods. In some species, perennials retain their foliage all year round; these are '''[[evergreen]]''' perennials.

With their roots protected below ground in the soil layer, perennial plants are notably tolerant of [[wikipedia:wildfire| wildfire]]. [[Herbaceous]] perennials are also able to tolerate the extremes of cold in temperate and [[wikipedia:Arctic| Arctic]] winters, with less sensitivity than trees or shrubs.

==Benefits in agriculture==
[[Image:Switchgrass roots.jpg|right|thumb|500px|[[Panicum virgatum|Switchgrass]] is a deep-rooted perennial. These roots are more than 3 meters long.]]
Although most of humanity is fed by seeds from [[wikipedia:annual| annual]] grain crops, perennial crops provide numerous benefits.<ref>Glover et al. [http://www.landinstitute.org/pages/Glover-et-al-2007-Sci-Am.pdf Future Farming: A return to roots?] Retrieved on 2008-11-11.</ref> Perennial plants often have deep, extensive root systems which can hold soil to prevent [[wikipedia:erosion| erosion]], capture dissolved [[wikipedia:nitrogen| nitrogen]] before it can contaminate ground and surface water, outcompete weeds (reducing the need for [[wikipedia:pesticide| pesticide]]s), and help to mitigate [[wikipedia:global warming| global warming]] by [[wikipedia:carbon sequestration| carbon sequestration]]. These potential benefits of perennials have resulted in new attempts to increase the seed yield of perennial species<ref>Moffat 1996 [http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/rapidpdf/274/5292/1469.pdf] Retrieved on 2008-11-14</ref>, which could result in the creation of new perennial grain crops. <ref>Cox et al. 2000 [http://www.landinstitute.org/pages/Bioscience_PerennialGrains.pdf] Retrieved on 2008-11-14</ref>

==Location==
Perennial plants dominate many natural [[wikipedia:ecosystem| ecosystem]]s on land and in fresh water, with only a very few (e.g. ''[[Zostera]]'') occurring in shallow sea water. [[Herbaceous]] perennial plants are particularly dominant in conditions too fire-prone for trees and shrubs, e.g., most plants on [[wikipedia:prairie| prairie]]s and [[wikipedia:steppe| steppe]]s are perennials; they are also dominant on [[wikipedia:tundra| tundra]] too cold for tree growth. Nearly all [[wikipedia:forest| forest]] plants are perennials, including the trees and shrubs.

Perennial plants are usually better competitors than annual plants, especially under stable, resource-poor conditions. This is due to the development of larger [[root]] systems which can access water and soil nutrients deeper in the soil and to earlier emergence in the spring.

==Types==
*Examples of evergreen perennials include ''[[Begonia]]'' and [[banana]].
*Examples of deciduous perennials include [[goldenrod]] and [[Mentha|mint]].
*Examples of monocarpic perennials include ''[[Agave]]'' and some species of ''[[Streptocarpus]]''.
*Examples of woody perennials include [[maple]], [[pine]], and [[wikipedia:apple| apple]] trees.
*Examples of herbaceous perennials used in agriculture include [[alfalfa]], ''[[Thinopyrum intermedium]]'', and [[Red clover]].

==See also==
*[[Annual plant]]
*[[Biennial plant]]
*[[wikipedia:Perennial Tea Ceremony| Perennial Tea Ceremony]]
*[[Herbaceous]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg/botany/cycles.html Plant life cycles]
* [http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map]
* [http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/perennials/ Gardening with Perennials]
*[http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/hort2/mf2772.pdf Prairie Bloom Perennial Flowers, Kansas State University ] ([[wikipedia:PDF| PDF]])

[[Category:Plants]]
[[Category:Garden plants]]

Origami

James — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:14:59 GMT

Summary:

[[image:136125509b.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Origami Blue & White Columbine]]
'''Origami''' is a [[perennial]] bred by [[Goldsmith Seeds]] for first-year blooming. 'Origami' come in six varieties, ''blue & white'', ''pink & white'', ''red & white'', ''rose & white'', ''white'', and ''yellow''. Use as either an annual or a perennial.

==Specifications==
*Crop Time: 20-24 weeks
*Container Size: jumbos - 6 in. (15 cm.)
*Exposure: filtered shade to full sun
*Height: 14-16 in )35 - 40 cm.)
*Width: 10-14 in. (25 - 30 cm.)

==Flowering==
*'''Time Frame when plants are receptive to flower initiation''': 4 – 6 leaves present.
*'''Flowering Type''': Facultative Long Day Plant – long days enhance flowering.
*'''Specific Flowering Mechanism''': A vernalization treatment is needed to initiate flowering. ‘Origami’ can be vernalized once the plugs have established root systems and are at least 6 – 8 weeks old. Light intensity enhances flowering.

==Plug Culture==
[[Image:1361255120ce90c71cfb.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Origami Blue & White Columbine]]
*'''Germination''' –''Optimum conditions for seedling development that begins the day the crop is sown until cotyledon expansion''.
Expect radicle emergence in 6 – 8 days.
*'''Seed Handling''': No special treatments are needed prior to sowing. Chilling the seed prior to sowing is not advisable. It may be desirable to double sow larger plug trays.
*'''Cover''': No cover is necessary. However,seeds may be covered with a thin layer of coarse vermiculite to maintain moisture levels.
*'''Media''': pH: 5.5 – 5.8, EC: 0.5
*'''Light''': Light is necessary for germination. If utilizing a chamber, providing a light source of 10 – 100 foot candles (100 – 1000 lux) will improve germination and reduce stretch.
*'''Temperature''': 70°– 72°F (21°– 22°C)
*'''Moisture''': Wet (4) until radicle emergence. Then reduce moisture level to medium (2).
*'''Humidity''': 100% until radicle emergence then reduce to 70%.
*'''Dehumidify''': Provide horizontal airflow to aid in drying down the media through evapotranspiration,allowing better penetration of oxygen to the roots.
*'''Plug Bulking''' –Optimum conditions during the vegetative period,beginning at cotyledon expansion,needed for the root to reach the edge of the plug cell.
*'''Media''': pH: 5.5 – 5.8, EC: 0.5 – 0.75
*'''Temperature''': 65°– 68°F (18°– 20°C)
*'''Moisture''': Alternate between moisture levels moist (3) and medium (2). Allow media to approach level (2) before re-saturating to level (3).
*'''Humidity''': 65 – 70%. Provide horizontal airflow to aid in drying down the media through evapotranspiration under cool,low light conditions.
*'''Fertilizers''': 50 – 100 ppm Nitrogen weekly or as needed with a calcium-based fertilizer (13-2-13 or 14-4-14).

*'''Plug Flower Initiation''' –Optimum conditions to make plant receptive to flower initiation.
*'''Light''': Provide 3500 – 4500 foot candles (12 – 15 total moles or 35,000 – 45,000 lux) to hasten flower induction. Supplemental lighting under low light conditions at 350 – 450 foot candles (35,000 – 45,000 lux) will enhance shoot and root growth.
*'''Temperature''': Maintain night temperatures within 40°– 50°F (5°– 10°C) for 14 – 21 days. Bred in Gilroy,California,‘Origami’ is more tolerant of higher vernalization temperatures than other Aquilegia. This is an advantage for Southern growers.
*'''Average Daily Temperature (ADT)''': After vernalization ADT is 65°– 67°F (18°– 19°C).
*'''Fertilizers''': 100 ppm Nitrogen as needed of a calcium-based fertilizer 13-2-13 or 14-4-14). Growth Regulators: If necessary,‘Origami’ will respond to B-Nine (daminozide) at 2500 ppm. PGR’s are more effective in the early stages of production.
*'''Fungicides''': Apply preventative fungicides for Botrytis prior to vernalization.

==Growing On==
‘Origami’s’ unique habit easily adapts to a variety of container sizes. Suitable for packs and larger containers,‘Origami’ naturally adjusts to finish habit to fit proportionally into whatever container you choose – without the use of growth regulators!
*'''Transplant Ready''': 9 – 10 weeks from sow in a ‘288’ tray.
*'''Finish Bulking''' –Optimum conditions during the vegetative period, beginning at transplant,needed for the root to reach the edge of the container.
*'''Media''': pH: 5.5 – 5.8, EC: 1.0 – 1.2
*'''Light''': Provide 3500 – 4500 foot candles (12 – 15 total moles or 35,000 – 45,000 lux) to hasten flower induction. Supplemental lighting under low light conditions at 350 – 450 foot candles (35,000 – 45,000 lux) will enhance shoot and root growth.
*'''Temperature''': After crop has been vernalized,night temperatures may be increased to 60°– 65°F (16°– 18°C). Cooler temperatures are tolerated but will increase the final crop time. Keep day temperatures cool. High night temperatures will negate the vernalizing process and reduce uniformity to flower.
*'''Average Daily Temperature (ADT)''': After vernalization ADT is 65°– 67°F (18°– 19°C).
*'''Moisture''': Alternate between moisture levels wet (4) and medium (2). Allow media to approach level (2) before re-saturating to level (4).
*'''Dehumidify''': Provide horizontal airflow to aid in drying down the media through evapotranspiration,allowing better penetration of oxygen to the roots.
*'''Fertilizers''': Aquilegia is a moderate feeder. Alternate between potassium and calcium-based fertilizers at 150 – 200 ppm Nitrogen as needed. Under cool weather conditions,avoid ammonium-based fertilizers that may encourage root rot problems and excessive vegetative growth or stretching. Excessive phosphorus will promote stretching.
*'''Growth Regulators''': If necessary,‘Origami’ will respond to B-Nine (daminozide) at 2500 ppm. PGR’s are more effective in the early stages of production.
*'''Finish Flower Initiation''' –Optimum conditions to make plant receptive to flower initiation.
*'''Temperature''': Locate plants in a cool area where they will not freeze for 14 – 21 days. The upper temperature threshold for proper vernalization is 40°– 50°F (5°– 10°C). Plants will grow slower at lower temperatures. If plants turn purple, temperatures are too low.
*'''Average Daily Temperature (ADT)''': After vernalization ADT is 65°– 67°F (18°– 19°C).

==Pre-Shipping Techniques to Enhance Post Harvest Quality==
*'''When to treat''': 1 – 2 weeks prior to finish or shipping.
*'''Fertilizer''': Calcium nitrate at 150 ppm Nitrogen. A calcium chloride spray at 150ppm Nitrogen applied one week prior to shipping may discourage flower drop in shipment.
*'''Common Diseases''': Powdery Mildew
*'''Common Pests''': Spider Mites, Aphids

==Scheduling==
*'''Total crop time''': 20 – 24 weeks
*'''‘288’Plug crop time''': 9 – 10 weeks
*'''Vernalization in finish container''': 2 – 3 weeks. A well established root system is required before plants are vernalized.
*'''4”crop''': 9 – 11 weeks

==Product Use==
Packs, pots, containers, mass plantings. Traditionally a spring blooming perennial,
‘Origami’ has been bred for an extended bloom window that will increase its value
in the landscape.

==Garden Specifications==
*'''Light''': Filtered shade to full sun
*'''USDA Hardiness Zone''': 4
*'''AHS Heat Zone''': 8 – 1

*'''Garden Height''': 14 – 16 inches (35 – 40 cm)
*'''Garden Width''': 10 – 14 inches (25 – 30 cm)

==Exernal Links ==
*[http://www.goldsmithseeds.com/index.html Goldsmith Seeds]

[[Category:Plants]]
[[Category:Perennials]]
[[Category:Goldsmith Seeds]]

Dahlias

68.108.163.107 — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:09:21 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Planttype right column 04
|
| image01=[[Image:Dah4867762200c87afa28.jpg |175px| Dahlias]]
| image02=[[Image:Dah3861584836cbebb9e5.jpg |175px| Dahlias]]
| image03=[[Image:Dah1436235002abe7b0d11.jpg|175px| Dahlias]]
| image04=[[Image:Dah5034225993e148e0db.jpg |175px| Dahlias]]
| image05=[[Image:Dah1404739148687547540.jpg |175px| Dahlias]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=
| Superdivision=
| Division=
| Subdivision=
| Class=[[Magnoliopsida]]
| Subclass=
| Order=[[Asterales]]
| Family=[[Asteraceae]]
| Genus=[[Dimorphotheca]]
| Species=
| priceguide=[[Dahlias#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

Rosa majalis

James — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:42:42 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Illustration Rosa majalis0.jpg|thumb|right|Cinnamon Rose]]

'''''Rosa majalis''''' J. Herrm. (syn. ''R. cinnamomea'' sensu L. 1759, non 1753<ref>Not to be confused with ''[[Rosa pendulina|R. pendulina]]'' L. (= ''R. cinnamomea'' sensu L. 1753).</ref>; ''R. cinnamomea'' auct. non L.; '''Cinnamon Rose'''; '''Double Cinnamon Rose''') is a species of [[deciduous]] shrubs in the genus ''[[Rose|Rosa]]'', native to forests of [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]] and [[wikipedia:Siberia| Siberia]]. It grows to 2 m. and yields edible [[rose hip|hip fruits]] rich in [[wikipedia:vitamin C| vitamin C]], which are used in medicine and to produce rose hip syrup.

== Scientific Classification ==
* Kingdom = [[Plant]]ae
* Division = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* Class = [[Magnoliopsida]]
* Order = [[Rosales]]
* Family = [[Rosaceae]]
* Subfamily = [[Rosoideae]]
* Genus = ''[[Rose|Rosa]]''
* Subgenus = ''Rosa''
* Section = ''Rosa''
* Species = '''''R. majalis'''''

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ROMA81 USDA PLANTS Profile]

[[Category:Roses]]

Rosa damascena

WikiSysop — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:26:55 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Planttype right column 03
|
| image01=[[image:Rosa damascena5.jpg|175px|Rosa damascena]]
| image02=[[Image:Damasc74657778.jpg |175px|Rosa damascena]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=[[Tracheobionta]]
| Superdivision=[[Spermatophyta]]
| Division=[[Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=[[Magnoliopsida]]
| Subclass=[[Rosidae]]
| Order=[[Rosales]]
| Family=[[Rosaceae]]
| Genus=[[Rosa]]
| Species=[[R. × damascena]]
| priceguide=[[Rosa damascena#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

'''''Rosa × damascena''''', more commonly known as the '''Damask rose''' or simply as "'''Damask'''", or sometimes as the '''Rose of [[wikipedia:Castile (historical region)|Castile]]''', is a [[rose]] [[wikipedia:Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]], derived from ''[[Rosa gallica]]'' and ''[[Rosa moschata]]'' (Huxley 1992). Further DNA analysis has shown that a third species, ''[[Rosa fedtschenkoana]]'', is associated with the Damask rose (Harkness 2003).

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Rosales]]
* familia = [[Rosaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Rosoideae]]
* genus = ''[[Rosa]]''
* species = '''''R. × damascena'''''
* binomial = ''Rosa × damascena''
* binomial_authority = [[wikipedia:Philip Miller|Mill.]]

==Background==
It is a [[wikipedia:deciduous| deciduous]] [[shrub]] growing to 2.2 m tall, the stems densely armed with stout, curved prickles and stiff bristles. The [[leaf|leaves]] are pinnate, with five (rarely seven) leaflets.

It is considered an important type of [[Old Rose]], also for their prominent place in the pedigree of many other types.

The crusader [[wikipedia:Robert de Brie| Robert de Brie]] is given credit for bringing them from [[wikipedia:Persian Empire|Persia]] to [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]] sometime between [[wikipedia:1254| 1254]] and [[wikipedia:1276| 1276]]. The name refers to [[wikipedia:Damascus| Damascus]],[[wikipedia:Syria| Syria]] a major city in the region.

They are renowned for their fine fragrance, and their flowers are commercially harvested for [[wikipedia:rose oil| rose oil]] used in [[wikipedia:perfume| perfume]]ry. The perfume industry often refers to this note as '''Damascus rose'''.

The hybrid is divided in two varieties (Huxley 1992):
*'''Summer Damasks''' (''R. × damascena'' nothovar. ''damascena'') have a short flowering season, only in the summer.
*'''Autumn Damasks''' (''R. × damascena'' nothovar. ''semperflorens'' (Duhamel) Rowley) have a longer flowering season, extending into the autumn; they are otherwise not distinguishable from the summer damasks.

A still popular example of ''R. × damascena'' is the [[Ispahan (rose)|Ispahan rose]]

The hybrid ''[[Rosa centifolia|Rosa × centifolia]]'' is derived in part from ''Rosa × damascena''

==See also==
*''[[wikipedia:Our Lady of Guadalupe| Our Lady of Guadalupe]]''

==References and external links==
*Harkness, P. (2003). ''The Rose: An Illustrated History''. Firefly.
*Huxley, A., ed. (1992). ''New RHS Dictionary of Gardening''. Macmillan.
*[http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/Rosa_dam.html Damask Rose]

[[Category:Roses]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]

Liliaceae

68.108.163.107 — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 22:26:51 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Lilium_Martagon%2C_Lai_Blau.jpg|thumb|right|240px|''Lilium martagon'']]
The '''Liliaceae''', or the '''lily family''', is a family of [[monocotyledon]]s in the order [[Liliales]]. Plants in this family have linear leaves, mostly with parallel veins but with several having net venation (e.g., ''Cardiocrinum, Clintonia, Medeola, Prosartes, Scoliopus, Tricyrtis''), and flower arranged in threes. Several have bulbs, while others have rhizomes. Shade-dwelling genera usually have broad, net-veined leaves, fleshy fruits with animal-dispersed seeds, rhizomes, and small, inconspicuous flowers; genera native to sunny habitats usually have narrow, parallel-veined leaves, capsular fruits with wind-dispersed seeds, bulbs, and large, visually conspicuous flowers.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Liliales]]
* familia = '''Liliaceae'''
* subdivision_ranks = Genera

==Subdivisions==
''[[Calochortus]]'' 
''[[Cardiocrinum]]'' 
''[[Clintonia]]'' 
''[[Erythronium]]'' 
''[[Fritillaria]]'' 
''[[Gagea]]'' 
''[[Lilium]]'' 
''[[Lloydia]]'' 
''[[Medeola]]'' 
''[[Nomocharis]]'' 
''[[Notholirion]]'' 
''[[Prosartes]]'' 
''[[Scoliopus]]'' 
''[[Streptopus]]'' 
''[[Tricyrtis]]'' 
''[[Tulipa]]'' 

==Background==
Many plants in the Liliaceae are important [[ornamental plant]]s, widely grown for their attractive flowers. Many species are [[poison| poison]]ous if eaten. A floral pattern said to be based on a lily or lily-like flower is used in [[wikipedia:heraldry| heraldry]]; see [[Fleur-de-lis]].

The lily family was formerly a [[wikipedia:paraphyly|paraphyletic]] "catch-all" group that included a great number of genera now included in other families, and some in other orders, including [[Agavaceae]], [[Alliaceae]], [[Amaryllidaceae]], [[Asparagaceae]], [[Asphodelaceae]], [[Hyacinthaceae]], [[Melanthiaceae]], [[Nartheciaceae]], [[Ruscaceae]], [[Smilacaceae]] , [[Tecophilaeaceae]], [[Themidaceae]], [[Tofieldiaceae]], and [[Uvulariaceae]], and members of the monocot orders Asparagales, Dioscoreales, and Alismatales. [[Smilacaceae]] appears to be the family most closely related to [[Liliaceae]].

The genus ''[[Calochortus]]'', which includes the sego and mariposa lilies, and its allied genera are separated into a separate family [[Calochortaceae]] in some schemes, while others maintain them as a subfamily of Liliaceae, the Calochortoideae.

It is estimated that the family evolved 58 million years ago during the Early [[wikipedia:Paleogene| Paleogene]].

==Genera==
The list below includes genera that have historically been classified in family Liliaceae. Monocot classification has undergone considerable revision in recent years, and some newer systems, including the [[wikipedia:Angiosperm Phylogeny Group| Angiosperm Phylogeny Group]]'s APG II classification system, have assigned many of these genera to different families based on genetic relationships. APG II transfers to other families (and, where it applies, orders) are listed in brackets.

{|
|- valign=top
|
*''[[Abama]]'' (synonym of ''Narthecium'', Nartheciaceae, Dioscoreales)
*''[[Aletris]]'' ([[Nartheciaceae, Dioscoreales]])
*''[[Allium]]'' Onion and garlic ([[Alliaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Alstroemeria]]'' ([[Alstroemeriaceae]])
*''[[Amaryllis]]'' Amaryllis ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Amianthium]]'' [[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Androstephium]]'' ([[Themidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Anthericum]]'' [[Agaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Anticlea]]'' [[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Arthropodium]]'' [[Laxmanniaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Asparagus (genus)]]'' Asparagus ([[Asparagaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Asphodelus]]'' ([[Asphodelaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Astelia]]'' ([[Asteliaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Atamosco]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Bellevalia]]'' ([[Hyacinthaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Bloomeria]]'' ([[Themidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Bomarea]]'' ([[Alstroemeriaceae]])
*''[[Brodiaea]]'' ([[Themidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Calochortus]]'' ('''Liliaceae''' or [[Calochortaceae]])
*''[[Camassia]]'' Quamash ([[Agavaceae]])
*''[[Chamaelirium]]'' [[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Chionographis]]'' [[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Chlorogalum]]'' ([[Agavaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Chlorophytum]]'' [[Agaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Clintonia]]'' ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Colchicum]]'' ([[Colchicaceae]])
*''[[Conanthera]]'' ([[Tecophilaeaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Convallaria]]'' Lily of the valley ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Cooperia]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Crinum]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Curculigo]]'' ([[Hypoxidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Cyclobothra]]'' [[subgenus of Calochortus]])
*''[[Daiswa]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Dianella (genus)|Dianella]]'' ([[Hemerocallidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Disporum]]'' [[Colchicaceae]])
*''[[Drimia]]'' ([[Hyacinthaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Drimiopsis]]'' ([[Hyacinthaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Echeandia]]'' ([[Agavaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Eremurus]]'' ([[Asphodelaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Eriospermum]]'' [[Ruscacaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Erythronium]]'' Trout lily ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Eucharis (plant)|Eucharis]]'' (Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales)
*''[[Eucrosia]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Eustephia]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Fritillaria]]'' ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Gagea]]'' ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Gloriosa (plant)|Gloriosa]]'' ([[Colchicaceae]])
*''[[Griffinia]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Habranthus]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Harperocallis]]'' [[Tofieldiaceae, Alismatales]])
*''[[Hastingsia]]'' ([[Hyacinthaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Helonias]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Heloniopsis]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hemerocallis]]'' Daylily ([[Hemerocallidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hemiphylacus]]'' ([[Asparacaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Herreria (genus)|Herreria]]'' ([[Agavaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hesperanthes]]'' ([[Agavaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hesperoscordum]]'' ([[Themidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hessea]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hippeastrum]]'' "Amaryllis" ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hookera]]'' = ''Brodiaea'' subg. ''Hookera'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hosta]]'' ([[Agavaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hymenocallis]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Hypoxis]]'' ([[Hypoxidaceae, Asparagales]])
|
*''[[Ismene]]'' = ''Hymenocallis'' subg. ''ismene'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Jaimehintonia]]'' ([[Alliaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Johnsonia]]'' ([[Laxmanniaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Kniphofia]]'' ([[Asphodelaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Laxmannia]]'' ([[Laxmanniaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Lepidopharynx]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Leucocrinum]]'' ([[Laxmanniaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Leucojum]]'' Snowflake ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Lilium]]'' Lily ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Liriope (plant)]]'' Lilyturf ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Maianthemum]]'' ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Melanthium]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Metanarthecium]]'' ([[Nartheciaceae, Dioscoreales]])
*''[[Miersia]]'' ([[Alliaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Milla]]'' ([[Themidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Molineria]]'' ([[Hypoxidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Muilla]]'' ([[Themidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Narcissus (genus)|Narcissus]]'' Jonquil, daffodil ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Narthecium]]'' ([[Nartheciaceae, Dioscoreales]])
*''[[Nietneria]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Nomocharis]]'' ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Notholirion]]'' ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Nothoscordum]]'' ([[Alliaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Odontostomum]]'' ([[Tecophilaeaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Ophiopogon]]'' ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Ornithogalum]]'' ([[Hyacinthaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Paradisea]]'' ([[Anthericaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Paris]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Peliosanthes]]'' ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Phaedranassa]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Polygonatum]]'' Solomon's seal ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Prosartes]]''
*''[[Schoenocaulon]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Scilla (plant)|Scilla]]'' ([[Hyacinthaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Scoliopus]]'' ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Selonia]]'' = ''Eremurus'' ([[Asphodelaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Smilacina]]'' False Solomon's seal ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]], as ''[[Maianthemum]]'')
*''[[Stenanthium]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Streptopus]]'' ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Stropholirion]]'' ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Theropogon]]'' ([[Alliaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Tofieldia]]'' ([[Tofieldiaceae, Alismatales]])
*''[[Tovaria]]'' ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Toxicoscordion]]'' = ''Zigadenus'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Tracyanthus]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Tricyrtis]]'' ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Trillium]]'' Trillium ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Triteleia]]'' ([[Themidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Tulbaghia]]'' Society garlic ([[Alliaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Tulipa]]'' Tulip ('''Liliaceae''')
*''[[Tupistra]]'' ([[Ruscaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Urceolina]]'' ([[Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Uvularia]]'' ([[Colchicaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Vagnera]]'' = Smilacina = Maianthemum ([[Rusacaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Veratrum]]'' (Melanthiaceae)
*''[[Wurmbea]]'' ([[Colchicaceae, Asparagales]])
*''[[Xerophyllum]]'' (Melanthiaceae)
*''[[Zephyranthes]]'' (Amaryllidaceae, Asparagales)
*''[[Zigadenus]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
*''[[Zygadenus]]'' = '[[Zigadenus]]'' ([[Melanthiaceae]])
|}

== References ==
<div class="references-small">
* APG. 1998. An ordinal classification for the families of flowering plants. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Gardens 85: 531-553.
* APG II. 2003. An update of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification for the orders of flowering plants: APG II. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 141: 399-436.
* Chase, M. W., M. R. Duvall, H. G. Hills, J. G. Conran, A. V. Cox, L. E. Eguiarte, J. Hartwell, M. F. Fay, L. R.Caddick, K. M. Cameron, and S. Hoot. 1995. Molecular phylogenetics of Lilianae. Pp. 109-137 in P. J. Rudall, P. J. Cribb, D. F. Cutler, and C. J. Humphries (editors), ''Monocotyledons: systematics and evolution''. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
* Chase, M. W., M. F. Fay, D. Devey, O. Maurin, N. Rønsted, J. Davies, Y. Pillon, G. Petersen, O. Seberg, M. N. Tamura, C. B. Asmussen, K. Hilu, T. Borsch, J. I. Davis, D. W. Stevenson, J. C. Pires, T. J. Givnish, K. J. Sytsma, M. A. McPherson, S. W. Graham, and Rai, H. S. 2006. Multigene analyses of monocot relationships: a summary. Pp. 63-75 in J. T. Columbus, E. A. Friar, J. M. Porter, L. M. Prince, and M. G. Simpson, M. G. (eds), ''Monocots: comparative biology and evolution (excluding Poales).'' Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden, Claremont, Ca. [Aliso 22: 63-75.]
* Dahlgren, R. M. T., H. T. Clifford, and P. F. Yeo. 1985. ''The families of monocotyledons''. - Springer-Verlag. Berlin, Germany.
* Givnish, T. J., J. C. Pires, S. W. Graham, M. A. McPherson, L. M. Prince, T. B. Patterson, H. S. Rai, E. R. Roalson, T. M. Evans, W. J Hahn, K. C. Millam, A. W. Meerow, M. Molvray, P. Kores, H. E. O’Brien, W. J. Kress, J. Hall, and K. J. Sytsma. 2005. Repeated evolution of net venation and fleshy fruits among monocots in shaded habitats confirms ''a priori'' predictions: evidence from an ''ndhF'' phylogeny. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B 272: 1481-1490.
* Givnish, T. J., J. C. Pires, S. W. Graham, M. A. McPherson, L. M. Prince, T. B. Patterson, H. S. Rai, E. R. Roalson, T. M. Evans, W. J Hahn, K. C. Millam, A. W. Meerow, M. Molvray, P. Kores, H. E. O’Brien, W. J. Kress, J. Hall, and K. J. Sytsma. 2006. Phylogeny of the monocotyledons based on the highly informative plastid gene ''ndhF'': evidence for widespread concerted convergence. Pp. 28-51 in J. T. Columbus, E. A. Friar, J. M. Porter, L. M. Prince, and M. G. Simpson (eds.) ''Monocots: comparative biology and evolution (excluding Poales).'' Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont, CA.
* Graham, S. W., J. M. Zgurski, M. A. McPherson, D. M. Cherniawsky, J. M. Saarela, E. F. C. Horne, S. Y. Smith, W. A. Wong, H. E. O'Brien, V. L. Biron, J. C. Pires, R. G. Olmstead, M. W. Chase, and H. S. Rai. 2006. Robust inference of monocot deep phylogeny using an expanded multigene plastid data set. Pp. 3-21 in J. T. Columbus, E. A. Friar, J. M. Porter, L. M. Prince, and M. G. Simpson, M. G. (eds), ''Monocots: comparative biology and evolution (excluding Poales).'' Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden, Claremont, Ca. [Aliso 22: 3-21.]
* Kelch, D. G. 2000. What happened to the lily family? Pacific Horticulture 61:76-79.
* Kubitzki, K. (Editor) 1998: ''The families and genera of vascular plants'', Vol.3. Springer-Verlag. Berlin, Germany. ISBN 3-540-64060-6
* Patterson, T. B., and T. J. Givnish. 2002. Phylogeny, concerted convergence, and phylogenetic niche conservatism in the core Liliales: insights from ''rbcL'' and ''ndhF'' sequence data. Evolution 56: 233-252.
* Rønsted, N., S. Law, H. Thornton, M. F. Fay, and M. W. Chase. 2005. Molecular phylogenetic evidence for the monophyly of ''Fritillaria'' and ''Lilium'' (Liliaceae; Liliales) and the infrageneric classification of ''Fritillaria''. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 35: 509-527.
* Vinnersten, A., and K. Bremer. 2001. Age and biogeography of major clades in Liliales. American Journal of Botany 88: 1695-1703.
* Zomlefer, W. B., N. H. Williams, W. M. Whitten, and W. S. Judd. 2001. Generic circumscription and relationships in the tribe Melanthieae (Liliales, Melanthiaceae), with emphasis on ''Zigadenus'': evidence from ITS and ''trnL-F'' sequence data. American Journal of Botany 88: 1657-1669.
</div>

==External links==
* [http://www.bulbsociety.org Bulbsociety]

[[Category:Liliales| Liliaceae]]
[[Category:Poisonous plants]]
[[Category:Liliaceae|*]]

Tulip

James — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:10:35 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Rightcolumnpics01
|
| category=[[:category:Superman|> All Articles <]]
| image01=[[image:Tulip - floriade canberra.jpg|center|175px]]
| image02=[[Image:Floriade Devmeet 25.jpg|center|175px|Cultivated Tulip at Floriade]]
| image03=[[Image:Tu43525542e86af20efc.jpg|center|175px]]
| image04=[[Image:Tu2426849837aefd9a51b.jpg|center|175px]]
| image05=[[Image:Tu49558848207e4ce4d7e5b.jpg|center|175px]]
|
|}}

'''''Tulipa''''', commonly called '''tulip''', is a [[wikipedia:genus| genus]] of about 150 species of bulbous [[wikipedia:flowering plant|flowering plant]]s in the family [[Liliaceae]].<ref>[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=133974 eflores.org]</ref> The native range of the species includes southern [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]], north [[wikipedia:Africa| Africa]], and [[wikipedia:Asia| Asia]] from [[wikipedia:Anatolia| Anatolia]] and [[wikipedia:Iran| Iran]] in the west to northeast of [[wikipedia:China| China]]. The centre of diversity of the genus is in the [[wikipedia:Pamir Mountains|Pamir]] and [[wikipedia:Hindu Kush| Hindu Kush]] mountains and the [[wikipedia:steppe| steppe]]s of [[wikipedia:Kazakhstan| Kazakhstan]]. A number of species and many [[wikipedia:Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] [[wikipedia:cultivar|cultivar]]s are grown in gardens, used as pot plants or as fresh cut flowers. Most of the cultivated species, subspecies and cultivars of tulip are derived from ''[[wikipedia:Tulipa gesneriana| Tulipa gesneriana]]''.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Liliales]]
* familia = [[Liliaceae]]
* genus = '''''Tulipa'''''
* subdivision_ranks = Species
* subdivision = See text

== Description ==
The species are [[perennial plant|perennial]]s from [[wikipedia:bulb| bulb]]s, the tunicate bulbs often produced on the ends of [[wikipedia:stolon| stolon]]s and covered with glabrous to variously hairy papery coverings. The species include short low-growing plants to tall upright plants, growing from 10 to 70 centimeters (4–27 [[wikipedia:inch|in]]) tall. They can even grow in the cold and snowy winter. Plants typically have 2 to 6 leaves, with some species having up to 12 leaves. The cauline foliage is strap-shaped, waxy-coated, usually light to medium green and alternately arranged. The blades are somewhat fleshy and linear to oblong in shape. The large [[flower]]s are produced on scapes or subscapose stems normally lacking bracts. The stems have no leaves to a few leaves, with large species having some leaves and smaller species have none. Typically species have one flower per stem but a few species have up to four flowers. The colorful and attractive cup shaped flowers have three [[wikipedia:petal| petal]]s and three sepals, which are most often termed tepals because they are nearly identical. The six petaloid tepals are often marked near the bases with darker markings. The flowers have six basifixed, distinct stamens with filaments shorter than the tepals and the stigmas are districtly 3-lobed. The ovaries are superior with three chambers. The 3 angled [[wikipedia:fruit| fruit]]s are leathery textured [[wikipedia:capsule (fruit)|capsule]]s, ellipsoid to subglobose in shape, containing numerous flat disc-shaped [[wikipedia:seed| seed]]s in two rows per locule.<ref>Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 2002. Flora of North America. north of Mexico Vol. 26, ''Magnoliophyta : Liliidae : Liliales and orchidales.'' New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195152085 26 Page 199</ref>

==Origin of the name==

Although tulips are associated with [[wikipedia:Holland| Holland]], both the flower and its name originated in the [[wikipedia:Ottoman Empire| Ottoman Empire]]. The tulip, or ''lale'' (from [[wikipedia:Persian| Persian]] لاله, ''lâleh'') as it is called in Turkey, is a flower indigenous to [[wikipedia:Iran| Iran]], [[wikipedia:Afghanistan| Afghanistan]], [[wikipedia:Turkey| Turkey]] and other parts of [[wikipedia:Central Asia| Central Asia]]. After being described in a letter by the Dutch ambassador in Turkey in the 16th century, [[wikipedia:Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq| Ogier Ghiselin de Busbecq]], who was also a great floral enthusiast, tulips were brought to Europe in the 16th century; the word ''tulip'', which earlier in English appeared in such forms as ''tulipa'' or ''tulipant'', entered the language by way of French ''tulipe'' and its obsolete form ''tulipan'' or by way of Modern Latin ''tulīpa'', from [[wikipedia:Ottoman Turkish language|Ottoman Turkish]] ''tülbend'', "muslin, gauze". (The English word ''[[wikipedia:turban| turban]]'', first recorded in English in the 16th century, can also be traced to Ottoman Turkish ''tülbend''.)

==Cultivation==
Tulips originate from [[wikipedia:mountainous| mountainous]] areas with [[wikipedia:temperate climate| temperate climate]]s and need a period of cool dormancy. They do best in climates with long cool springs and early summers, but they are often grown as spring blooming annual plantings in warmer areas of the world. The bulbs are typically planted in late summer and fall, normally from 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in.) deep, depending of the type planted, in well draining soils. In parts of the world that do not have long cool springs and early summers, the bulbs are often planted up to 12 inches deep; this provides some protection from the heat of summer and tends to force the plants to regenerate one large bulb each year instead of many smaller non blooming ones. This can extend the usefulness of the plants in warmer areas a few years but not stave off the degradation in bulb size and eventual death of the plants.

===Propagation===
Tulips can be propagated through [[wikipedia:offsets| offsets]], [[wikipedia:seed| seed]]s or [[wikipedia:micropropagation| micropropagation]].<ref>Nishiuchi, Y. 1986. ''MULTIPLICATION OF TULIP BULB BY TISSUE CULTURE IN VITRO.'' Acta Hort. (ISHS) 177:279-284
http://www.actahort.org/books/177/177_40.htm</ref> Offsets and [[wikipedia:tissue culture| tissue culture]] methods are means of [[wikipedia:asexual| asexual]] propagation, they are used to produce [[wikipedia:gene| gene]]tic [[wikipedia:cloning|clone]]s of the parent plant which maintains cultivar integrity. Seed raised plants show greater variation, and seeds are most often used to propagate species and subspecies or are used for the creation of new hybrids. Many tulip species can cross pollinate with each other; when wild tulip populations overlap with other species or subspecies, they often hybridize and produce populations of mixed plants. Most tulip cultivars are complex hybrids and sterile; those plants that produce seeds produce offspring very dissimilar to the parents.

In horticulture, tulips are divided up into fifteen groups mostly based on flower morphology and plant size.<ref>Brickell, Christopher, and Judith D. Zuk. 1997. ''The American Horticultural Society A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants''. New York, N.Y.: DK Pub. ISBN 0789419432 page 1028.</ref>

* Single early group - with cup-shaped single flowers, no larger than 8cm across (3 inches). They bloom early to mid season. Growing 15 to 45cm tall.
* Double early group - with fully double flowers, bowl shaped to 8cm across. Plants typically grow from 30-40cm tall.
* Triumph group - single, cup shaped flowers up to 6cm wide. Plants grow 35-60cm tall and bloom mid to late season.
* Darwin hybrid group - single flowers are ovoid in shape and up to 8cm wide. Plants grow 50-70cm tall and bloom mid to late season. This group should not be confused with older Darwin tulips - which belong in the Single Late Group below.
* Single late group - cup or goblet-shaded flowers up to 8cm wide, some plants produce multi-flowering stems. Plants grow 45-75cm tall and bloom late season.

Tulip growers using offsets to produce salable plants need a year or more of growth before plants are large enough to flower; tulips grown from seeds often need five to eight years of growth before plants are flowering size. Commercial growers harvest the bulbs in late summer and grade them into sizes; bulbs large enough to flower are sorted and sold, while smaller bulbs are sorted into sizes and replanted. Holland is the main producer of commercially sold plants, producing as many as 3 billion bulbs annually. <ref>[http://www.floridata.com/ref/T/tulip_spp.cfm Floridata: Tulipa spp]</ref>

==Diseases==
''Botrytis tulipae'' is a major fungal disease affecting tulips, causing cell death leading to rotten plants.<ref>A. Leon Reyes, T.P. Prins, J.-P. van Empel, J.M. van Tuyl ISHS Acta Horticulturae 673: IX International Symposium on Flower Bulbs.
''DIFFERENCES IN EPICUTICULAR WAX LAYER IN TULIP CAN INFLUENCE RESISTANCE TO BOTRYTIS TULIPAE''</ref> Other pathogens include Anthracnose, bacterial soft rot, blight caused by ''[[wikipedia:Sclerotium rolfsii| Sclerotium rolfsii]]'', bulb [[wikipedia:nematode| nematode]]s, other [[wikipedia:rot| rot]]s including blue [[wikipedia:mold| mold]]s, black molds and mushy rot.<ref>Westcott, Cynthia, and R. Kenneth Horst. 1979. ''Westcott's Plant disease handbook''. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. ISBN 0442235437 page 709.</ref>

Historically variegated varieties admired during the Dutch [[wikipedia:tulipomania| tulipomania]] gained their delicately feathered patterns from an infection with [[wikipedia:Tulip Breaking potyvirus| Tulip Breaking potyvirus]], the mosaic virus that was carried by the green peach aphids, ''Myzus persicae''. Persicae were common in European gardens of the seventeenth century. While the virus produces fantastically colorful flowers, it also caused weakened plants that died slowly. Today the virus is almost eradicated from tulip growers' fields. Those Tulips affected by mosaic virus are called "Broken tulips"; they will occasionally revert to a plain or solid coloring, but still remain infected with the virus.

Some historical [[wikipedia:cultivar|cultivar]]s have had a striped, "feathered", "flamed", or [[wikipedia:variegation|variegated]] flower. While some modern varieties also display multicoloured patterns, this results from a natural change in the upper and lower layers of [[wikipedia:pigment| pigment]] in the tulip flower.

''[[wikipedia:The Black Tulip| The Black Tulip]]'' was the title of a historical romance by [[wikipedia:Alexandre Dumas, père| Alexandre Dumas, père]] ([[wikipedia:1850| 1850]]), in which the city of [[wikipedia:Haarlem| Haarlem]] has a reward on offer for the first grower who can produce a truly black tulip. This fascination with growing a black tulip, a biologically impossible task, was historically accurate to the tulipomania in which the novel is set.

===Introduction to Western Europe===
It is unclear who first brought the Tulip to northwest Europe. The most widely accepted story is that of [[wikipedia:Oghier Ghislain de Busbecq| Oghier Ghislain de Busbecq]], [[wikipedia:Ambassador| Ambassador]] from [[wikipedia:Ferdinand I of Germany|Ferdinand I]] to [[wikipedia:Suleyman the Magnificent| Suleyman the Magnificent]] of the [[wikipedia:Ottoman Empire| Ottoman Empire]] in 1554. He remarked in a letter that he saw "an abundance of flowers everywhere; [[wikipedia:Narcissus (genus)|Narcissus]], [[Hyacinth (plant)|hyacinth]]s, and those which in Turkish Lale, much to our astonishment, because it was almost midwinter, a season unfriendly to flowers" (see Busbecq, qtd. in Blunt, 7).  In [[wikipedia:Persian literature| Persian literature]] (classic and modern) special attention has been given to these two flowers which looked like the beloved eyes to Narges and a glass of wine to Laleh.

By 1559, an account by [[wikipedia:Conrad Gessner| Conrad Gessner]] described tulips flowering in [[wikipedia:Augsburg| Augsburg]], [[wikipedia:Bavaria| Bavaria]] in the garden of Councillor Herwart. Due to the nature of the tulip's growing cycle, the bulbs are generally removed from the ground in June, and they must be replanted by September to endure the winter. Busbecq's account of the supposed first sighting of tulips by a European is likely spurious. While possible, it is doubtful that Busbecq could successfully have had the tulip bulbs removed, shipped, and replanted between his first sighting of them in March 1558 and Gessner's description in 1559. After introduction of the Tulip to Europe, it gained much popularity and was seen as a sign of abundance and indulgence in the [[wikipedia:Ottoman Empire| Ottoman Empire]]. The era during which the Ottoman Empire was wealthiest is called the [[wikipedia:Tulip era| Tulip era]], or ''Lale Devri'' in [[wikipedia:Turkish language|Turkish]].

Another oft-quoted account is that of Lopo Vaz de Sampayo, governor of the [[wikipedia:Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] possessions in [[wikipedia:India| India]]. When he returned to Portugal in disgrace after usurping his position from the rightful governor, Sampayo supposedly took tulip bulbs with him from [[wikipedia:Sri Lanka| Sri Lanka]]. This tale too, however, does not hold up to scrutiny because tulips do not occur in Sri Lanka and the island itself is far from the route Sampayo's ships should have taken.

Regardless of how the flower originally arrived in Europe, its popularity soared quickly. [[wikipedia:Charles de L'Ecluse| Charles de L'Ecluse]] (Clusius) is largely responsible for the spread of tulip bulbs in the final years of the sixteenth century. He was the author of the first major work on tulips, completed in 1592. Clusius had already begun to note and remark upon the variations in colour that made the tulip so admired and his admiration of them quickly spread to others. While occupying a chair in the medical faculty of the [[wikipedia:University of Leiden| University of Leiden]], Clusius planted both a teaching garden and his own private plot with tulip bulbs. In 1596 and 1598 Clusius suffered thefts from his garden, with over a hundred bulbs stolen in a single raid.

Between 1634 and 1637, the early enthusiasm for the new flowers triggered a [[wikipedia:speculation|speculative]] frenzy now known as the [[wikipedia:tulip mania| tulip mania]] and tulip bulbs were then considered a form of currency. The Netherlands are still associated with tulips and the term 'Dutch tulips' is often used for the cultivated forms. [[wikipedia:Tulip Festival| Tulip Festival]]s are held in the Netherlands, [[wikipedia:Spalding| Spalding]] (England) and in North America every May, including the three week annual [[wikipedia:Canadian Tulip Festival| Canadian Tulip Festival]] in [[wikipedia:Ottawa|Ottawa]], [[wikipedia:Canada|Canada]]. Tulips are now also popular in [[wikipedia:Australia| Australia]], and several festivals are held during September and October in the [[wikipedia:Southern Hemisphere| Southern Hemisphere]]'s [[wikipedia:Spring (season)|spring]]. The world's largest permanent display of tulips, although open to the public only seasonally, is in [[wikipedia:Keukenhof| Keukenhof]], in the [[wikipedia:Netherlands| Netherlands]].

==Selected species==
{|
|- valign=top
|
*''[[Tulipa acuminata]]'' (Horned Tulip)
*''[[Tulipa agenensis]]'' (Eyed Tulip)
*''[[Tulipa armena]]''
*''[[Tulipa aucheriana]]''
*''[[Tulipa batalinii]]''
*''[[Tulipa bakeri]]''
*''[[Tulipa biflora]]''
*''[[Tulipa borszczowii]]''
*''[[Tulipa butkovii]]''
*''[[Tulipa carinata]]''
*''[[Tulipa celsiana]]''
*''[[Tulipa clusiana]]'' (Lady Tulip)
*''[[Tulipa cretica]]''
*''[[Tulipa cypria]]''
*''[[Tulipa dasystemon]]''
*''[[Tulipa didieri]]''
*''[[Tulipa dubia]]''
*''[[Tulipa edulis]]''
*''[[Tulipa ferganica]]''
*''[[Tulipa gesneriana]]''
*''[[Tulipa goulimyi]]''
*''[[Tulipa greigii]]''
|
*''[[Tulipa grengiolensis]]''
*''[[Tulipa heterophylla]]''
*''[[Tulipa hoogiana]]''
*''[[Tulipa humilis]]''
*''[[Tulipa hungarica]]''
*''[[Tulipa iliensis]]''
*''[[Tulipa ingens]]''
*''[[Tulipa julia]]''
*''[[Tulipa kaufmanniana]]'' (Waterlily Tulip)
*''[[Tulipa kolpakowskiana]]''
*''[[Tulipa kurdica]]''
*''[[Tulipa kuschkensis]]''
*''[[Tulipa lanata]]''
*''[[Tulipa latifolia]]''
*''[[Tulipa lehmanniana]]''
*''[[Tulipa linifolia]]'' (Bokhara Tulip)
*''[[Tulipa marjolettii]]''
*''[[Tulipa mauritania]]''
*''[[Tulipa micheliana]]''
*''[[Tulipa montana]]''
*''[[Tulipa orphanidea]]'' (Orange Wild Tulip)
*''[[Tulipa ostrowskiana]]''
*''[[Tulipa platystigma]]''
*''[[Tulipa polychroma]]''
|
*''[[Tulipa praecox]]''
*''[[Tulipa praestans]]''
*''[[Tulipa primulina]]''
*''[[Tulipa pulchella]]''
*''[[Tulipa retroflexa]]''
*''[[Tulipa saxatilis]]''
*''[[Tulipa sharonensis]]''
*''[[Tulipa sprengeri]]''
*''[[Tulipa stapfii]]''
*''[[Tulipa subpraestans]]''
*''[[Tulipa sylvestris]]'' (Wild Tulip)
*''[[Tulipa systola]]''
*''[[Tulipa taihangshanica]]''
*''[[Tulipa tarda]]''
*''[[Tulipa tetraphylla]]''
*''[[Tulipa tschimganica]]''
*''[[Tulipa tubergeniana]]''
*''[[Tulipa turkestanica]]''
*''[[Tulipa undulatifolia]]''
*''[[Tulipa urumiensis]]''
*''[[Tulipa urumoffii]]''
*''[[Tulipa violacea]]''
*''[[Tulipa whittalli]]''
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* Blunt, Wilfrid. ''Tulipomania''
* Clusius, Carolus. ''A Treatise on Tulips''
* Dash, Mike. ''Tulipomania''
* Pavord, Anna. ''The Tulip''
* [[wikipedia:Michael Pollan|Pollan, Michael]]. ''[[wikipedia:The Botany of Desire| The Botany of Desire]]''

== External links ==
* [http://weblogs.newsday.com/features/home/gardendetective_blog/2008/09/how_to_plant_bulbs.html How to Plant Spring Bulbs]
* [http://www.karisgarden.com/chapters/tulipaner.htm Old Tulips]
* [http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins/ncc_web_content_page.asp?cid=16297-16298-10118-10120&lang=1&bhcp=1 Canadian National Capital Commission: The Gift of Tulips]
* [http://www.wild-natures.com/photo063.html Greig's tulip (tulipa greigii) in its original habitat in Kazakhstan]
* [http://www.e-xios.gr/chios/4/43.html Lalades (Tulips of Chios: Tulipa praecox, Tulipa aegenensis, Tulipa clusiana, and Tulipa undulatifolia)]
* [http://www.elegant-tulip-bulbs.com/tulip-name.html elegant-tulip-bulbs.com: Information about 3700 tulip names]
* [http://imeleon.com/keywords/1/tulip.html Tulip photos]
* [http://www.botanik.de/mendel/Tulpen Tulip species]

[[Category:Liliaceae]]
[[Category:Flowers]]
[[Category:Garden plants]]

Rose

James — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 23:38:16 GMT

Summary:

[[image:Bridal pink - morwell rose garden.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Bridal Pink'', hybrid tea rose, Morwell Rose Garden]]
A '''rose''' is a [[wikipedia:perennial plant|perennial]] flowering [[wikipedia:shrub| shrub]] or vine of the [[wikipedia:genus| genus]] '''''Rosa''''', within the family [[Rosaceae]], that contains over 100 species. The species form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp [[wikipedia:thorns| thorns]]. Most are native to Asia, with smaller numbers of species native to Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Natives, [[cultivar]]s and [[wikipedia:hybrid| hybrid]]s are all widely grown for their beauty and fragrance. [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/509710/rose]

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Rosales]]
* familia = [[Rosaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Rosoideae]]
* genus = '''''Rosa'''''
* genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
* subdivision_ranks = Species
* subdivision = Between 100 and 150, [[List of Rosa species|see list]]

==Background==
The leaves are alternate and [[wikipedia:pinnate|pinnately compound]], with sharply toothed oval-shaped leaflets. The plants fleshy edible fruit is called a [[rose hip]]. Rose plants range in size from tiny, miniature roses, to climbers that can reach 20 metres in height. Species from different parts of the world easily hybridize, which has given rise to the many types of garden roses.

The name originates from [[wikipedia:Latin| Latin]] ''rosa'', borrowed through [[wikipedia:Oscan language|Oscan]] from [[wikipedia:Magna Graecia|colonial Greek]] in southern [[wikipedia:Italy| Italy]]: ''rhodon'' ([[wikipedia:Aeolic| Aeolic]] form: ''wrodon''), from [[wikipedia:Aramaic| Aramaic]] ''wurrdā'', from [[wikipedia:Assyrian language|Assyrian]] ''wurtinnu'', from Old Iranian *''warda'' (cf. [[wikipedia:Armenian language|Armenian]] ''vard'', [[wikipedia:Avestan| Avestan]] ''warda'', [[wikipedia:Sogdian language|Sogdian]] ''ward'', [[wikipedia:Parthian language|Parthian]] ''wâr'').[http://www.rose-bushes.com/about/][http://www.iranica.com/articles/v11f1/v11f1033.html]

[[Attar of rose]] is the steam-extracted essential oil from rose flowers that has been used in perfumes for centuries. [[wikipedia:Rose water| Rose water]], made from the rose oil, is widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Rose hips are occasionally made into [[wikipedia:jam| jam]], [[wikipedia:Jelly (fruit preserves)|jelly]], and [[wikipedia:marmalade| marmalade]], or are brewed for tea, primarily for their high [[wikipedia:Vitamin C| Vitamin C]] content. They are also pressed and filtered to make rose hip syrup. Rose hips are also used to produce [[wikipedia:Rose hip seed oil| Rose hip seed oil]], which is used in skin products.

==Botany==
[[Image:Rosa canina hips.jpg|thumb|upright|''[[Rosa canina]]'' hips]]
The [[wikipedia:leaf|leaves]] of most species are 5–15 centimetres long, [[pinnate]], with (3–) 5–9 (–13) leaflets and basal stipules; the leaflets usually have a serrated margin, and often a few small prickles on the underside of the stem. The vast majority of roses are [[wikipedia:deciduous| deciduous]], but a few (particularly in Southeast [[wikipedia:Asia| Asia]]) are [[wikipedia:evergreen| evergreen]] or nearly so.

The [[flower]]s of most species roses have five petals, with the exception of ''[[Rosa sericea]]'', which usually has only four. Each petal is divided into two distinct lobes and is usually white or pink, though in a few species yellow or red. Beneath the petals are five sepals (or in the case of some [[Rosa sericea]], four). These may be long enough to be visible when viewed from above and appear as green points alternating with the rounded petals. The ovary is inferior, developing below the petals and sepals.

The [[wikipedia:Fruit#Aggregate fruit|aggregate fruit]] of the rose is a berry-like structure called a [[rose hip]]. Rose species that produce open-faced flowers are attractive to [[wikipedia:pollination|pollinating]] [[wikipedia:bee| bee]]s and other [[wikipedia:insect| insect]]s, thus more apt to produce hips. Many of the domestic cultivars are so tightly petalled that they do not provide access for pollination. The hips of most species are red, but a few (e.g. ''[[Rosa pimpinellifolia]]'') have dark purple to black hips. Each hip comprises an outer fleshy layer, the [[hypanthium]], which contains 5–160 "seeds" (technically dry single-seeded fruits called [[achene]]s) embedded in a matrix of fine, but stiff, hairs. Rose hips of some species, especially the [[Dog Rose]] (''Rosa canina'') and [[Rugosa Rose]] (''Rosa rugosa''), are very rich in [[wikipedia:vitamin C| vitamin C]], among the richest sources of any plant. The hips are eaten by fruit-eating [[wikipedia:bird| bird]]s such as [[wikipedia:Thrush (bird)|thrushes]] and [[wikipedia:waxwing| waxwing]]s, which then disperse the seeds in their droppings. Some birds, particularly [[wikipedia:finch| finch]]es, also eat the seeds.

While the sharp objects along a rose stem are commonly called "thorns", they are actually prickles — outgrowths of the epidermis (the outer layer of tissue of the stem). True thorns, as produced by e.g. ''[[wikipedia:Citrus| Citrus]]'' or ''[[wikipedia:Pyracantha| Pyracantha]]'', are modified stems, which always originate at a node and which have nodes and internodes along the length of the thorn itself. Rose prickles are typically sickle-shaped hooks, which aid the rose in hanging onto other vegetation when growing over it. Some species such as ''Rosa rugosa'' and ''R. pimpinellifolia'' have densely packed straight spines, probably an adaptation to reduce browsing by animals, but also possibly an adaptation to trap wind-blown [[wikipedia:sand| sand]] and so reduce [[wikipedia:erosion| erosion]] and protect their [[wikipedia:root| root]]s (both of these species grow naturally on [[wikipedia:coast| coast]]al [[wikipedia:dune|sand dunes]]). Despite the presence of prickles, roses are frequently browsed by [[wikipedia:deer| deer]]. A few species of roses only have vestigial prickles that have no points.

===Species===
[[Image:Rosa-multiflora01.jpg|thumb|right|''[[Rosa multiflora]]'']]
Some representative rose species
*''[[Rosa canina]]'': Dog Rose, Briar Bush
*''[[Rosa chinensis]]'': China Rose
*''[[Rosa dumalis]]'': Glaucous Dog Rose
*''[[Rosa gallica]]'': Gallic Rose, French Rose
*''[[Rosa gigantea]]'' (syn. ''R. x odorata gigantea'')
*''[[Rosa glauca]]'' (syn. ''R. rubrifolia''): Redleaf Rose
*''[[Rosa laevigata]]'' (syn. ''R. sinica''): Cherokee Rose, Camellia Rose, Mardan Rose
*''[[Rosa majalis]]'': Cinnamon Rose
*''[[Rosa multiflora]]'': Multiflora Rose
*''[[Rosa persica]]'' (syn. ''Hulthemia persica'', ''R. simplicifolia'')
*''[[Rosa pimpinellifolia]]'': Scotch Rose
*''[[Rosa roxburghii]]'': Chestnut Rose, Burr Rose
*''[[Rosa rubiginosa]]'' (syn. ''R. eglanteria''): Eglantine, Sweet Brier
*''[[Rosa rugosa]]'': Rugosa Rose, Japanese Rose
*''[[Rosa stellata]]'': Gooseberry Rose, Sacramento Rose
*''[[Rosa virginiana]]'' (syn. ''R. lucida''): Virginia Rose

==Pests and diseases==
Roses are subject to several [[wikipedia:disease| disease]]s, such as [[wikipedia:rose rust| rose rust]] (''Phragmidium mucronatum''), [[wikipedia:Black Spot (disease)|rose black spot]], and [[wikipedia:powdery mildew| powdery mildew]]. Fungal diseases in the Rose are best solved by a preventative [[wikipedia:Fungicide|fungicidal]] spray program rather than by trying to cure an infection after it emerges on the plant. After the disease is visible, its spread can be minimized through pruning and the use of fungicides, although the actual infection cannot be reversed. Certain rose varieties are considerably less susceptible than others to fungal diseases.

The main insect pest affecting roses is the [[wikipedia:aphid| aphid]] (greenfly), which sucks the sap and weakens the plant. ([[wikipedia:Coccinellidae|Ladybird]]s are a predator of aphids and should be encouraged in the rose garden.) The spraying with insecticide of roses is often recommended but should be done with care to minimize the loss of beneficial insects. Roses are also used as food plants by the [[wikipedia:larva| larva]]e of some [[wikipedia:Lepidoptera| Lepidoptera]] ([[wikipedia:butterfly| butterfly]] and [[wikipedia:moth| moth]]) species; see [[wikipedia:list of Lepidoptera that feed on roses| list of Lepidoptera that feed on roses]].

==Cultivation==
[[Image:Rose-picking in Bulgaria 1870ies.jpg|thumb|upright|[[wikipedia:Rose oil|Rose-picking]] in the [[wikipedia:Rose Valley, Bulgaria|Rose Valley]] near the town of [[wikipedia:Kazanlak| Kazanlak]] in [[wikipedia:Bulgaria| Bulgaria]], 1870s, engraving by [[wikipedia:Austria-Hungary|Austro-Hungarian]] traveller [[wikipedia:Felix Philipp Kanitz|F. Kanitz]]]]

Roses are popular [[garden]] shrubs, as well as the most popular and commonly sold [[wikipedia:florist|florists']] flowers. In addition to their great economic importance as a florists crop, roses are also of great value to the [[wikipedia:perfume| perfume]] industry.

Many thousands of rose [[wikipedia:Hybrid (biology)|hybrids]] and [[cultivar]]s have been bred and selected for garden use; most are [[wikipedia:double-flowered| double-flowered]] with many or all of the [[wikipedia:stamen| stamen]]s having mutated into additional [[wikipedia:petal| petal]]s. As long ago as 1840 a collection numbering over one thousand different cultivars, varieties and species was possible when a rosarium was planted by [[wikipedia:Loddiges|Loddiges nursery]] for [[wikipedia:Abney Park Cemetery| Abney Park Cemetery]], an early Victorian garden cemetery and arboretum in England.

Twentieth-century rose breeders generally emphasized size and colour, producing large, attractive blooms with little or no scent. Many wild and "old-fashioned" roses, by contrast, have a strong sweet scent.

Roses thrive in [[wikipedia:temperate climate| temperate climate]]s, though certain species and cultivars can flourish in [[wikipedia:sub-tropical| sub-tropical]] and even [[wikipedia:tropical| tropical]] climates, especially when [[wikipedia:grafting|grafted]] onto appropriate [[wikipedia:rootstock| rootstock]].

There is no single system of classification for garden roses. In general, however, roses are placed in one of three main groups:

===Wild Roses===
The wild roses includes the species listed above and some of their hybrids.

===Old Garden Roses===
Most Old Garden Roses are classified into one of the following groups. In general, Old Garden Roses of [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]]an or [[wikipedia:Mediterranean| Mediterranean]] origin are once-blooming shrubs, with notably fragrant, double-flowered blooms primarily in shades of white, pink and red. The shrubs' foliage tends to be highly disease-resistant, and they generally bloom only on two-year-old canes.
====Alba====
[[Image:Rosa alba semi-plena img 2175.jpg|thumb|right|''Rosa'' x ''alba'' 'Alba Semiplena', an Alba rose]]
[[Image:Rosa alba2.jpg|thumb|upright|''Rosa'' 'Maiden's Blush', an Alba rose]]
Literally "white roses", derived from ''R. arvensis'' and the closely allied ''R. alba''. These are some of the oldest garden roses, probably brought to [[wikipedia:Great Britain| Great Britain]] by the [[wikipedia:Ancient Rome|Romans]]. The shrubs flower once yearly in the spring with blossoms of white or pale pink. The shrubs frequently feature gray-green foliage and a climbing habit of growth . Examples: 'Alba Semiplena', '[[wikipedia:White Rose of York| White Rose of York]]'.
====Gallica====
The [[Gallic Rose|gallica]] roses have been developed from ''R. gallica'', which is a native of central and southern [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]]. They flower once in the summer over low shrubs rarely over 4' tall. Unlike most other once-blooming Old Garden Roses, the gallica class includes shades of red, maroon and deep purplish crimson. Examples: 'Cardinal de Richelieu', 'Charles de Mills', 'Rosa Mundi' (''R. gallica versicolor'').
====Damask====
Robert de Brie is given credit for bringing [[Rosa damascena|damask]] roses from [[wikipedia:Iran|Persia]] to Europe sometime between 1254 and 1276, although there is evidence from ancient Roman frescoes that at least one damask rose, the Autumn Damask, existed in Europe for hundreds of years prior. Summer damasks (crosses between gallica roses and ''R. phoenicea'') bloom once in summer. Autumn damasks (Gallicas crossed with ''R. moschata'') bloom again later, in the autumn. Shrubs tend to have rangy to sprawly growth habits and vicious thorns. The flowers typically have a more loose petal formation than gallicas, as well as a stronger, tangy fragrance. Examples: '[[Ispahan (rose)|Ispahan]]', 'Madame Hardy'.
====Centifolia or Provence====
[[Rosa centifolia|Centifolia]] roses, raised in the [[wikipedia:17th Century|seventeenth century]] in the [[wikipedia:Netherlands| Netherlands]], are named for their "one hundred" petals; they are often called "cabbage" roses due to the globular shape of the flowers. The result of damask roses crossed with albas, the centifolias are all once-flowering. As a class, they are notable for their inclination to produce mutations of various sizes and forms, including moss roses and some of the first miniature roses (see below) . Examples: 'Centifolia', 'Paul Ricault'.
====Moss====
Mutations of primarily centifolia roses (or sometimes damasks), moss roses have a mossy excrescence on the [[wikipedia:Plant stem|stems]] and [[wikipedia:sepal| sepal]]s that often emits a pleasant woodsy or balsam scent when rubbed. Moss roses are cherised for this unique trait, but as a group they have contributed nothing to the development of new rose classifications. Moss roses with centifolia background are once-flowering; some moss roses exhibit repeat-blooming, indicative of Autumn Damask parentage. Example: 'Common Moss' (centifolia-moss), 'Alfred de Dalmas' (Autumn Damask moss).
====China====
The [[Rosa chinensis|China]] roses were grown in East Asia for thousands of years and finally reached Western Europe in the late 1700s. Compared to the aforementioned European rose classes, the Chinese roses had smaller, less fragrant, more poorly formed blooms carried over twiggier, more cold-sensitive shrubs. Yet they possessed the amazing ability to bloom repeatedly throughout the summer and into late autumn, unlike their European counterparts. This made them highly desirable for hybridization purposes in the early 1800s. The flowers of China roses were also notable for their tendency to "suntan," or darken over time — unlike the blooms of European roses, which tended to fade after opening. Four China roses ('Slater's Crimson China', 1792; 'Parsons' Pink China', 1793; 'Hume's Blush China', 1809; and 'Parks' Yellow Tea Scented China', 1824) were brought to [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]] in the late [[wikipedia:18th Century|eighteenth]] and early [[wikipedia:19th Century|nineteenth centuries]]. This brought about the creation of the first classes of repeat-flowering Old Garden Roses, and later the Modern Garden Roses. Examples: 'Old Blush China', 'Mutabilis'.
====Portland====
The Portland roses represent the first group of crosses between China roses and European roses, specifically gallicas and damasks. They were named after the [[wikipedia:Duke of Portland|Duchess of Portland]] who received (from [[wikipedia:Italy| Italy]] in 1800) a rose then known as ''R. paestana'' or 'Scarlet Four Seasons' Rose' (now known simply as 'The Portland Rose'). The whole class of Portland roses was thence developed from that one rose. The first repeat-flowering class of rose with fancy European-style blossoms, they are mostly descended from hybrids between damask and China roses. The plants tend to be fairly short and shrubby, with proportionately short flower stalks. Example: 'James Veitch', 'Rose de Rescht', 'Comte de Chambourd'.
====Bourbon====
[[Image:Rosa 'Climbing Souvenir de la Malmaison'.JPG|thumb|right|''Rosa'' 'Climbing Souvenir de la Malmaison', a Bourbon rose]]
[[Image:Rose zepherine drouhin img 1838.jpg|thumb|upright|'Rosa'' 'Zéphirine Drouhin', a Bourbon rose]]
Bourbons originated on l'Île de Bourbon (now called [[wikipedia:Réunion|Réunion]]) off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. They are most likely the result of a cross between the Autumn Damask and the 'Old Blush' China rose, both of which were frequently used as hedging materials on the island. They flower repeatedly over vigorous, frequently semi-climbing shrubs with glossy foliage and purple-tinted canes. They were first Introduced in [[wikipedia:France| France]] in 1823. Examples: 'Louise Odier', 'Mme. Pierre Oger', 'Zéphirine Drouhin'.
====Noisette====
The first Noisette rose was raised as a hybrid seedling by a South Carolina rice planter named John Champneys. Its parents were the China Rose 'Parson's Pink' and the autumn-flowering musk rose (''Rosa moschata''), resulting in a vigorous climbing rose producing huge clusters of small pink flowers from spring to fall. Champneys sent seedlings of his rose (called 'Champneys' Pink Cluster') to his gardening friend, Philippe Noisette, who in turn sent plants to his brother Louis in [[wikipedia:Paris, France|Paris]], who then introduced 'Blush Noisette' in 1817. The first Noisettes were small-blossomed, fairly winter-hardy climbers, but later infusions of Tea rose genes created a Tea-Noisette subclass with larger flowers, smaller clusters, and considerably reduced winter hardiness. Examples: 'Blush Noisette', 'Mme. Alfred Carriere' (Noisette), 'Marechal Niel' (Tea-Noisette).

====Tea====
The result of crossing two of the original China roses ('Hume's Blush China' and 'Parks' Yellow Tea Scented China') with various Bourbons and Noisette roses, tea roses are considerably more tender than other Old Garden Roses (due to cold-tender ''Rosa gigantea'' in the ancestry of the 'Parks' Yellow' rose). The teas are repeat-flowering roses, named for their fragrance being reminiscent of Chinese black tea (although this is not always the case). The color range includes pastel shades of white, pink and yellow, and the petals tend to roll back at the edges, producing a petal with a pointed tip. The individual flowers of many cultivars are semi-pendent and nodding, due to weak flower stalks. Examples: 'Lady Hillingdon', 'Maman Cochet'.
====Hybrid Perpetual====
The dominant class of roses in [[wikipedia:Victorian Era|Victorian]] England, hybrid perpetuals first emerged in 1838 and were derived to a great extent from the Bourbons. They became the most popular garden and florist roses of northern Europe at the time, as the tender tea roses would not thrive in cold climates. The "perpetual" in the name hints at repeat-flowering, but many varieties of this class had poor reflowering habits; the tendency was for a massive spring bloom, followed by either scattered summer flowering, a smaller autumn burst, or sometimes nothing at all until next spring. Due to a limited color palette (white, pink, red) and lack of reliable repeat-bloom, the hybrid perpetuals were ultimately overshadowed by their own descendants, the Hybrid Teas. Examples: 'Ferdinand Pichard', 'Reine Des Violettes', 'Paul Neyron'.
====Hybrid Musk====
The hybrid musk group was primarily developed by Rev. [[wikipedia:Joseph Pemberton| Joseph Pemberton]], a British rosarian, in the first decades of the 20th century, based upon 'Aglaia', a 1896 cross by Peter Lambert. A seedling of this rose, 'Trier', is considered to the be foundation of the class. The genetics of the class are somewhat obscure, as some of the parents are unknown. ''Rose multiflora'', however, is known to be one parent, and ''R. moschata'' (the musk rose) also figures in its heritage, though it is considered to be less important than the name would suggest. Hybrid musks are disease-resistant, remontant and generally cluster-flowered, with a strong, characteristic "musk" scent.<ref>Filiberti, Daphne. "[http://www.rosegathering.com/hybridmusks.html Hybrid Musks]".</ref><ref>Bardon, Paul. "[http://rdrop.com/~paul/musks/index.html Hybrid Musks]".</ref> Examples include 'Buff Beauty' and 'Penelope'.

====Bermuda "Mystery" Roses====
A group of several dozen "found" roses that have been grown in [[wikipedia:Bermuda| Bermuda]] for at least a century. The roses have significant value and interest for those growing roses in tropical and semi-tropical regions, since they are highly resistant to both [[wikipedia:nematode| nematode]] damage and the [[wikipedia:black spot|fungal diseases]] that plague rose culture in hot, humid areas, and capable of blooming in hot and humid weather. Most of these roses are likely Old Garden Rose cultivars that have otherwise dropped out of cultivation, or sports thereof. They are "mystery roses" because their "proper" historical names have been lost. Tradition dictates that they are named after the owner of the garden where they were rediscovered.
====Hybrid Rugosa====
Derived from the R. Rugosa species, these vigorous roses are extremely hardy with excellent disease resistance. Most are extremely fragrant, repeat bloomers with moderately double flat flowers. The defining characteristic of a Hybrid Rugosa rose is its wrinkly leaves, but some hybrids do lack this trait. These roses will often set hips. Examples include 'Hansa' and 'Roseraie de l'Häy'.
====Miscellaneous====
There are also a few smaller classes (such as Scots, Sweet Brier) and some climbing classes of old roses (including Ayrshire, Climbing China, Laevigata, Sempervirens, Boursault, Climbing Tea, and Climbing Bourbon). Those classes with both climbing and shrub forms are often grouped together.

===Modern Garden Roses===
[[Image:Rose at University of the Pacific.JPG|thumb|right|A modern garden rose at [[wikipedia:University of the Pacific|University of the Pacific (United States)]].]]
[[Image:Pink rose albury botanical gardens.jpg|thumb|''Rosa'' 'Cajun Sunrise', a modern Hybrid Tea rose]]
Classification of modern roses can be quite confusing because many modern roses have old garden roses in their ancestry and their form varies so much. The classifications tend to be by growth and flowering characteristics, such as "large-flowered shrub", "recurrent, large-flowered shrub", "cluster-flowered", "rambler recurrent", or "ground-cover non-recurrent". The following includes the most notable and popular classifications of Modern Garden Roses:
====Hybrid Tea====
The favourite rose for much of the history of modern roses, [[wikipedia:Hybrid Tea|hybrid teas]] were initially created by hybridizing Hybrid Perpetuals with Tea roses in the late 1800s. 'La France,' created in 1867, is universally acknowledged as the first indication of a new class of roses. Hybrid teas exhibit traits midway between both parents: hardier than the teas but less hardy than the hybrid perpetuals, and more everblooming than the hybrid perpetuals but less so than the teas. The flowers are well-formed with large, high-centered buds, and each flowering stem typically terminates in a single shapely bloom. The shrubs tend to be stiffly upright and sparsely foliaged, which today is often seen as a liability in the landscape. The hybrid tea class is important in being the first class of roses to include genes from the old Austrian brier rose (''Rosa foetida''). This resulted in an entirely new color range for roses: shades of deep yellow, apricot, copper, orange, true scarlet, yellow bicolors, lavender, gray, and even brown were now possible. The new color range did much to skyrocket hybrid tea popularity in the 20th century, but these colors came at a price: ''Rosa foetida'' also passed on a tendency toward disease-susceptibility, scentless blooms, and an intolerance of pruning, to its descendants. Hybrid teas became the single most popular class of garden rose of the 20th century; today, their reputation as being more high maintenance than many other rose classes has led to a decline in hybrid tea popularity among gardeners and landscapers in favor of lower-maintenance "landscape" roses. The hybrid tea remains the standard rose of the floral industry, however, and is still favoured in small gardens in formal situations. Examples: '[[Peace (rose)|Peace]]', 'Mr. Lincoln,' 'Double Delight.'
====Polyantha====
Literally "many-flowered" roses, from the Greek "poly" (many) and "anthos" (flower). Originally derived from crosses between two East Asian species (''Rosa chinensis'' and ''R. multiflora''), polyanthas first appeared in France in the late 1800s alongside the hybrid teas. They featured short plants — some compact, others spreading in habit — with tiny blooms (1" in diameter on average) carried in large sprays, in the typical rose colors of white, pink and red. Their main claim to fame was their prolific bloom: From spring to fall, a healthy polyantha shrub might be literally covered in flowers, creating a strong color impact in the landscape. Polyantha roses are still regarded as low-maintenance, disease-resistant garden roses today, and remain popular for that reason. Examples: 'Cecile Brunner', 'The Fairy', 'Red Fairy'.
====Floribunda====
[[Image:Rosa sp.61.jpg|thumb|right|''Rosa'' 'Borussia', a modern Floribunda rose]]
Rose breeders quickly saw the value in crossing polyanthas with hybrid teas, to create roses that bloomed with the polyantha profusion, but with hybrid tea floral beauty and color range. In 1909, the first polyantha/hybrid tea cross, 'Gruss an Aachen,' was created, with characteristics midway between both parent classes. As the larger, more shapely flowers and hybrid-tea-like growth habit separated these new roses from polyanthas and hybrid teas alike, a new class was created and named [[Rosa Floribunda|Floribunda]], Latin for "many-flowering." Typical floribundas feature stiff shrubs, smaller and bushier than the average hybrid tea but less dense and sprawling than the average polyantha. The flowers are often smaller than hybrid teas but are carried in large sprays, giving a better floral effect in the garden. Floribundas are found in all hybrid tea colors and with the classic hybrid tea-shaped blossom, sometimes differing from hybrid teas only in their cluster-flowering habit. Today they are still used in large bedding schemes in public [[wikipedia:park| park]]s and similar spaces. Examples: 'Dainty Maid', 'Iceberg', 'Tuscan Sun'.
====Grandiflora====
[[Grandiflora]]s (Latin for "large-flowered") were the class of roses created in the mid 1900s to designate back-crosses between hybrid teas and floribundas that fit neither category — specifically, the 'Queen Elizabeth' rose, which was introduced in 1954<ref>[http://www.gardenmob.com/blog1/2006/07/13/the-great-roses-queen-elizabeth/ The Great Roses: Queen Elizabeth]</ref>. Grandiflora shrubs are typically larger than either hybrid teas or floribundas, and feature hybrid tea-style flowers borne in small clusters of three to five, similar to a floribunda. Grandifloras maintained some popularity from about the 1950s to the 1980s but today they are much less popular than either the hybrid teas or the floribundas. Examples: 'Queen Elizabeth', 'Comanche,' 'Montezuma'.
====Miniature====
[[Image:"Meillandine" Rose in clay pot.jpg|thumb|upright|''Meillandine'' (a miniature rose) in a [[wikipedia:terra cotta| terra cotta]] flowerpot]]
All of the classes of Old Garden Roses—gallicas, centifolias, etc.—had corresponding miniature forms, although these were once-flowering just as their larger forms were. As with the standard-sized varieties, miniature Old Garden roses were crossed with repeat-blooming Asian species to produce everblooming miniature roses. Today, miniature roses are represented by twiggy, repeat-flowering shrubs ranging from 6" to 36" in height, with most falling in the 12"–24" height range. Blooms come in all the hybrid tea colours; many varieties also emulate the classic high-centered hybrid tea flower shape. Miniature roses are often marketed and sold by the floral industry as houseplants, but it is important to remember that these plants are largely descended from outdoor shrubs native to temperate regions; thus, most miniature rose varieties require an annual period of cold dormancy to survive. (Examples: ''Petite de Hollande'' (Miniature Centifolia, once-blooming), ''Cupcake'' (Modern Miniature, repeat-blooming).)

====Climbing/Rambling====
As is the case with Miniature roses, all aforementioned classes of roses, both Old and Modern, have "climbing" forms, whereby the canes of the shrubs grow much longer and more flexible than the normal ("bush") forms. In the Old Garden Roses, this is often simply the natural growth habit of many cultivars and varieties; in many Modern roses, however, climbing roses are the results of spontaneous mutations. For example, 'Climbing Peace' is designated as a "Climbing Hybrid Tea," for it is genetically identical to the normal "shrub" form of the 'Peace' hybrid tea rose, except that its canes are long and flexible, i.e. "climbing." Most Climbing roses grow anywhere from 8'–20' in height and exhibit repeat-bloom. Rambler roses, although technically a separate class, are often lumped together with climbing roses. They also exhibit long, flexible canes, but are distinguished from true climbers in two ways: A larger overall size (20'–30' tall is common), and a once-blooming habit. It should be noted that both climbing roses and rambling roses are not true vines such as [[wikipedia:ivy| ivy]], [[wikipedia:clematis| clematis]] or [[wikipedia:wisteria| wisteria]]; they lack the ability to cling to supports on their own, and must be manually trained and tied over structures such as arbors and pergolas. Examples: 'Blaze' (repeat-blooming climber), 'American Pillar' (once-blooming rambler).
====English / David Austin====
Although not officially recognized as a separate class of roses by any established rose authority, English (aka David Austin) roses are often set aside as such by consumers and retailers alike. Development started in the 1960s by [[wikipedia:David Austin| David Austin]] of [[wikipedia:Shropshire| Shropshire]], [[wikipedia:England| England]], who wanted to rekindle interest in Old Garden Roses by hybridizing them with modern hybrid teas and floribundas. The idea was to create a new group of roses that featured blooms with old-fashioned shapes and fragrances, evocative of classic gallica, alba and damask roses, but with modern repeat-blooming characteristics and the larger modern color range as well. Austin mostly succeeded in his mission; his tribe of "English" roses, now numbering hundreds of varieties, has been warmly embraced by the gardening public and are widely available to consumers. David Austin roses are still actively developed, with new varieties released regularly. It should be noted that the typical winterhardiness and disease-resistance of the classic Old Garden Roses has largely been compromised in the process; many English roses are susceptible to the same disease problems that plague modern hybrid teas and floribundas, and many are not hardy north of USDA Zone 5. Examples: 'Mary Rose,' 'Graham Thomas', 'Tamora'.
====Canadian Hardy Roses====
Developed for the extreme weather conditions of Canadian winters, these roses were developed by Agriculture Canada at the Morden Research Station in Morden, Manitoba and the Experimental Farm in Ottawa (and later at L'Assomption, Quebec). These two main lines are called the Parkland series and the Explorer series. These programs have now been discontinued; however the remaining plant stock has been taken over by private breeders via the Canadian Artists series. Derived mostly from crosses of native Canadian species and more tender roses, these plants are extremely tolerant of cold weather, some down to -50F. A wide diversity of forms and colors were achieved. Examples include 'Morden Belle', 'Winnipeg Parks' and 'Cuthbert Grant'.

Other notable Canadian breeders include Georges Bugnet and Robert Erskine.

===Landscape Roses===
These are a modern classifation of rose developed mainly for mass amenity planting. In the late 20th century, traditional hybrid tea and floribunda rose varieties fell out of favor amid gardeners and landscapers, as they are often labor- and chemical-intensive plants susceptible to myriad pest and disease problems. So-called "landscape" roses have thus been developed to fill the consumer desire for a garden rose that offers color, form and fragrance, but is also low maintenance and easy to care for. Most landscape roses having the following characteristics:
* Good disease resistance
* Lower growing habit, usually under 60cm
* Repeat flowering
* Disease and pest resistance
* Non suckering, growing on their own roots.
Principal parties involved in the breeding of new Landscape Roses varieties are Werner Noak (Germany) Meidiland Roses (France) Boot&Co. (Netherlands)

==Pruning==

Rose [[wikipedia:pruning| pruning]], sometimes regarded as a horticultural art form, is largely dependent on the type of rose to be pruned, the reason for pruning, and the time of year it is at the time of the desired pruning.

Most Old Garden Roses of strict European heritage (albas, damasks, gallicas, etc.) are shrubs that bloom once yearly, in late spring or early summer, on two-year-old (or older) canes. As such, their pruning requirements are quite minimal, and are overall similar to any other analogous shrub, such as [[lilac]] or [[forsythia]]. Generally, only old, spindly canes should be pruned away, to make room for new canes. One-year-old canes should never be pruned because doing so will remove next year's flower buds. The shrubs can also be pruned back lightly, immediately after the blooms fade, to reduce the overall height or width of the plant. In general, pruning requirements for OGRs are much less laborious and regimented than for Modern hybrids.

Modern hybrids, including the hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, modern miniatures, and English roses, have a complex genetic background that almost always includes China roses (''R. chinensis''). China roses were evergrowing, everblooming roses from humid subtropical regions that bloomed constantly on any new vegetative growth produced during the growing season. Their modern hybrid descendants exhibit similar habits: Unlike Old Garden Roses, modern hybrids bloom continuously (until stopped by frost) on any new canes produced during the growing season. They therefore require pruning away of any spent flowering stem, in order to divert the plant's energy into producing new growth and thence new flowers.

Additionally, Modern Hybrids planted in cold-winter climates will almost universally require a "hard" annual pruning (reducing all canes to 8"–12" in height) in early spring. Again, because of their complex China rose background, Modern Hybrids are typically not as cold-hardy as European OGRs, and low winter temperatures often desiccate or kill exposed canes. In spring, if left unpruned, these damanged canes will often die back all the way to the shrub's root zone, resulting in a weakened, disfigured plant. The annual "hard" pruning of hybrid teas, floribundas, etc. should generally be done in early spring; most gardeners coincide this pruning with the blooming of forsythia shrubs. Canes should be cut about 1/2" above a vegetative bud (identifiable as a point on a cane where a leaf once grew).

For both Old Garden Roses and Modern Hybrids, any weak, damaged or diseased growth should be pruned away completely, regardless of the time of year. Any pruning of any rose should also be done so that the cut is made at a forty five degree angle above a vegetative bud. This helps the pruned stem callus over more quickly, and also mitigates moisture buildup over the cut, which can lead to disease problems.

For all general rose pruning (including cutting flowers for arrangements), sharp secateurs (hand-held, sickle-bladed pruners) should be used to cut any growth 1/2" or less in diameter. For canes of a thickness greater than 1/2", pole loppers or a small handsaw are generally more effective; secateurs may be damaged or broken in such instances.

===Deadheading===
[[wikipedia:Deadheading| Deadheading]] is the simple practice of manually removing any spent, faded, withered, or discoloured flowers from rose shrubs over the course of the blooming season. The purpose of deadheading is to encourage the plant to focus its energy and resources on forming new offshoots and blooms, rather than in fruit production. Deadheading may also be performed, if spent flowers are unsightly, for aethestic purposes. Roses are particularly responsive to deadheading.

Deadheading causes different effects on different varieties of roses. For continual blooming varieties, whether Old Garden roses or more modern hybrid varieties, deadheading allows the rose plant to continue forming new shoots, leaves, and blooms. For "once-blooming" varieties (that bloom only once each season), deadheading has the effect of causing the plant to form new green growth, even though new blooms will not form until the next blooming season.

For most rose gardeners, deadheading is used to refresh the growth of the rose plants to keep the rose plants strong, vibrant, and productive.

==History==
The rose has always been valued for its beauty and has a long history of symbolism. The ancient [[wikipedia:Greeks| Greeks]] and [[wikipedia:Ancient Rome|Romans]] identified the rose with their goddesses of love referred to as Aphrodite and Venus. In [[wikipedia:Rome| Rome]] a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where secret or confidential matters were discussed. The phrase ''[[wikipedia:sub rosa| sub rosa]]'', or "under the rose", means to keep a secret — derived from this ancient Roman practice.

Early [[wikipedia:Christian| Christian]]s identified the five petals of the rose with the five wounds of [[wikipedia:Christ| Christ]]. Despite this interpretation, their leaders were hesitant to adopt it because of its association with Roman excesses and pagan ritual. The red rose was eventually adopted as a symbol of the blood of the [[wikipedia:Christian| Christian]] martyrs. Roses also later came to be associated with the Virgin Mary.

Rose culture came into its own in [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]] in the 1800s with the introduction of perpetual blooming roses from [[wikipedia:China| China]]. There are currently thousands of varieties of roses developed for bloom shape, size, fragrance and even for lack of prickles.

==Popular culture==
[[Image:Red Roses.jpg|thumb|right|Red Roses]]
[[Image:DSC00090.JPG|thumb|right|A Red rose]]

Roses are ancient symbols of [[wikipedia:love| love]] and [[wikipedia:beauty| beauty]]. The rose was sacred to a number of [[wikipedia:goddess| goddess]]es (including [[wikipedia:Isis| Isis]] and [[wikipedia:Aphrodite| Aphrodite]]), and is often used as a symbol of [[wikipedia:the Virgin Mary| the Virgin Mary]]. 'Rose' means pink or red in a variety of languages (such as [[wikipedia:Romance languages| Romance languages]], [[wikipedia:Greek language|Greek]], and [[wikipedia:Polish language|Polish]]).

The rose is the [[wikipedia:national flower| national flower]] of [[wikipedia:England| England]] and the United States<ref name="National Flower of the United States">"[http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=browse_usc&docid=Cite:+36USC303 National Flower of the United States]". Retrieved on 2008-02-04.</ref>, as well as being the symbol of [[wikipedia:England Rugby| England Rugby]], and of the [[wikipedia:Rugby Football Union| Rugby Football Union]]. It is also the provincial flower of [[wikipedia:Yorkshire| Yorkshire]] and [[wikipedia:Lancashire| Lancashire]] in [[wikipedia:England| England]] (the white rose and red rose respectively) and of [[wikipedia:Alberta| Alberta]] (the wild rose), and the state flower of four US states: [[wikipedia:Iowa| Iowa]] and [[wikipedia:North Dakota| North Dakota]] ([[wikipedia:Rosa arkansana|''R. arkansana'']]), [[wikipedia:Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] (''[[wikipedia:Rosa laevigata|R. laevigata]]''), and [[wikipedia:New York| New York]]<ref>"[http://www.netstate.com/states/symb/flowers/ny_rose.htm New York State Flower]". Retrieved on 2007-10-01.</ref> (''[[wikipedia:Rosa| Rosa]]'' generally). [[wikipedia:Portland, Oregon| Portland, Oregon]] counts "City of Roses" among its nicknames, and holds an annual Rose Festival.

Roses are occasionally the basis of design for [[wikipedia:rose windows| rose windows]], such windows comprising five or ten segments (the five petals and five sepals of a rose) or multiples thereof; however most Gothic rose windows are much more elaborate and were probably based originally on the wheel and other symbolism.

A red rose (often held in a hand) is a symbol of [[wikipedia:socialism| socialism]] or [[wikipedia:social democracy| social democracy]]; it is also used as a symbol by the [[wikipedia:Labour Party (UK)|British]] and [[wikipedia:Irish Labour Party|Irish]] [[wikipedia:political party|Labour Parties]], as well as by the French, Spanish (Spanish Socialist Workers' Party), Portuguese, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Brazilian, Dutch ([[wikipedia:Pvda|Partij van de Arbeid]]) and European socialist or social democratic parties. This originated when the red rose was used as a badge by the marchers in the May 1968 street protests in [[wikipedia:Paris| Paris]]. [[White Rose]] was a World War II non violent resistance group in Germany.

===Art===
[[Image:roses renoir.JPG|upright|thumb|[[wikipedia:Pierre-Auguste Renoir|Renoir]] painting of [[cabbage rose]]s]]

Roses are often portrayed by [[wikipedia:artist| artist]]s. The [[wikipedia:France|French]] artist [[wikipedia:Pierre-Joseph Redouté| Pierre-Joseph Redouté]] produced some of the most detailed paintings of roses.

[[wikipedia:Henri Fantin-Latour| Henri Fantin-Latour]] was also a prolific painter of still life, particularly flowers including roses. The Rose 'Fantin-Latour' was named after the artist.

Other impressionists including [[wikipedia:Claude Monet| Claude Monet]] and [[wikipedia:Paul Cézanne| Paul Cézanne]] have paintings of roses among their works.

===Quotes===
*''What's in a name? That which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet.'' — [[wikipedia:William Shakespeare| William Shakespeare]], [[wikipedia:Romeo and Juliet| Romeo and Juliet]] act II, sc. ii
*''O, my love's like a red, red rose/That's newly sprung in June'' — [[wikipedia:Robert Burns| Robert Burns]], [[wikipedia:A Red, Red Rose|A Red, Red Rose]]
*''Information appears to stew out of me naturally, like the precious [[wikipedia:Rose oil|ottar of roses]] out of the otter.'' [[wikipedia:Mark Twain| Mark Twain]], [[wikipedia:Roughing It| Roughing It]]
*''Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses.'' — [[wikipedia:James Oppenheim| James Oppenheim]], "[[wikipedia:Bread and Roses| Bread and Roses]]"
*''[[wikipedia:Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose| Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose]]'' — [[wikipedia:Gertrude Stein| Gertrude Stein]], ''Sacred Emily'' (1913), a poem included in ''Geography and Plays''.

==Perfume==
Rose perfumes are made from [[wikipedia:attar of roses| attar of roses]] or rose oil, which is a mixture of volatile [[wikipedia:essential oil| essential oil]]s obtained by steam distilling the crushed petals of roses. The technique originated in [[wikipedia:Iran|Persia]] (the word Rose itself is from Persian) then spread through [[wikipedia:Arabia| Arabia]] and [[wikipedia:India| India]], but nowadays about 70% to 80% of production is in the [[wikipedia:Rose Valley, Bulgaria|Rose Valley]] near [[wikipedia:Kazanluk| Kazanluk]] in [[wikipedia:Bulgaria| Bulgaria]], with some production in [[wikipedia:Qamsar| Qamsar]] in [[wikipedia:Iran| Iran]] and [[wikipedia:Germany| Germany]].{{Fact|date=July 2007}} The [[wikipedia:Kaaba| Kaaba]] in [[wikipedia:Mecca| Mecca]] is annually washed by the Iranian [[wikipedia:rose water| rose water]] from Qamsar. In Bulgaria, Iran and Germany, damask roses (''Rosa damascena'' 'Trigintipetala') are used. In the French rose oil industry ''Rosa centifolia'' is used. The oil, pale yellow or yellow-grey in color, is sometimes called 'Rose Absolute' oil to distinguish it from diluted versions. The weight of oil extracted is about one three-thousandth to one six-thousandth of the weight of the flowers; for example, about two thousand flowers are required to produce one gram of oil.

The main constituents of attar of roses are the fragrant [[wikipedia:alcohol| alcohol]]s [[wikipedia:geraniol| geraniol]] and l-[[wikipedia:citronellol| citronellol]]; and rose camphor, an odourless [[wikipedia:paraffin| paraffin]]. β-[[wikipedia:Damascenone| Damascenone]] is also a significant contributor to the scent.

[[Image:Geraniol structure.gif|thumb|center|Geraniol (C10H18O)]]

== Notable rose growers==
===Rose Capital of America===
[[wikipedia:Tyler, Texas| Tyler, Texas]] has been nicknamed the "[[wikipedia:Rose Capital of America| Rose Capital of America]]" because of its large role in the rose-growing industry; about 20% of commercial rose bushes produced in the U.S. are grown in Tyler and [[wikipedia:Smith County| Smith County]] and more than half of the rose bushes are packaged and shipped from the area. It boasts the nation's largest municipal rose garden and hosts the [[wikipedia:Texas Rose Festival| Texas Rose Festival]] each October, which draws more than 100,000 spectators.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==See also==
* [[List of roses named after people]]
* [[wikipedia:Rose (color)| Rose (color)]]

==External links==
* [http://www.rose.org/ All-America Rose Selections], a non-profit association of rose growers and introducers dedicated to the introduction and promotion of exceptional roses
* [http://www.atlantarose.org/gars/Rose%20Vendors.htm The Greater Atlanta Rose Society's list of Rose Vendors]

[[Category:Roses| ]]
[[Category:National symbols of the United States]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Rosoideae| ]]

Orchidaceae

James — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:56:27 GMT

Summary:

[[image:Haeckel Orchidae.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Color plate from [[wikipedia:Ernst Haeckel| Ernst Haeckel]]'s ''[[wikipedia:Kunstformen der Natur| Kunstformen der Natur]]'']]
'''Orchidaceae''' (or '''Orchid family''') is the largest [[wikipedia:Family (biology)|family]] of the flowering plants ([[wikipedia:Angiospermae| Angiospermae]]).<ref>[http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2003/BiancaNicoletti.shtml Number of orchids]</ref><ref> [http://www.kew.org/scihort/orchids/whystudy.html Orchid Fact File, Royal Botanic gardens, Kew]</ref> Its name is derived from the genus ''[[Orchis]]''.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = '''Orchidaceae'''
* familia_authority = [[wikipedia:Antoine Laurent de Jussieu|Juss.]]
* Subfamilies = [[wikipedia:Apostasioideae| Apostasioideae]], [[wikipedia:Cypripedioideae| Cypripedioideae]], [[wikipedia:Epidendroideae| Epidendroideae]], [[wikipedia:Orchidoideae| Orchidoideae]], [[wikipedia:Vanilloideae| Vanilloideae]]

The [[wikipedia:Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew|Royal Botanical Gardens of Kew]] list 880 [[wikipedia:genus|genera]] and nearly 22,000 accepted [[wikipedia:species| species]], but the exact number is unknown (perhaps as many as 25,000)<ref> [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1355-4905.2005.00466.x CLASSIFICATION OF ORCHIDACEAE IN THE AGE OF DNA DATA]</ref> because of [[wikipedia:taxonomic| taxonomic]] disputes. The number of orchid species equals about four times the number of [[wikipedia:mammal| mammal]] species, or more than twice the number of [[wikipedia:bird| bird]] species. It also encompasses about 6–11% of all [[seed plants]].<ref> [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2006.00573.x Taxonomic exaggeration and its effects on orchid conservation]</ref> About 800 new orchid species are added each year. The largest genera are ''[[Bulbophyllum]]'' (2,000 species), ''[[Epidendrum]]'' (1,500 species), ''[[Dendrobium]]'' (1,400 species) and ''[[Pleurothallis]]'' (1,000 species). The family also includes the ''[[wikipedia:Vanilla| Vanilla]]'' (the genus of the [[wikipedia:Vanilla planifolia|vanilla plant]]), ''[[Orchis]]'' (type genus) and many commonly cultivated plants like some ''[[Phalaenopsis]]'' or ''[[Cattleya]]''.

Moreover, since the introduction of tropical species in the 19th century, [[wikipedia:horticulture|horticulturists]] have more than 100,000 [[wikipedia:Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]]s and [[cultivar]]s.

== Distribution ==
Orchidaceae are [[wikipedia:cosmopolitan distribution|cosmopolitan]], occurring in almost every [[wikipedia:Habitat (ecology)|habitat]] apart from [[wikipedia:desert| desert]]s and [[wikipedia:glacier| glacier]]s. The great majority are to be found in the [[wikipedia:tropics| tropics]], mostly [[wikipedia:Asia| Asia]], [[wikipedia:South America| South America]] and [[wikipedia:Central America| Central America]]. They are found above the [[wikipedia:Arctic Circle| Arctic Circle]], in southern [[wikipedia:Patagonia| Patagonia]] and even on [[wikipedia:Macquarie Island| Macquarie Island]], close to [[wikipedia:Antarctica| Antarctica]].

The following list gives a rough overview of their distribution:
* tropical America: 250 to 270 genera
* tropical Asia: 260 to 300 genera
* tropical Africa: 230 to 270 genera
* Oceania: 50 to 70 genera
* Europe and temperate Asia: 40 to 60 genera
* North America: 20 to 25 genera

==Ecology==

[[Image:Neottia nidus-avis plants.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Neottia nidus-avis]]'', a [[wikipedia:myco-heterotroph| myco-heterotroph]] ]]

A majority of orchids are [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[wikipedia:epiphyte| epiphyte]]s, which grow anchored to [[wikipedia:tree| tree]]s or [[wikipedia:shrub| shrub]]s in the [[wikipedia:tropics| tropics]] and subtropics. Other species are [[wikipedia:lithophyte| lithophyte]]s, growing on rocks or very rocky soil, or are terrestrial. Nearly all [[wikipedia:temperate| temperate]] orchids are terrestrial.

Some orchids, like ''[[wikipedia:Neottia| Neottia]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Corallorhiza| Corallorhiza]]'', lack [[wikipedia:chlorophyll| chlorophyll]] and are unable to photosynthesise. Instead, these species obtain energy and nutrients by [[wikipedia:parasitism|parasitising]] soil fungi through the formation of [[wikipedia:orchid mycorrhiza| orchid mycorrhiza]]s. The fungi involved include those that form [[wikipedia:ectomycorrhiza| ectomycorrhiza]]s with trees and other woody plants, parasites such as ''[[wikipedia:Armillaria| Armillaria]]'', and [[wikipedia:saprotroph| saprotroph]]s.<ref name="leake05">Leake JR. 2005. Plants parasitic on fungi: unearthing the fungi in myco-heterotrophs and debunking the ‘saprophytic’ plant myth. ''Mycologist'' 19: 113–122. ([http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=340905&fulltextType=RA&fileId=S0269915X05003046 abstract])). </ref> These orchids are known as [[wikipedia:myco-heterotroph| myco-heterotroph]]s, but were formerly (incorrectly) described as saprophytes due to the belief that they gained their nutrition by breaking down organic matter. While only a few species are achlorophyllous [[wikipedia:Parasitic plant|holoparasite]]s, all orchids are myco-heterotrophic during germination and seedling growth and even photosynthetic adult plants may continue to obtain carbon from their [[wikipedia:mycorrhiza| mycorrhiza]]l fungi.

==Description==
[[Image:Cattleya aclandiae Orchi 01.jpg|301px|thumb|''Cattleya aclandiae''. Note the typical [[wikipedia:zygomorphic| zygomorphic]] flower with three petal-like [[sepal]]s (top, lower right, lower left), two normal [[wikipedia:petal| petal]]s on either side and the [[wikipedia:labellum| labellum]]]]

Orchids are easily distinguished, as they share some very evident [[wikipedia:apomorphy|apomorphies]]. Among these: [[wikipedia:symmetry (biology)#Bilateral symmetry|bilaterally symmetric]] ([[wikipedia:zygomorphic| zygomorphic]]), many [[wikipedia:resupinate| resupinate]], a [[wikipedia:petal| petal]] (''labellum'') is always highly modified, [[wikipedia:stamens| stamens]] and [[wikipedia:carpel| carpel]]s are fused, and the [[wikipedia:seed| seed]]s are extremely small.

===Leaves===
Like most [[monocot]]s, orchids generally have simple [[wikipedia:Leaf|leaves]] with parallel [[wikipedia:vein| vein]]s, although some [[Vanilloideae]] have a reticulate [[wikipedia:leaf|venation]]. They may be ovate, lanceolate, or orbiculate and very variable in size. Their characteristics are often diagnostic. They are normally [[wikipedia:phyllotaxis|alternate]] on the stem, often plicate, and have no [[wikipedia:stipule| stipule]]s. Orchid leaves often have [[wikipedia:silica|siliceous]] bodies called ''stegmata'' in the vascular [[wikipedia:bundle sheaths| bundle sheaths]] (not present in the [[wikipedia:Orchidoideae| Orchidoideae]]) and are fibrous.

The structure of the leaves corresponds to the specific habitat of the plant. Species that typically bask in sunlight, or grow on sites which can be occasionally very dry, have thick, leathery leaves and the [[wikipedia:lamina| lamina]]s are covered by a waxy [[wikipedia:Plant cuticle|cuticle]] to retain their necessary water supply. Shade species, on the other hand, have long, thin leaves.

The leaves of most orchids are perennial, that is they live for several years, while others, especially those with plicate leaves, shed them annually and develop new leaves together with new [[wikipedia:pseudobulb| pseudobulb]]s, as in ''[[Catasetum]]''.

The leaves of some orchids are considered ornamental. The leaves of the ''Macodes sanderiana'', a semiterrestrial or lithophyte, show a sparkling silver and gold veining on a light green background. The cordate leaves of ''Psychopsiella limminghei'' are light brownish green with maroon-puce markings, created by flower pigments. The attractive mottle of the leaves of [[wikipedia:Lady's Slipper| Lady's Slipper]]s from tropical and subtropical Asia, (''[[Paphiopedilum]]'') is caused by uneven distribution of chlorophyll. Also ''Phalaenopsis schilleriana'' is a lovely pastel pink orchid with leaves spotted dark green and light green. The '''Jewel Orchid''' (''Ludisia discolor'') is grown more for its colorful leaves than its fairly inconspicuous white flowers.

Some orchids, as ''Polyrrhiza lindenii'' ([[Ghost Orchid]]), ''[[wikipedia:Aphyllorchis| Aphyllorchis]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Taeniophyllum| Taeniophyllum]]'' depend on their green roots for [[wikipedia:photosynthesis| photosynthesis]] and lack normally developed leaves, as do all of the [[wikipedia:heterotrophy|heterotrophic]] species.

===Stem and roots===
All orchids are [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[herb]]s and lack any permanent [[wikipedia:wood| wood]]y structure. Orchids can grow according to two patterns:

* '''[[wikipedia:Monopodial| Monopodial]]''': The stems grows from a single bud, leaves are added from the apex each year and the stem grows longer accordingly. The stem of orchids with a monopodial growth can reach several metres in length, as in ''[[Vanda]]'' and ''[[Vanilla]]''.
* '''[[wikipedia:Sympodial| Sympodial]]''': The plant produces a series of adjacent shoots which grow to a certain size, bloom and then stop growing, to be then replaced. Sympodial orchids grow laterally rather than vertically, following the surface of their support. The growth continues by development of new leads, with their own leaves and roots, sprouting from or next to those of the previous year, as in ''[[Cattleya]]''. While a new lead is developing, the [[wikipedia:rhizome| rhizome]] may start its growth again from a so-called 'eye', an undeveloped bud, thereby branching.

[[Image:Orchis lactea rhizotubers.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Orchis lactea]]'' showing the two tubers]]
Terrestrial orchids may be [[wikipedia:rhizome|rhizomatous]] or form [[wikipedia:corm| corm]]s or [[wikipedia:tuber| tuber]]s. The root caps of terrestrials are smooth and white.

Some sympodial terrestrials, such as ''[[Orchis]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Ophrys| Ophrys]]'', have two subterranean [[wikipedia:tuberous root| tuberous root]]s. One is used as a food reserve for wintry periods, and provides for the development of the other one, from which visible growth develops.

In warm and humid climates, many terrestrial orchids do not need pseudobulbs.

Epiphytic orchids have modified [[wikipedia:aerial root| aerial root]]s that can sometimes be a few meters long. In the older parts of the roots, a modified spongy [[wikipedia:Epidermis (botany)|epidermis]] called ''[[wikipedia:velamen| velamen]]'' has the function to absorbe humidity. It is made of dead cells and can have a silvery-grey, white or brown appearance.

The cells of the root epidermis grow at a right angle to the axis of the root to allow them to get a firm grasp on their support. Nutrients mainly come from animal droppings and other organic detritus on their supporting surface.

The base of the stem of sympodial epiphytes, or in some species essentially the entire stem, may be thickened to form what is called a ''[[wikipedia:pseudobulb| pseudobulb]]'' that contains nutrients and water for drier periods.

[[Image:Pseudobulbe.jpg|thumb|The pseudobulb of ''Prosthechea fragrans'']]
The [[wikipedia:pseudobulb| pseudobulb]] has a smooth surface with lengthwise grooves and can have different shapes, often conical or oblong. Its size is very variable; in some small species of ''[[wikipedia:Bulbophyllum| Bulbophyllum]]'' it is no longer than two millimeters, while in the largest orchid in the world, ''[[wikipedia:Grammatophyllum speciosum| Grammatophyllum speciosum]]'' (giant orchid), it can reach three meters. Some ''[[wikipedia:Dendrobium| Dendrobium]]'' have long, canelike pseudobulbs with short, rounded leaves over the whole length, some other orchids have hidden or extremely small pseudobulbs, completely included inside the leaves.

With ageing the pseudobulb sheds its leaves and becomes dormant. At this stage it is often called a ''backbulb''. A pseudobulb then takes over, exploiting the last reserves accumulated in the backbulb, which eventually dies off too. A pseudobulb typically lives for about five years.

===Flower===
[[Image:Orchis sambicina anatomia.jpg|left|291px|thumb|''Dactylorhiza sambucina'', [[Orchidoideae]] for reference]]
Orchidaceae are well known for the many structural variations in their [[flower]]s.

Some orchids have single flowers but most have a [[wikipedia:Inflorescence|racemose]] inflorescence, sometimes with a large number of flowers. The flowering stem can be ''basal'', that is produced from the base of the tuber, like in ''[[Cymbidium]]'', ''apical'', meaning it grows from the apex of the main stem, like in ''[[Cattleya]]'', or ''axillary'', from the leaf axil, as in ''[[Vanda]]''.

As an [[apomorphy]] of the [[clade]], orchid flowers are primitively [[wikipedia:zygomorphic| zygomorphic]] ([[wikipedia:symmetry (biology)#Bilateral symmetry|bilaterally symmetrical]]), although in some genera like ''[[wikipedia:Mormodes| Mormodes]]'', ''[[wikipedia:Ludisia| Ludisia]]'', ''[[wikipedia:Macodes| Macodes]]'' this kind of symmetry may be difficut to notice.

The orchid flower, like most flowers of [[wikipedia:monocots| monocots]] has two whorls of sterile elements. The outer whorl has three [[wikipedia:sepal| sepal]]s and the inner whorl has three [[wikipedia:petal| petal]]s. The sepals are usually very similar to the petals (and thus called ''[[wikipedia:tepals| tepals]]'', '''1'''), but may be completely distinct.

The upper medial petal, called the ''[[wikipedia:labellum| labellum]]'' or lip ('''6'''),, is always modified and enlarged. The inferior [[wikipedia:ovary| ovary]] ('''7''') or the [[wikipedia:pedicel| pedicel]] is rotated 180 degrees, so that the labellum, goes on the lower part of the flower, thus becoming suitable to form a platform for pollinators. This characteristic, called the ''resupination'' occurs primitively in the family and is considered [[wikipedia:apomorphy|apomorphic]] (the torsion of the ovary is very evident from the picture). Some orchids have secondarily lost the resupination, like some ''[[wikipedia:Zygopetalum| Zygopetalum]]'.

The normal form of the sepals can be found in ''[[wikipedia:Cattleya| Cattleya]]'', where they form a triangle. In ''[[wikipedia:Paphiopedilum| Paphiopedilum]]'' (Venus slippers) the lower two sepals are fused together into a [[wikipedia:synsepal| synsepal]], while the lip has taken the form of a slipper. In ''[[wikipedia:Masdevallia| Masdevallia]]'' all the sepals are fused.

Orchid flowers with abnormal numbers of petals or lips are called ''peloric''. [[Peloria]] is a genetic trait, but its expression is environmentally influenced and may appear random.

[[Image:VanillaFlowerLongitudinalSection-en.png|thumb|Longitudinal section of a flower of ''[[wikipedia:Vanilla planifolia|Vanilla planifolia]]''|401px|right]]
Orchid flowers primitively had three [[wikipedia:stamen| stamen]]s, but this situation is now limited to the genus ''[[wikipedia:Neuwiedia| Neuwiedia]]''. ''[[wikipedia:Apostasia| Apostasia]]'' and the [[wikipedia:Cypripedioideae| Cypripedioideae]] have two stamens, the central one being sterile and reduced to a [[wikipedia:staminode| staminode]]. All of the other orchids, the clade called ''Monandria'', retain only the central stamen, the others being reduced to [[wikipedia:staminode| staminode]]s ('''4'''). The filaments of the [[wikipedia:stamen| stamen]]s are always [[wikipedia:adnation|adnate]] (fused) to the [[wikipedia:carpel|style]] to form cylindrical structure called the ''gynostemium'' or [[wikipedia:column (botany)|column]] ('''2'''). In the primitive [[wikipedia:Apostasioideae| Apostasioideae]] this fusion is only partial, in the [[wikipedia:Vanilloideae| Vanilloideae]] it is more deep, while in [[wikipedia:Orchidoideae| Orchidoideae]] and [[wikipedia:Epidendroideae| Epidendroideae]] it is total. The [[wikipedia:Carpel|stigma]] ('''9''') is very asymmetrical as all of its lobes are bent towards the centre of the flower and lay on the bottom of the column.

[[wikipedia:Pollen| Pollen]] is released as single grains, like in most other plants, in the [[wikipedia:Apostasioideae| Apostasioideae]], [[wikipedia:Cypripedioideae| Cypripedioideae]] and [[wikipedia:Vanilloideae| Vanilloideae]]. In the other subfamilies, that comprise the great majority of orchids, the anther ('''3'''), carries and two [[wikipedia:pollinium|pollinia]].

A pollinium is a waxy mass of pollen grains held together by the glue-like [[wikipedia:alkaloid| alkaloid]] [[wikipedia:viscin| viscin]], containing both cellulosic stands and mucopolysaccharides. Each pollinium is connected to a filament which can take the form of a ''[[wikipedia:caudicle| caudicle]]'', like in ''[[wikipedia:Dactylorhiza| Dactylorhiza]]'' or ''[[wikipedia:Habenaria| Habenaria]]'' or a ''[[wikipedia:stipe (botany)|stipe]]'', like in ''[[Vanda]]''. Caudicles or stipes hold the pollinia to the ''viscidium'', a sticky pad which sticks the pollinia to the body of [[wikipedia:pollinator| pollinator]]s.

At the upper edge of the stigma of single-anthered orchids, in front of the anther cap, there is the ''rostellum'' ('''5'''), a slender extension involved in the complex pollination mechanism.

As aforementioned, the [[wikipedia:ovary (plants)|ovary]] is always inferior (located behind the flower). It is three-[[wikipedia:carpel| carpel]]ate and one or, more rarely, three-partitioned, with parietal [[wikipedia:placenta| placenta]]tion (axile in the [[wikipedia:Apostasioideae|Apostasioideae]]).

===Pollination===
Orchids have developed highly specialized [[wikipedia:pollination| pollination]] systems and thus the chances of being pollinated are often scarce. This is why orchid flowers usually remain receptive for very long periods and why most orchids deliver pollen in a single mass; each time pollination succeeds thousands of ovules can be fertilized.

Pollinators are often visually attracted by the shape and colours of the labellum. The flowers may produce attractive odours. Although absent in most species, [[wikipedia:nectar| nectar]] may be produced in a [[wikipedia:spur (biology)|spur]] ('''8''') of the labellum, on the point of the sepals or in the septa of the ovary, the most typical position amongst the [[wikipedia:Asparagales| Asparagales]].

In orchids that produce pollinia, pollination happens as some variant of the following. When the pollinator enters into the flower, it touches a viscidium, which promptly sticks to its body, generally on the head or abdomen. While leaving the flower, it pulls the pollinium out of the anther, as it is connected to the viscidium by the caudicle or stipe. The caudicle then bends and the pollinium is moved forwards and downwards. When the pollinator enters another flower of the same species, the pollinium has taken such position that it will stick to the stigma of the second flower, just below the rostellum, pollinating it. The possessors of orchids may be able to reproduce the process with a pencil or similar device. 

[[Image:Ophrys apifera flower2.jpg|thumb|left|''[[Ophrys apifera]]'' is about to self-pollinate]]
Some orchids mainly or totally rely on [[wikipedia:self-pollination| self-pollination]], especially in colder regions where pollinators are particularly rare. The caudicles may dry up if the flower hasn't been visited by any pollinator and the pollina then fall directly on the stigma. Otherwise the anther may rotate and then enter the stigma cavity of the flower (as in ''[[wikipedia:Holcoglossum amesianum| Holcoglossum amesianum]]'').

The labellum of the [[wikipedia:Cypripedioideae| Cypripedioideae]] is poke-shaped and has the function to trap visiting insects. The only exit leads to the anthers that deposit pollen on the visitor.

In some extremely specialized orchids, like the Eurasian genus ''[[wikipedia:Ophrys| Ophrys]]'', the labellum is adapted to have a colour, shape and odour which attracts male insects via [[wikipedia:mimicry| mimicry]] of a receptive female. Pollination happens as the insect attempts to mate with flowers.

Many neotropical orchids are pollinated by male [[wikipedia:euglossini|orchid bees]], which visit the flowers to gather volatile chemicals they require to synthesize [[wikipedia:pheromone|pheromonal]] attractants. Each type of orchid places the pollinia on a different body part of a different species of bee, so as to enforce proper [[wikipedia:cross-pollination| cross-pollination]].

An underground orchid in Australia, ''[[wikipedia:Rhizanthella slateri| Rhizanthella slateri]]'', never sees the light of day and depends on [[wikipedia:ant| ant]]s and other terrestrial insects to pollinate it.

''[[Catasetum]]'', a genus discussed briefly by [[wikipedia:Charles Darwin|Darwin]] actually launches its viscid pollinia with explosive force when an insect touches a [[wikipedia:seta| seta]].

After pollination the sepals and petals fade and wilt, but they usually remain attached to the ovary.

===Asexual reproduction===
Some species, as some ''[[Phalaenopsis]]'', ''[[Dendrobium]]'' and ''[[Vanda]]'', produce offshoots or plantlets formed from one of the [[wikipedia:node (botany)|node]]s along the [[wikipedia:Plant stem|stem]], through the accumulation of growth hormones at that point. These shoots are known as ''[[wikipedia:keiki| keiki]]''.

===Fruits and seeds===
[[Image:Kapselquerschnitte Orchideen.png|thumb|right|201px|Cross-section of an orchid capsule, the longitudinal slits]]
The ovary typically develops into a [[wikipedia:capsule (fruit)|capsule]] that is [[wikipedia:dehiscent| dehiscent]] by 3 or 6 longitudinal slits, while remaining closed at both ends. The [[wikipedia:ripe| ripe]]ning of a capsule can take 2 to 18 months.

The [[wikipedia:seed| seed]]s are generally almost microscopic and very numerous, in some species over a million per capsule. After ripening they blow off like dust particles or spores. They lack [[wikipedia:endosperm| endosperm]] and must enter symbiotic relationship with various [[Orchid mycorrhiza|mycorrhizal]] [[wikipedia:basidiomycete| basidiomycete]]ous [[wikipedia:fungi| fungi]] that provide them the necessary nutrients to germinate, so that all orchid species are mycoheterotrophic during germination and reliant upon [[wikipedia:fungi| fungi]] to complete their lifecycle.

As the chance for a seed to meet a fitting fungus is very small, only a minute fraction of all the seeds released grow into an adult plant. Germination can take up to fifteen years.

[[wikipedia:Horticultural| Horticultural]] techniques have been devised for germinating seeds on a nutrient-containing gel, eliminating the requirement of the fungus for germination, greatly aiding the propagation of ornamental orchids.

== Evolution ==
A study in the scientific journal [[wikipedia:Nature (journal)|Nature]] <ref>Santiago R. Ramírez, Barbara Gravendeel, Rodrigo B. Singer, Charles R. Marshall & Naomi E. Pierce (30 August 2007). "[http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v448/n7157/abs/nature06039.html Dating the origin of the Orchidaceae from a fossil orchid with its pollinator]". ''Nature'' 448: 1042–1042. [[wikipedia:doi| doi]]:[http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v448/n7157/abs/nature06039.html 10.1038/nature06039].</ref> has shown that the origin of orchids goes back much longer than originally expected. An extinct species of stingless bee, ''Proplebeia dominicana'', was found trapped in [[wikipedia:Miocene| Miocene]] [[wikipedia:amber| amber]] about 15-20 million years ago. The bee was carrying [[wikipedia:pollen| pollen]] of a previously unknown orchid taxon, ''[[wikipedia:Meliorchis caribea| Meliorchis caribea]]'', on its wings.

This indicates that orchids may have an ancient origin and have arisen 76 to 84 million years ago during the [[wikipedia:Late Cretaceous| Late Cretaceous]]. In other words, they may have co-existed with [[wikipedia:dinosaur| dinosaur]]s. It shows also that at that time insects were active [[wikipedia:pollinator| pollinator]]s of orchids.

Using the [[wikipedia:molecular clock| molecular clock]] method, it was possible to determine the age of the major branches of the orchid family. This also confirmed that the subfamily [[wikipedia:Vanilloideae| Vanilloideae]] is a branch at the basal dichotomy of the [[wikipedia:monandrous| monandrous]] orchids, and must have evolved very early in the evolution of the family. Since this genus occurs worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, from tropical America to tropical Asia, New Guinea and West Africa, and the continents began to split about 100 million years ago, significant biotic exchange must have occurred after this split (since the age of Vanilla is estimated at 60 to 70 million years).

This find is the first proof of fossilised orchids to date.<ref name="Origin of the orchids" />

The extinct orchid ''M. caribea'' has been placed within the extant tribe [[wikipedia:Cranichideae| Cranichideae]], subtribe [[wikipedia:Goodyerinae| Goodyerinae]] (subfamily [[wikipedia:Orchidoideae| Orchidoideae]]).

== Footnotes ==
{{reflist}}

==References==
* Arditti, J. 1992. ''Fundamentals of orchid biology''. John Wiley and Sons, New York. ISBN 0471549061.
* Batygina, T. B., Bragina, E. A., and Vasilyeva, E. 2003. The reproductive system and germination in orchids. ''Acta Biol. Cracov. ser. Bot.'' 45: 21–34.
* Berg Pana, H. 2005. ''Handbuch der Orchideen-Namen. Dictionary of Orchid Names. Dizionario dei nomi delle orchidee''. Ulmer, Stuttgart.
* Judd, Walter S., Christopher S. Campbell, Elizabeth A. Kellogg, Peter F. Stevens, Michael J. Donoghue: ''Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach'', Sinauer Associates Inc. 2007. ISBN 0878934073.
* Kreutz, C. A. J. 2004. ''Kompendium der Europaischen Orchideen. Catalogue of European Orchids''. Kreutz Publishers, Landgraaf, Netherlands
* Ramírez, S., et al. Nature 448, 1042–1045 (2007).
* D. Lee Taylor and Thomas D. Bruns: Ectomycorrhizal mutualism by two nonphotosynthetic orchids; ''Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA''; Vol. 94, pp. 4510–4515, April 1997 ([http://plantbio.berkeley.edu/~bruns/papers/taylor1997b.html on line]).
* Stevens, P. F. (2001 onwards). [[wikipedia:Angiosperm Phylogeny Website| Angiosperm Phylogeny Website]]. Version 7, May 2006 [and more or less continuously updated since]. [http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/]
* Strasburger, Noll, Schenck, Schimper: ''Lehrbuch der Botanik für Hochschulen''. 4. Auflage, Gustav Fischer, Jena 1900, p. 459.

==External links==
*[http://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/registration_orchids.asp Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) International Orchid Register] (with search capability)
*[http://www.chileflora.com/Florachilena/FloraEnglish/PIC_FAMILIES_SIMPLE_106.php Orchidaceae of Chile, by Chileflora]

[[Category:Flowers]]
[[Category:Plant families]]
[[Category:Orchids| ]]

Plant

James — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:48:53 GMT

Summary:

[[image:Diversity of plants image version 3.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
'''Plants''' are [[wikipedia:Life|living]] [[wikipedia:organism|organism]]s belonging to the [[wikipedia:Kingdom (biology)|kingdom]] '''Plantae'''. They include familiar organisms such as [[wikipedia:tree| tree]]s, [[wikipedia:herb| herb]]s, [[wikipedia:bushes| bushes]], [[wikipedia:grasses| grasses]], [[wikipedia:vine| vine]]s, [[wikipedia:fern| fern]]s, [[wikipedia:moss| moss]]es, and [[wikipedia:green algae| green algae]]. About 350,000 [[wikipedia:species| species]] of plants, defined as [[seed plant]]s, [[wikipedia:bryophyte|bryophyte]]s, [[wikipedia:fern| fern]]s and [[wikipedia:fern allies| fern allies]], are estimated to exist currently. As of 2004, some 287,655 species had been identified, of which 258,650 are [[wikipedia:flowering| flowering]] and 18,000 [[wikipedia:bryophytes| bryophytes]] (see [[wikipedia:#Diversity|table below]]). '''Green plants''', sometimes called '''metaphytes''' or ''viridiplantae'', obtain most of their energy from [[wikipedia:Electromagnetic radiation|sunlight]] via a process called [[wikipedia:photosynthesis| photosynthesis]].

==Definition==
[[wikipedia:Aristotle| Aristotle]] divided all living things between plants (which generally do not move), and animals (which often are mobile to catch their food). In [[wikipedia:Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]]' system, these became the [[wikipedia:kingdom (biology)|Kingdoms]] Vegetabilia (later Metaphyta or Plantae) and [[wikipedia:Animalia| Animalia]] (also called Metazoa). Since then, it has become clear that the Plantae as originally defined included several unrelated groups, and the [[wikipedia:fungus|fungi]] and several groups of [[wikipedia:algae| algae]] were removed to new kingdoms. However, these are still often considered plants in many contexts, both technical and popular.

When the name Plantae or plants is applied to a specific taxon, it is usually referring to one of three concepts. From smallest to largest in inclusiveness, these three groupings are:
* [[Embryophyte|Land plant]]s, also known as Embryophyta or Metaphyta. As the narrowest of plant categories, this is further delineated below.
* '''Green plants''' - also known as '''Viridiplantae''', '''Viridiphyta''' or '''Chlorobionta''' - comprise the above Embryophytes, [[wikipedia:Charophyta| Charophyta]] (i.e., primitive [[wikipedia:stonewort| stonewort]]s), and [[wikipedia:Chlorophyta| Chlorophyta]] (i.e., [[wikipedia:green algae| green algae]] such as [[wikipedia:sea lettuce| sea lettuce]]). It is this [[wikipedia:clade| clade]] which is mainly the subject of this article.
* [[Archaeplastida]] - also known as Plantae ''[[wikipedia:sensu lato| sensu lato]]'', Plastida or Primoplantae - comprises the green plants above, as well as [[Rhodophyta]] (red algae) and [[Glaucophyta]] (simple glaucophyte algae). As the broadest plant clade, this comprises most of the [[eukaryote]]s that eons ago acquired their [[chloroplast]]s directly by engulfing [[cyanobacteria]].

Informally, other creatures that carry out photosynthesis are called plants as well, but they do not constitute a formal taxon and represent species that are not closely related to true plants. There are around 375,000 species of plants, and each year more are found and described by science.

===Algae===
[[Image:Haeckel Siphoneae.jpg|250px|thumb|[[Green algae]] from [[Ernst Haeckel]]'s ''[[wikipedia:Kunstformen der Natur| Kunstformen der Natur]]'', 1904.]]
Most [[algae]] are no longer classified within the Kingdom Plantae.<ref>Margulis, L. (1974), "Five-kingdom classification and the origin and evolution of cells", ''Evolutionary'' Biology 7: 45–78</ref><ref name="Raven 2005" /> The algae comprise several different groups of organisms that produce energy through photosynthesis, each of which arose independently from separate non-photosynthetic ancestors. Most conspicuous among the algae are the [[seaweed]]s, multicellular algae that may roughly resemble terrestrial plants, but are classified among the [[green alga|green]], [[red alga|red]], and [[brown alga]]e. Each of these algal groups also includes various microscopic and single-celled organisms.

Only two groups of algae are considered close relatives of land plants ([[embryophyte]]s). The first of these groups is the [[Charophyta]] ([[desmid]]s and stoneworts), from which the embryophytes developed.<ref>Bremer, K. (1985), "Summary of green plant phylogeny and classification", ''Cladistics'' 1: 369–385</ref><ref>Mishler, Brent D. & S. P. Churchill (1985), "Transition to a land flora: phylogenetic relationships of the green algae and bryophytes", Cladistics 1: 305–328</ref><ref>Mishler, Brent D. & Louise A. Lewis; Mark A. Buchheim; Karen S. Renzaglia; D. J. Garbary; Carl F. Delwiche; F. W. Zechman; T. S. Kantz; & Ron L. Chapman (1994), "Phylogenetic relationships of the "green algae" and "bryophytes"", ''[[wikipedia:Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden| Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden]]'' 81: 451–483, [[wikipedia:doi| doi]]:[http://www.jstor.org/pss/2399900 10.2307/2399900]</ref> The [[wikipedia:sister group| sister group]] to the combined embryophytes and charophytes is the other group of green algae ([[Chlorophyta]]), and this more inclusive group is collectively referred to as the green plants or [[Viridiplantae]]. The Kingdom Plantae is often taken to mean this [[monophyletic]] grouping. With a few exceptions among the green algae, all such forms have cell walls containing [[wikipedia:cellulose| cellulose]], have [[chloroplast]]s containing [[chlorophyll]]s ''a'' and ''b'', and store food in the form of [[wikipedia:starch| starch]]. They undergo closed [[wikipedia:mitosis| mitosis]] without [[wikipedia:centriole| centriole]]s, and typically have [[mitochondrion|mitochondria]] with flat cristae.

The [[chloroplast]]s of green plants are surrounded by two membranes, suggesting they originated directly from endosymbiotic [[cyanobacteria]]. The same is true of two additional groups of algae: the [[Rhodophyta]] (red algae) and [[Glaucophyta]]. All three groups together are generally believed to have a common origin, and so are classified together in the taxon [[Archaeplastida]]. In contrast, most other algae (e.g. [[heterokont]]s, [[haptophyte]]s, [[dinoflagellate]]s, and [[euglenid]]s) have chloroplasts with three or four surrounding membranes. They are not close relatives of the green plants, presumably acquiring chloroplasts separately from ingested or symbiotic green and red algae.

===Fungi===
[[wikipedia:Fungus|Fungi]] were previously included in the plant kingdom, but are now seen to be more closely related to animals. Unlike embryophytes and algae, fungi are not photosynthetic, but are [[wikipedia:saprotrophs| saprotrophs]]: obtaining food by breaking down and absorbing surrounding materials. Most fungi are formed by microscopic structures called [[wikipedia:hyphae| hyphae]], which may or may not be divided into cells but contain [[wikipedia:eukaryotic| eukaryotic]] [[wikipedia:cell nucleus|nuclei]]. Fruiting bodies, of which [[mushroom]]s are most familiar, are the reproductive structures of fungi. They are not related to any of the photosynthetic groups, but are close relatives of [[wikipedia:animal| animal]]s. Therefore, the [[wikipedia:fungi| fungi]] are in a kingdom of their own.

===Embryophytes===
[[Image:Ferns02.jpg|250px|thumb|''[[Dicksonia antarctica]]'', a species of [[tree fern]].]]
Most familiar are the [[wikipedia:multicellular| multicellular]] land plants, called [[wikipedia:embryophyte| embryophyte]]s. They include the [[vascular plant]]s, plants with full systems of [[wikipedia:leaf|leaves]], [[wikipedia:Plant stem|stems]], and [[wikipedia:root| root]]s. They also include a few of their close relatives, often called ''[[wikipedia:bryophytes| bryophytes]]'', of which [[wikipedia:moss| moss]]es and [[wikipedia:Marchantiophyta|liverworts]] are the most common.

All of these plants have [[wikipedia:eukaryote|eukaryotic]] cells with [[wikipedia:cell wall| cell wall]]s composed of [[wikipedia:cellulose| cellulose]], and most obtain their energy through [[wikipedia:photosynthesis| photosynthesis]], using [[wikipedia:light| light]] and [[wikipedia:carbon dioxide| carbon dioxide]] to synthesize food. About three hundred plant species do not photosynthesize but are [[wikipedia:parasite| parasite]]s on other species of photosynthetic plants. Plants are distinguished from [[wikipedia:green alga| green alga]]e, which represent a mode of photosynthetic life similar to the kind modern plants are believed to have evolved from, by having specialized reproductive organs protected by non-reproductive tissues.

Bryophytes first appeared during the early [[wikipedia:Palaeozoic| Palaeozoic]]. They can only survive where moisture is available for significant periods, although some species are desiccation tolerant. Most species of bryophyte remain small throughout their life-cycle. This involves an alternation between two generations: a [[wikipedia:haploid| haploid]] stage, called the [[wikipedia:gametophyte| gametophyte]], and a [[wikipedia:diploid| diploid]] stage, called the [[wikipedia:sporophyte| sporophyte]]. The sporophyte is short-lived and remains dependent on its parent gametophyte.

Vascular plants first appeared during the [[wikipedia:Silurian| Silurian]] period, and by the [[wikipedia:Devonian| Devonian]] had diversified and spread into many different land environments. They have a number of adaptations that allowed them to overcome the limitations of the bryophytes. These include a cuticle resistant to desiccation, and vascular tissues which transport water throughout the organism. In most the sporophyte acts as a separate individual, while the gametophyte remains small.

The first primitive seed plants, Pteridosperms (seed ferns) and Cordaites, both groups now extinct, appeared in the late Devonian and diversified through the Carboniferous, with further evolution through the [[wikipedia:Permian| Permian]] and [[wikipedia:Triassic| Triassic]] periods. In these the gametophyte stage is completely reduced, and the sporophyte begins life inside an enclosure called a [[wikipedia:seed| seed]], which develops while on the parent plant, and with fertilisation by means of [[wikipedia:pollen| pollen]] grains. Whereas other vascular plants, such as ferns, reproduce by means of spores and so need moisture to develop, some seed plants can survive and reproduce in extremely arid conditions.

Early seed plants are referred to as gymnosperms (naked seeds), as the seed embryo is not enclosed in a protective structure at pollination, with the pollen landing directly on the embryo. Four surviving groups remain widespread now, particularly the [[wikipedia:conifer| conifer]]s, which are dominant [[wikipedia:tree| tree]]s in several [[wikipedia:biome| biome]]s. The angiosperms, comprising the [[flowering plant]]s, were the last major group of plants to appear, emerging from within the gymnosperms during the [[wikipedia:Jurassic| Jurassic]] and diversifying rapidly during the [[wikipedia:Cretaceous| Cretaceous]]. These differ in that the seed embryo (angiosperm) is enclosed, so the pollen has to grow a tube to penetrate the protective seed coat; they are the predominant group of flora in most biomes today.

=== Fossils ===
[[Image:Petrified forest log 1 md.jpg|250px|thumb|A petrified log in [[wikipedia:Petrified Forest National Park| Petrified Forest National Park]].]]
Plant [[wikipedia:fossil| fossil]]s include roots, wood, leaves, seeds, fruit, [[wikipedia:pollen| pollen]], [[wikipedia:spores| spores]], [[wikipedia:phytolith| phytolith]]s, and [[wikipedia:amber| amber]] (the fossilized resin produced by some plants). Fossil land plants are recorded in terrestrial, lacustrine, fluvial and nearshore marine sediments. [[wikipedia:Pollen| Pollen]], [[wikipedia:spores| spores]] and algae ([[wikipedia:dinoflagellates| dinoflagellates]] and [[wikipedia:acritarchs| acritarchs]]) are used for dating sedimentary rock sequences. The remains of fossil plants are not as common as fossil animals, although plant fossils are locally abundant in many regions worldwide.

The earliest fossils clearly assignable to Kingdom Plantae are fossil green algae from the [[wikipedia:Cambrian| Cambrian]]. These fossils resemble calcified multicellular members of the [[wikipedia:Dasycladales| Dasycladales]]. Earlier [[wikipedia:Precambrian| Precambrian]] fossils are known which resemble single-cell green algae, but definitive identity with that group of algae is uncertain.

The oldest known [[wikipedia:trace fossil| trace fossil]]s of embryophytes date from the [[wikipedia:Ordovician| Ordovician]], though such fossils are fragmentary. By the [[wikipedia:Silurian| Silurian]], fossils of whole plants are preserved, including the [[wikipedia:lycophyte| lycophyte]] ''[[wikipedia:Baragwanathia longifolia| Baragwanathia longifolia]]''. From the Devonian, detailed fossils of [[wikipedia:rhyniophyte| rhyniophyte]]s have been found. Early fossils of these ancient plants show the individual cells within the plant tissue. The [[wikipedia:Devonian period| Devonian period]] also saw the evolution of what many believe to be the first modern tree, ''[[wikipedia:Archaeopteris| Archaeopteris]]''. This fern-like tree combined a woody trunk with the fronds of a fern, but produced no seeds.

The [[wikipedia:Coal Measures| Coal Measures]] are a major source of [[wikipedia:Palaeozoic| Palaeozoic]] plant fossils, with many groups of plants in existence at this time. The spoil heaps of coal mines are the best places to collect; [[wikipedia:coal| coal]] itself is the remains of fossilised plants, though structural detail of the plant fossils is rarely visible in coal. In the Fossil Forest at Victoria Park in [[wikipedia:Glasgow| Glasgow]], [[wikipedia:Scotland| Scotland]], the stumps of ''[[wikipedia:Lepidodendron| Lepidodendron]]'' trees are found in their original growth positions.

The fossilized remains of conifer and angiosperm roots, stems and branches may be locally abundant in lake and inshore sedimentary rocks from the [[wikipedia:Mesozoic| Mesozoic]] and [[wikipedia:Caenozoic| Caenozoic]] eras. [[wikipedia:Coast Redwood|Sequoia]] and its allies, [[magnolia]], [[wikipedia:oak| oak]], and [[wikipedia:Arecaceae|palms]] are often found.

[[wikipedia:Petrified wood| Petrified wood]] is common in some parts of the world, and is most frequently found in arid or desert areas where it is more readily exposed by [[wikipedia:erosion| erosion]]. Petrified wood is often heavily silicified (the organic material replaced by [[wikipedia:silicon dioxide| silicon dioxide]]), and the impregnated tissue is often preserved in fine detail. Such specimens may be cut and polished using [[wikipedia:lapidary| lapidary]] equipment. Fossil forests of petrified wood have been found in all continents.

Fossils of seed ferns such as ''[[wikipedia:Glossopteris| Glossopteris]]'' are widely distributed throughout several continents of the [[wikipedia:southern hemisphere| southern hemisphere]], a fact that gave support to [[wikipedia:Alfred Wegener| Alfred Wegener]]'s early ideas regarding [[wikipedia:Continental drift| Continental drift]] theory.

==Life processes==
===Growth===
Most of the solid material in a plant is taken from the atmosphere. Through a process known as [[wikipedia:photosynthesis| photosynthesis]], plants use the energy in [[wikipedia:sunlight| sunlight]] to convert [[wikipedia:carbon dioxide| carbon dioxide]] from the atmosphere, plus [[wikipedia:water| water]], into simple [[wikipedia:sugars| sugars]]. These sugars are then used as building blocks and form the main structural component of the plant. [[wikipedia:Chlorophyll| Chlorophyll]], a green-colored, [[wikipedia:magnesium| magnesium]]-containing [[wikipedia:pigment| pigment]] is essential to this process; it is generally present in plant [[wikipedia:leaf|leaves]], and often in other plant parts as well.

Plants rely on soil primarily for support and water (in quantitative terms), but also obtain [[wikipedia:compound| compound]]s of [[wikipedia:nitrogen| nitrogen]], [[wikipedia:phosphorus| phosphorus]], and other crucial elemental [[wikipedia:Macronutrient_(ecology)#Nutrients_and_plants|nutrients]]. For the majority of plants to grow successfully they also require [[wikipedia:oxygen| oxygen]] in the atmosphere and around their roots for [[wikipedia:respiration| respiration]]. However, some plants grow as submerged aquatics, using oxygen dissolved in the surrounding water, and a few specialized vascular plants, such as [[wikipedia:mangrove| mangrove]]s, can grow with their roots in anoxic conditions.

[[Image:Leaf 1 web.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[wikipedia:leaf| leaf]] is the primary site of [[wikipedia:photosynthesis| photosynthesis]] in plants.]]

==== Factors affecting growth ====
The genotype of a plant affects its growth, for example selected varieties of wheat grow rapidly, maturing within 110 days, whereas others, in the same environmental conditions, grow more slowly and mature within 155 days.<ref name=Robbins>Robbins, W.W., Weier, T.E., ''et al'', ''Botany:Plant Science'', 3rd edition , Wiley International, New York, 1965.</ref>

Growth is also determined by environmental factors, such as [[wikipedia:temperature| temperature]], available [[wikipedia:water| water]], available [[wikipedia:light| light]], and available [[wikipedia:nutrients| nutrients]] in the soil. Any change in the availability of these external conditions will be reflected in the plants growth.

Biotic factors (living organisms) also affect plant growth.

*Plants compete with other plants for space, water, light and nutrients. Plants can be so crowded that no single individual makes normal growth.<ref name=Robbins/>
*Many plants rely on birds and insects to effect pollination.
*Grazing animals may affect vegetation.
*Soil fertility is influenced by the activity of bacteria and fungi.
*Bacteria, fungi, viruses, nematodes and insects can parasitise plants.
*Some plant roots require an association with fungi to maintain normal activity (mycorrhizal association).<ref name=Robbins/>

Simple plants like algae may have short life spans as individuals, but their populations are commonly seasonal. Other plants may be organized according to their seasonal growth pattern:
* [[Annual plant|Annual]]: live and reproduce within one growing season.
* [[Biennial plant|Biennial]]: live for two growing seasons; usually reproduce in second year.
* [[Perennial plant|Perennial]]: live for many growing seasons; continue to reproduce once mature.

Among the vascular plants, perennials include both [[wikipedia:evergreen| evergreen]]s that keep their leaves the entire year, and [[wikipedia:deciduous| deciduous]] plants which lose their leaves for some part of it. In [[wikipedia:temperate| temperate]] and [[wikipedia:boreal| boreal]] climates, they generally lose their leaves during the winter; many [[wikipedia:tropical| tropical]] plants lose their leaves during the dry season.

The growth rate of plants is extremely variable. Some mosses grow less than 0.001 mm/h, while most trees grow 0.025-0.250 mm/h. Some climbing species, such as [[wikipedia:kudzu| kudzu]], which do not need to produce thick supportive tissue, may grow up to 12.5 mm/h.

Plants protect themselves from [[wikipedia:frost| frost]] and [[wikipedia:dehydration| dehydration]] stress with [[wikipedia:antifreeze protein| antifreeze protein]]s, [[wikipedia:Heat shock protein|heat-shock proteins]] and sugars ([[wikipedia:sucrose| sucrose]] is common). LEA (Late [[wikipedia:Embryogenesis| Embryogenesis]] Abundant) protein expression is induced by stresses and protects other proteins from aggregation as a result of [[wikipedia:desiccation| desiccation]] and [[wikipedia:freezing| freezing]].<ref>Goyal, K., Walton, L. J., & Tunnacliffe, A. (2005), "[http://www.biochemj.org/bj/388/0151/bj3880151.htm LEA proteins prevent protein aggregation due to water stress]", ''Biochemical Journal'' 388(Part 1): 151 – 157, doi:10.1042/BJ20041931, PMID 15631617</ref>

=== Internal distribution ===
[[Vascular plant]]s differ from other plants in that they transport nutrients between different parts through specialized structures, called [[wikipedia:xylem| xylem]] and [[wikipedia:phloem| phloem]]. They also have [[wikipedia:root| root]]s for taking up water and minerals. The xylem moves water and minerals from the root to the rest of the plant, and the phloem provides the roots with sugars and other nutrient produced by the leaves. <ref>Campbell, Reece, ''Biology'', 7th edition, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2005</ref>

==Ecology==

The [[wikipedia:photosynthesis| photosynthesis]] conducted by land plants and algae is the ultimate source of energy and organic material in nearly all ecosystems. Photosynthesis radically changed the composition of the early Earth's atmosphere, which as a result is now 21% [[wikipedia:oxygen| oxygen]]. Animals and most other organisms are [[wikipedia:Aerobic organism|aerobic]], relying on oxygen; those that do not are confined to relatively rare [[wikipedia:anaerobic environment| anaerobic environment]]s. Plants are the [[wikipedia:Autotroph|primary producers]] in most terrestrial ecosystems and form the basis of the [[wikipedia:food web| food web]] in those ecosystems. Many animals rely on plants for shelter as well as oxygen and food.

Land plants are key components of the [[wikipedia:water cycle| water cycle]] and several other [[wikipedia:biogeochemical cycle| biogeochemical cycle]]s. Some plants have [[wikipedia:coevolve| coevolve]]d with [[wikipedia:nitrogen fixation|nitrogen fixing]] bacteria, making plants an important part of the [[wikipedia:nitrogen cycle| nitrogen cycle]]. Plant roots play an essential role in [[wikipedia:soil| soil]] development and prevention of [[wikipedia:soil erosion| soil erosion]].

===Distribution===
Plants are distributed [[wikipedia:worldwide| worldwide]] in varying numbers. While they inhabit a multitude of [[wikipedia:biome| biome]]s and [[wikipedia:ecoregion| ecoregion]]s, few can be found beyond the [[wikipedia:tundra| tundra]]s at the northernmost regions of [[wikipedia:continental shelf|continental shelves]]. At the southern extremes, plants have adapted tenaciously to the prevailing conditions. (See [[Antarctic flora]].)

Plants are often the dominant physical and structural component of habitats where they occur. Many of the Earth's [[wikipedia:biome| biome]]s are named for the type of vegetation because plants are the dominant organisms in those biomes, such as [[wikipedia:grassland| grassland]]s and [[wikipedia:forest| forest]]s.

===Ecological relationships===
[[Image:VFT ne1.JPG|thumb|The [[Venus flytrap]], a species of [[carnivorous plant]].]]
Numerous animals have coevolved with plants. Many animals [[wikipedia:pollinate| pollinate]] [[flower]]s in exchange for food in the form of pollen or [[wikipedia:nectar| nectar]]. Many animals [[wikipedia:biological dispersal|disperse seeds]], often by eating [[wikipedia:fruit| fruit]] and passing the seeds in their [[wikipedia:feces| feces]]. [[wikipedia:Myrmecophyte| Myrmecophyte]]s are plants that have coevolved with [[wikipedia:ant| ant]]s. The plant provides a home, and sometimes food, for the ants. In exchange, the ants defend the plant from [[wikipedia:herbivore| herbivore]]s and sometimes competing plants. Ant wastes provide organic [[wikipedia:fertilizer| fertilizer]].

The majority of plant species have various kinds of fungi associated with their root systems in a kind of [[wikipedia:mutualistic| mutualistic]] [[wikipedia:symbiosis| symbiosis]] known as [[wikipedia:mycorrhiza| mycorrhiza]]. The fungi help the plants gain water and mineral nutrients from the soil, while the plant gives the fungi carbohydrates manufactured in photosynthesis. Some plants serve as homes for [[wikipedia:endophyte|endophytic]] fungi that protect the plant from herbivores by producing toxins. The fungal endophyte, ''[[wikipedia:Neotyphodium coenophialum| Neotyphodium coenophialum]]'', in [[wikipedia:tall fescue| tall fescue]] (''Festuca arundinacea'') does tremendous economic damage to the cattle industry in the U.S.

Various forms of parasitism are also fairly common among plants, from the semi-parasitic [[wikipedia:mistletoe| mistletoe]] that merely takes some nutrients from its host, but still has photosynthetic leaves, to the fully parasitic [[broomrape]] and [[toothwort]] that acquire all their nutrients through connections to the roots of other plants, and so have no [[wikipedia:chlorophyll| chlorophyll]]. Some plants, known as [[wikipedia:myco-heterotrophs| myco-heterotrophs]], parasitize mycorrhizal fungi, and hence act as [[wikipedia:epiparasites| epiparasites]] on other plants.

Many plants are [[wikipedia:epiphyte| epiphyte]]s, meaning they grow on other plants, usually trees, without parasitizing them. Epiphytes may indirectly harm their host plant by intercepting mineral nutrients and light that the host would otherwise receive. The weight of large numbers of epiphytes may break tree limbs. Many [[orchid]]s, [[bromeliad]]s, [[fern]]s and [[moss]]es often grow as epiphytes. Bromeliad epiphytes accumulate water in leaf axils to form phytotelmata, complex aquatic food webs.<ref>Howard Frank, [http://bromeliadbiota.ifas.ufl.edu/bromfit.htm Bromeliad Phytotelmata], October 2000</ref>

A few plants are [[carnivorous plant|carnivorous]], such as the [[Venus flytrap]] and [[sundew]]. They trap small animals and digest them to obtain mineral nutrients, especially [[wikipedia:nitrogen| nitrogen]].

==Importance==
[[Image:Potato plant.jpg|thumb|200px|[[wikipedia:Potato| Potato]] plant. Potatoes spread to the rest of the world after European contact with the Americas in the late 1400s and early 1500s and have since become an important field [[wikipedia:crop| crop]].]]
[[Image:Timber DonnellyMills2005 SeanMcClean.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[wikipedia:Timber| Timber]] in storage for later processing at a [[wikipedia:sawmill| sawmill]].]]
[[Image:Taxus wood.jpg|200px|thumb|A section of a [[wikipedia:Taxus|Yew]] branch showing 27 annual growth rings, pale sapwood and dark heartwood, and [[wikipedia:pith| pith]] (centre dark spot). The dark radial lines are small knots.]]
The study of plant uses by people is termed economic botany or [[ethnobotany]]. They are often used as synonyms but some consider economic botany to focus mainly on uses of modern cultivated plants, while ethnobotany studies uses of indigenous plants by native peoples. Human cultivation of plants is part of [[wikipedia:agriculture| agriculture]], which is the basis of human civilization. Plant agriculture is subdivided into [[wikipedia:agronomy| agronomy]], [[wikipedia:horticulture| horticulture]] and [[wikipedia:forestry| forestry]].

===Food===
Virtually all human nutrition depends on land plants directly or indirectly. Much of human nutrition depends on [[wikipedia:cereals| cereals]], especially [[wikipedia:maize|maize or corn]], [[wikipedia:wheat| wheat]] and [[wikipedia:rice| rice]] or other [[wikipedia:staple crop| staple crop]]s such as [[wikipedia:potato| potato]], [[wikipedia:cassava| cassava]], and [[wikipedia:legume| legume]]s. Other parts from plants that are eaten include [[wikipedia:fruits| fruits]], [[wikipedia:vegetables| vegetables]], [[wikipedia:nut (fruit)|nuts]], [[wikipedia:herbs| herbs]], [[wikipedia:spices| spices]] and [[flowers|edible flowers]]. Beverages from plants include [[wikipedia:coffee| coffee]], [[wikipedia:tea| tea]], [[wikipedia:wine| wine]], [[wikipedia:beer| beer]] and [[wikipedia:alcohol| alcohol]]. [[wikipedia:Sugar| Sugar]] is obtained mainly from [[wikipedia:sugar cane| sugar cane]] and [[wikipedia:sugar beet| sugar beet]]. [[wikipedia:Cooking oil| Cooking oil]]s and [[wikipedia:margarine| margarine]] come from corn, [[wikipedia:soybean| soybean]], [[wikipedia:canola| canola]], [[wikipedia:safflower| safflower]], [[wikipedia:sunflower| sunflower]], [[wikipedia:olive| olive]] and others. [[wikipedia:Food additives| Food additives]] include [[wikipedia:gum arabic| gum arabic]], [[wikipedia:guar gum| guar gum]], [[wikipedia:locust bean gum| locust bean gum]], [[wikipedia:starch| starch]] and [[wikipedia:pectin| pectin]].

===Nonfood products===
[[wikipedia:Wood| Wood]] is used for buildings, furniture, paper, cardboard, musical instruments and sports equipment. Cloth is often made from [[wikipedia:cotton| cotton]], [[wikipedia:flax| flax]] or synthetic fibers derived from [[wikipedia:cellulose| cellulose]], such as [[wikipedia:rayon| rayon]] and [[wikipedia:acetate| acetate]]. Renewable fuels from plants include [[wikipedia:firewood| firewood]], [[wikipedia:peat| peat]] and many other [[wikipedia:biofuel| biofuel]]s. [[wikipedia:Coal| Coal]] and [[wikipedia:petroleum| petroleum]] are fossil fuels derived from plants. Medicines derived from plants include [[wikipedia:aspirin| aspirin]], [[wikipedia:taxol| taxol]], [[wikipedia:morphine| morphine]], [[wikipedia:quinine| quinine]], [[wikipedia:reserpine| reserpine]], [[wikipedia:colchicine| colchicine]], [[wikipedia:digitalis| digitalis]] and [[wikipedia:vincristine| vincristine]]. There are hundreds of herbal supplements such as [[wikipedia:ginkgo| ginkgo]], [[wikipedia:Echinacea| Echinacea]], [[wikipedia:feverfew| feverfew]], and [[wikipedia:Saint John's wort| Saint John's wort]]. [[wikipedia:Pesticides| Pesticides]] derived from plants include [[wikipedia:nicotine| Pesticides]], [[wikipedia:rotenone| rotenone]], [[wikipedia:strychnine| strychnine]] and [[wikipedia:pyrethrin| pyrethrin]]s. Drugs obtained from plants include [[wikipedia:opium| opium]], [[wikipedia:cocaine| cocaine]] and [[wikipedia:cannabis (drug)|marijuana]]. Poisons from plants include [[wikipedia:ricin| ricin]], [[wikipedia:Conium|hemlock]] and [[wikipedia:curare| curare]]. Plants are the source of many natural products such as fibers, essential oils, dyes, pigments, waxes, tannins, latex, gums, resins, alkaloids, amber and cork. Products derived from plants include soaps, paints, shampoos, perfumes, cosmetics, turpentine, rubber, varnish, lubricants, linoleum, plastics, inks, chewing gum and hemp rope. Plants are also a primary source of basic [[wikipedia:chemicals| chemicals]] for the industrial synthesis of a vast array of organic chemicals. These chemicals are used in a vast variety of studies and experiments.

===Aesthetic uses===
Thousands of plant species are cultivated to beautify the human environment as well as to provide shade, modify temperatures, reduce windspeed, abate noise, provide privacy and prevent soil erosion. People use cut flowers, dried flowers and house plants indoors. Outdoors, they use lawn grasses, shade trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous perennials and bedding plants. Images of plants are often used in art, architecture, humor, [[wikipedia:Language of flowers|language]] and photography and on textiles, money, stamps, flags and coats of arms. Living plant art forms include [[wikipedia:topiary| topiary]], [[wikipedia:bonsai| bonsai]], [[wikipedia:ikebana| ikebana]] and [[wikipedia:espalier| espalier]]. [[Ornamental plant]]s have sometimes changed the course of history, as in [[wikipedia:tulipomania| tulipomania]]. Plants are the basis of a multi-billion dollar per year tourism industry which includes travel to [[wikipedia:arboretum| arboretum]]s, [[botanical garden]]s, [[wikipedia:garden tourism|historic gardens]], [[wikipedia:national park| national park]]s, [[wikipedia:tulip festival| tulip festival]]s, [[wikipedia:rainforests| rainforests]], [[wikipedia:forest| forest]]s with colorful autumn leaves and the [[wikipedia:National Cherry Blossom Festival| National Cherry Blossom Festival]]. Venus flytrap, [[sensitive plant]] and [[resurrection plant]] are examples of plants sold as novelties.

===Scientific and cultural uses===
[[wikipedia:Tree rings| Tree rings]] are an important method of dating in archeology and serve as a record of past climates. Basic biological research has often been done with plants, such as the pea plants used to derive [[wikipedia:Gregor Mendel| Gregor Mendel]]'s laws of genetics. Space stations or space colonies may one day rely on plants for [[wikipedia:Controlled Ecological Life Support System|life support]]. Plants are used as [[wikipedia:National emblem|national]] and state emblems, including [[wikipedia:List of U.S. state trees|state trees]] and [[state flowers]]. Ancient trees are revered and many are [[wikipedia:List of famous trees|famous]]. Numerous world records are held by plants. Plants are often used as memorials, gifts and to mark special occasions such as births, deaths, weddings and holidays. Plants figure prominently in [[wikipedia:Trees in mythology|mythology]], religion and [[List of fictional plants|literature]]. The field of [[wikipedia:ethnobotany| ethnobotany]] studies plant use by indigenous cultures which helps to conserve endangered species as well as discover new [[wikipedia:herbalism|medicinal plants]]. [[Gardening]] is the most popular leisure activity in the U.S. Working with plants or [[wikipedia:horticulture therapy| horticulture therapy]] is beneficial for rehabilitating people with disabilities. Certain plants contain psychotropic chemicals which are extracted and ingested, including [[wikipedia:tobacco| tobacco]], [[wikipedia:Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] (marijuana), and [[wikipedia:opium| opium]].

===Negative effects===
[[wikipedia:Weed| Weed]]s are plants that grow where people do not want them. People have spread plants beyond their native ranges and some of these introduced plants become [[wikipedia:invasive species|invasive]], damaging existing ecosystems by displacing native species. Invasive plants cause billions of dollars in crop losses annually by displacing crop plants, they increase the cost of production and the use of chemical means to control them affects the environment.

Plants may cause harm to people. Plants that produce windblown pollen invoke allergic reactions in people who suffer from [[wikipedia:hay fever| hay fever]]. A wide variety of plants are [[wikipedia:List of poisonous plants|poisonous]]. Several plants cause skin irritations when touched, such as [[wikipedia:poison ivy| poison ivy]]. Certain plants contain [[wikipedia:psychotropic| psychotropic]] [[wikipedia:secondary metabolite|chemicals]], which are extracted and ingested or smoked, including tobacco, cannabis (marijuana), [[wikipedia:cocaine| cocaine]] and [[wikipedia:opium| opium]], causing damage to health or even death.<ref>"[http://www.urban75.com/Drugs/drugcoke.html cocaine/crack]".</ref><ref>"[http://ar2005.emcdda.europa.eu/en/page050-en.html Deaths related to cocaine]".</ref> Both illegal and legal drugs derived from plants have negative effects on the economy, affecting worker productivity and law enforcement costs.<ref>"[http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/NEWS/press02/012302.html ILLEGAL DRUGS DRAIN $160 BILLION A YEAR FROM AMERICAN ECONOMY]".</ref><ref>"[http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/add/2002/00000097/00000009/art00012 The social cost of illegal drug consumption in Spain]".</ref> Some plants cause allergic reactions in people and animals when ingested, while other plants cause food intolerances that negatively affect health.

==See also==
* [[wikipedia:Biosphere| Biosphere]]
* [[Botany]]
* [[wikipedia:Evolutionary history of plants| Evolutionary history of plants]]
* [[Flower]]
* [[wikipedia:Forest| Forest]]
* [[wikipedia:Fruit| Fruit]]
* [[Garden]]
* [[Gardening]]
* [[wikipedia:Greenhouse| Greenhouse]]
* [[Houseplant]]
* [[wikipedia:List of poisonous plants| List of poisonous plants]]
* [[wikipedia:Paleobotany| Paleobotany]]
* [[wikipedia:Photosynthesis| Photosynthesis]]
* [[wikipedia:Plant cell| Plant cell]]
* [[wikipedia:Plant defense against herbivory| Plant defense against herbivory]]
* [[wikipedia:Rapid plant movement| Rapid plant movement]]
* [[wikipedia:Tree| Tree]]
* [[wikipedia:Vegetable| Vegetable]]
* [[wikipedia:Vegetation| Vegetation]]
* [[wikipedia:Phytopathology| Phytopathology]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

===Further reading===
;General:
* Evans, L. T. (1998). ''Feeding the Ten Billion - Plants and [[wikipedia:Population| Population]] Growth''. Cambridge University Press. Paperback, 247 pages. ISBN 0-521-64685-5.
* Kenrick, Paul & Crane, Peter R. (1997). ''The Origin and Early Diversification of Land Plants: A Cladistic Study''. Washington, D. C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 1-56098-730-8.
* Raven, Peter H., Evert, Ray F., & Eichhorn, Susan E. (2005). ''Biology of Plants'' (7th ed.). New York: W. H. Freeman and Company. ISBN 0-7167-1007-2.
* Taylor, Thomas N. & Taylor, Edith L. (1993). ''The Biology and Evolution of Fossil Plants''. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. ISBN 0-13-651589-4.
* Trewavas, A. (2003). [http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/92/1/1 Aspects of Plant Intelligence], ''Annals of Botany'' 92: 1-20.

;Species estimates and counts:
* Prance, G. T. (2001). Discovering the Plant World. ''Taxon'' 50: 345-359.
* International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (2004). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [http://www.redlist.org].

==External links==
* [http://tolweb.org/Green_plants Tree of Life]
* [http://www.scribd.com/doc/20674/Prodigeus-plants/ Answers to several questions from curious kids about plants]
* [http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/phylogeny/cronq88.html Interactive Cronquist classification]
* [http://www.pflanzenliebe.de Plant Picture Gallery]
* [http://www.alpine-plants-jp.com/art/index_photo2b.htm Plant Photo Gallery of Japan] - Flavon's Wild herb and Alpine plants
* [http://www.prota.org/uk/About+Prota/ Plant Resources of Tropical Africa]
* [http://database.prota.org/search.htm PROTAbase]
* [http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/INA.html Index Nominum Algarum]

===Botanical and vegetation databases===
* [http://www.efloras.org/index.aspx e-Floras (Flora of China, Flora of North America and others)]
* [http://davesgarden.com/pf/ PlantFiles - 150,000 plants]
* [http://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/databases/ Australia]
* [http://www.chilebosque.cl Chilean plants at ''Chilebosque'']
* [http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/FE/fe.html Flora Europaea]
* [http://www.floraweb.de FloraWeb - Flora of Central Europe]
* [http://www.efloras.org/flora_page.aspx?flora_id=1 Flora of North America]
* [http://wildflower.utexas.edu/ Native Plant Information Network]
* [http://plants.usda.gov/ United States Department of Agriculture]
* [http://www.alpine-plants-jp.com/botanical_name/list_of_japanese_wild_plants_abelia_buxus.htm List of Japanese Wild Plants Online]
* [http://www.ntbg.org/plants/choose_a_plant.php Meet the Plants-National Tropical Botanical Garden]
* [http://www.aluka.org/action/doBrowse?sa=1&sa_sel= African Plants Initiative database]

[[Category:Plants| ]]
[[Category:Plant taxonomy]]

Flower

James — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 05:33:46 GMT

Summary:

[[Image:Flower poster 2.jpg|right|250px|thumb|A poster with twelve species of flowers or clusters of flowers of different families]]
A '''flower''', also known as a bloom or [[blossom]], is the [[wikipedia:reproduction|reproductive]] structure found in [[flowering plant]]s (plants of the division [[Magnoliophyta]], also called angiosperms). The biological function of a flower is to mediate the union of male sperm with female ovum in order to produce seeds. The process begins with pollination, is followed by fertilization, leading to the formation and dispersal of the seeds. For the higher plants, seeds are the next generation, and serve as the primary means by which individuals of a species are dispersed across the landscape. The grouping of flowers on a plant are called the [[wikipedia:inflorescence| inflorescence]].

In addition to serving as the reproductive organs of flowering plants, flowers have long been admired and used by humans, mainly to beautify their environment but also as a source of food.

==Flower specialization and pollination==
Each flower has a specific design which best encourages the transfer of its [[wikipedia:pollen| pollen]]. [[wikipedia:Cleistogamy|Cleistogamous flower]]s are self pollinated, after which, they may or may not open. Many Viola and some Salvia species are known to have these types of flowers.

[[wikipedia:Entomophily|Entomophilous flower]]s attract and use insects, bats, birds or other animals to transfer pollen from one flower to the next. Flowers commonly have glands called [[wikipedia:nectar| nectar]]ies on their various parts that attract these animals. Some flowers have patterns, called [[wikipedia:Nectar_guide|nectar guides]], that show pollinators where to look for nectar. Flowers also attract pollinators by scent and color. Still other flowers use mimicry to attract pollinators. Some species of orchids, for example, produce flowers resembling female bees in color, shape, and scent. Flowers are also specialized in shape and have an arrangement of the [[wikipedia:stamen| stamen]]s that ensures that pollen grains are transferred to the bodies of the pollinator when it lands in search of its attractant (such as nectar, pollen, or a mate). In pursuing this attractant from many flowers of the same species, the pollinator transfers pollen to the [[wikipedia:stigma| stigma]]s—arranged with equally pointed precision—of all of the flowers it visits.

[[Anemophily|Anemophilous flower]]s use the wind to move pollen from one flower to the next, examples include the grasses, Birch trees, Ragweed and Maples. They have no need to attract pollinators and therefore tend not to be "showy" flowers. Male and female reproductive organs are generally found in separate flowers, the male flowers having a number of long filaments terminating in exposed stamens, and the female flowers having long, feather-like stigmas. Whereas the pollen of entomophilous flowers tends to be large-grained, sticky, and rich in [[wikipedia:protein| protein]] (another "reward" for pollinators), anemophilous flower pollen is usually small-grained, very light, and of little nutritional value to insects.

==Morphology==
Flowering plants are ''heterosporangiate'', producing two types of reproductive [[wikipedia:spore| spore]]s.
The [[wikipedia:pollen| pollen]] (male spores) and [[wikipedia:ovule| ovule]]s (female spores) are produced in different [[wikipedia:Organ (anatomy)|organs]], but the typical flower is a ''bisporangiate strobilus'' in that it contains both organs.

A flower is regarded as a modified [[wikipedia:Plant stem|stem]] with shortened internodes and bearing, at its [[wikipedia:node (botany)|nodes]], structures that may be highly modified [[wikipedia:leaf|leaves]].<ref>Eames, A. J. (1961) Morphology of the Angiosperms McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York.</ref> In essence, a flower structure forms on a modified shoot or ''axis'' with an apical [[wikipedia:meristem| meristem]] that does not grow continuously (growth is ''determinate''). Flowers may be attached to the plant in a few ways. If the flower has no stem but forms in the axil of a leaf, it is called sessile. When one flower is produced, the stem holding the flower is called a [[wikipedia:peduncle (botany)|peduncle]]. If the peduncle ends with groups of flowers, each stem that holds a flower is called a [[wikipedia:pedicel (botany)|pedicel]]. The flowering stem forms a terminal end which is called the ''torus'' or receptacle. The parts of a flower are arranged in [[wikipedia:whorl| whorl]]s on the torus. The four main parts or whorls (starting from the base of the flower or lowest node and working upwards) are as follows:
{| align="right"
|-
|[[Image:Mature flower diagram.gif|thumb|400px|Diagram showing the main parts of a mature flower]]
|-
|[[Image:Sarracenia flower notitles.gif|400px|thumb|The umbrella style flower of the [[Sarracenia]] genus.]]
|}
[[Image:Crateva religiosa.jpg|thumb|An example of a perfect flower, this ''[[Crateva religiosa]]'' flower has both stamens (outer ring) and a pistil (center).]]
*''[[sepal| Calyx]]'': the outer whorl of ''[[sepal]]s''; typically these are green, but are petal-like in some species.
*''[[wikipedia:Corolla|Corolla]]'': the whorl of ''[[wikipedia:petal| petal]]s'', which are usually thin, soft and colored to attract insects that help the process of [[wikipedia:pollination| pollination]].
*''[[Androecium]]'' (from Greek ''andros oikia'': man's house): one or two whorls of [[wikipedia:stamen| stamen]]s, each a [[wikipedia:filament| filament]] topped by an [[wikipedia:anther| anther]] where [[wikipedia:pollen| pollen]] is produced. Pollen contains the male [[wikipedia:gamete| gamete]]s.
*''[[wikipedia:Gynoecium| Gynoecium]]'' (from Greek ''gynaikos oikia'': woman's house): one or more [[pistil]]s. The female reproductive organ is the [[carpel]]: this contains an ovary with ovules (which contain female gametes). A pistil may consist of a number of carpels merged together, in which case there is only one pistil to each flower, or of a single individual carpel (the flower is then called ''apocarpous''). The sticky tip of the pistil, the [[wikipedia:stigma| stigma]], is the receptor of pollen. The supportive stalk, the style becomes the pathway for [[wikipedia:pollen tube| pollen tube]]s to grow from pollen grains adhering to the stigma, to the ovules, carrying the reproductive material.

Although the floral structure described above is considered the "typical" structural plan, plant species show a wide variety of modifications from this plan. These modifications have significance in the evolution of flowering plants and are used extensively by botanists to establish relationships among plant species. For example, the two subclasses of flowering plants may be distinguished by the number of floral organs in each whorl: [[dicotyledon]]s typically having 4 or 5 organs (or a multiple of 4 or 5) in each whorl and [[monocotyledon]]s having three or some multiple of three. The number of carpels in a compound pistil may be only two, or otherwise not related to the above generalization for monocots and dicots.

In the majority of species individual flowers have both [[wikipedia:pistil| pistil]]s and stamens as described above. These flowers are described by botanists as being ''perfect'', ''bisexual'', or ''[[wikipedia:hermaphrodite| hermaphrodite]]''. However, in some species of plants the flowers are ''imperfect'' or ''unisexual'': having only either male (stamens) or female (pistil) parts. In the latter case, if an individual plant is either female or male the species is regarded as ''[[wikipedia:Plant sexuality|dioecious]]''. However, where unisexual male and female flowers appear on the same plant, the species is considered ''[[wikipedia:Plant sexuality|monoecious]]''.

Additional discussions on floral modifications from the basic plan are presented in the articles on each of the basic parts of the flower. In those species that have more than one flower on an axis—so-called ''composite flowers''—the collection of flowers is termed an ''[[wikipedia:inflorescence| inflorescence]]''; this term can also refer to the specific arrangements of flowers on a stem. In this regard, care must be exercised in considering what a ‘‘flower’’ is. In botanical terminology, a single [[daisy]] or [[sunflower]] for example, is not a flower but a flower ''[[wikipedia:head (botany)|head]]''—an inflorescence composed of numerous tiny flowers (sometimes called florets). Each of these flowers may be anatomically as described above. Many flowers have a symmetry, if the perianth is bisected through the central axis from any point, symmetrical halves are produced—the flower is called regular or actinomorphic, e.g. rose or trillium. When flowers are bisected and produce only one line that produces symmetrical halves the flower is said to be irregular or zygomorphic. e.g. snapdragon or most orchids.

=== Floral formula ===
A ''floral formula'' is a way to represent the structure of a flower using specific letters, numbers, and symbols. Typically, a general formula will be used to represent the flower structure of a plant [[wikipedia:family (biology)|family]] rather than a particular species. The following representations are used:

'''Ca''' = calyx (sepal whorl; e. g. Ca5 = 5 sepals) 
'''Co''' = corolla (petal whorl; e. g., Co3(x) = petals some multiple of three ) 
    '''Z''' = add if ''zygomorphic'' (e. g., CoZ6 = zygomorphic with 6 petals) 
'''A''' = ''androecium'' (whorl of stamens; e. g., A∞ = many stamens) 
'''G''' = ''gynoecium'' (carpel or carpels; e. g., G1 = monocarpous) 

''x'': to represent a "variable number" 
∞: to represent "many" 

A floral formula would appear something like this:

:'''Ca5Co5A10 - ∞G1'''

Several additional symbols are sometimes used (see [http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/courses/systematics/key.html Key to Floral Formulas]).

==Pollination==
[[Image:Bees Collecting Pollen cropped.jpg|right|thumb|Grains of pollen sticking to this bee will be transferred to the next flower it visits]]
The primary purpose of a flower is [[wikipedia:reproduction| reproduction]]. Flowers are the reproductive organs and mediate the joining of the sperm contained within pollen to the ovules, normally from one plant to another but many plants also can pollinate their own flowers. The fertilized ovules produce seeds that are the next generation. Sexual reproduction produces genetically unique offspring, allowing for [[wikipedia:adaptation| adaptation]]. Flowers have specific designs which encourages the transfer of pollen from one plant to another of the same species. Many plants are dependent upon external factors to move pollen between flowers, including the wind and animals, especially [[wikipedia:insect| insect]]s. Even large animals such as birds, bats, and [[wikipedia:pygmy possum| pygmy possum]]s can be employed. The period of time during which this process can take place (the flower is fully expanded and functional) is called ''anthesis''.

===Attraction methods===
[[Image:Ophrys apifera flower1.jpg|thumb|left|[[wikipedia:Ophrys apifera|Bee orchid]] [[wikipedia:evolution|evolved]] to mimic a female bee to attracts male bee pollinators]]Plants can not move from one location to another, thus many flowers have evolved to attract animals to transfer pollen between individuals in dispersed populations. Flowers that are insect-pollinated are called ''entomophilous''; literally "insect-loving" in Latin. They can be highly modified along with the pollinating insects by [[wikipedia:co-evolution| co-evolution]]. Flowers commonly have glands called ''nectaries'' on various parts that attract animals looking for nutritious [[wikipedia:nectar| nectar]]. [[wikipedia:Bird| Bird]]s and [[wikipedia:bee| bee]]s having color vision, enabling them to seek out "colorful" flowers. Some flowers have patterns, called [[wikipedia:nectar guide| nectar guide]]s, that show pollinators where to look for nectar; they may be visible only under [[wikipedia:ultraviolet| ultraviolet]] light, which is visible to bees and some other insects. Flowers also attract pollinators by [[wikipedia:odor|scent]] and some of those scents are pleasant to our sense of smell. Not all flower scents are appealing to humans, a number of flowers are pollinated by insects that are attracted to rotten flesh and have flowers that smell like dead animals, often called [[Carrion flower]]s including ''[[Rafflesia]]'', the [[titan arum]], and the North American [[pawpaw]] (''Asimina triloba''). Flowers pollinated by night visitors, including bats and moths, are likely to concentrate on scent to attract pollinators and most such flowers are white.

Still other flowers use mimicry to attract pollinators. Some species of orchids, for example, produce flowers resembling female bees in color, shape, and scent. Male bees move from one such flower to another in search of a mate.

===Pollination mechanism===
The pollination mechanism employed by a plant depends on what method of pollination is utilized.

Most flowers can be divided between two broad groups of pollination methods:

''Entomophilous'': flowers attract and use insects, bats, birds or other animals to transfer pollen from one flower to the next. Often they are specialized in shape and have an arrangement of the stamens that ensures that pollen grains are transferred to the bodies of the pollinator when it lands in search of its attractant (such as nectar, pollen, or a mate). In pursuing this attractant from many flowers of the same species, the pollinator transfers pollen to the stigmas—arranged with equally pointed precision—of all of the flowers it visits. Many flower rely on simple proximity between flower parts to ensure pollination. Others, such as the ''[[wikipedia:Sarracenia#Flowers|Sarracenia]]'' or [[Lady's Slipper|lady-slipper orchid]]s, have elaborate designs to ensure pollination while preventing [[wikipedia:self-pollination| self-pollination]].
[[Image:Grass Anthers.JPG|left|thumb|Anthers detached from a Meadow Foxtail flower.]]
[[Image:Flowering Grass.JPG|right|thumb|<Center>A grass flower head (Meadow Foxtail) showing the plain coloured flowers with large anthers.]]
''Anemophilous'': flowers use the wind to move pollen from one flower to the next, examples include the [[wikipedia:Poaceae|grasses]], Birch trees, Ragweed and Maples. They have no need to attract pollinators and therefore tend not to be "showy" flowers. Whereas the pollen of entomophilous flowers tends to be large-grained, sticky, and rich in [[wikipedia:protein| protein]] (another "reward" for pollinators), anemophilous flower pollen is usually small-grained, very light, and of little nutritional value to [[wikipedia:insect| insect]]s, though it may still be gathered in times of dearth. Honeybees and bumblebees actively gather anemophilous corn ([[wikipedia:maize| maize]]) pollen, though it is of little value to them.

Some flowers are self pollinated and use flowers that never open or are self pollinated before the flowers open, these flowers are called cleistogamous. Many Viola species and some Salvia have these types of flowers.


===Flower-pollinator relationships===
Many flowers have close relationships with one or a few specific pollinating organisms. Many flowers, for example, attract only one specific species of insect, and therefore rely on that insect for successful reproduction. This close relationship is often given as an example of [[wikipedia:coevolution| coevolution]], as the flower and pollinator are thought to have developed together over a long period of time to match each other's needs.

This close relationship compounds the negative effects of [[wikipedia:extinction| extinction]]. The extinction of either member in such a relationship would mean almost certain extinction of the other member as well. Some [[wikipedia:endangered species|endangered plant species]] are so because of [[wikipedia:pollinator decline|shrinking pollinator populations]].

==Fertilization and dispersal==
[[Image:Red Flower.JPG|thumb|In this picture the stamens of the flower are clearly visible.]]
Some flowers with both stamens and a pistil are capable of self-fertilization, which does increase the chance of producing seeds but limits genetic variation. The extreme case of self-fertilization occurs in flowers that always self-fertilize, such as many [[dandelion]]s. Conversely, many species of plants have ways of preventing self-fertilization. Unisexual male and female flowers on the same plant may not appear or mature at the same time, or pollen from the same plant may be incapable of fertilizing its ovules. The latter flower types, which have chemical barriers to their own pollen, are referred to as self-sterile or self-incompatible (see also: [[wikipedia:Plant sexuality| Plant sexuality]]).

==Evolution==
[[Image:Kamakuraflower.jpg|thumb|right|Flowers in [[wikipedia:Kamakura, Kanagawa| Kamakura, Kanagawa]], [[wikipedia:Japan| Japan]]]]
While land plants have existed for about 425 million years, the first ones [[wikipedia:plant sexuality|reproduced]] by a simple adaptation of their aquatic counterparts: [[wikipedia:spore| spore]]s. In the sea, plants -- and some animals -- can simply scatter out genetic [[wikipedia:clones| clones]] of themselves to float away and grow elsewhere. This is how early plants reproduced. But plants soon evolved methods of protecting these copies to deal with drying out and other abuse which is even more likely on land than in the sea. The protection became the [[wikipedia:seed| seed]], though it had not yet evolved the flower. Early seed-bearing plants include the [[wikipedia:ginkgo| ginkgo]] and [[wikipedia:conifer| conifer]]s. The earliest fossil of a flowering plant, ''[[Archaefructus|Archaefructus liaoningensis]]'', is dated about 125 million years old.<ref> [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/flower/anatomy.html Flowers Modern & Ancient]
</ref>
Several groups of extinct gymnosperms, particularly [[seed fern]]s, have been proposed as the ancestors of flowering plants but there is no continuous fossil evidence showing exactly how flowers evolved. The apparently sudden appearance of relatively modern flowers in the fossil record posed such a problem for the theory of evolution that it was called an "abominable mystery" by [[wikipedia:Charles Darwin| Charles Darwin]]. Recently discovered angiosperm fossils such as ''Archaefructus'', along with further discoveries of fossil gymnosperms, suggest how angiosperm characteristics may have been acquired in a series of steps.

Recent [[wikipedia:DNA| DNA]] analysis ([[wikipedia:molecular systematics| molecular systematics]])<ref>[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/3405_flower.html First Flower]</ref><ref>[http://www.amjbot.org/cgi/content/full/91/6/997 Amborella not a "basal angiosperm"? Not so fast]</ref> show that [[wikipedia:Amborella|''Amborella trichopoda'']], found on the Pacific island of [[wikipedia:New Caledonia| New Caledonia]], is the [[wikipedia:sister group| sister group]] to the rest of the flowering plants, and morphological studies<ref>[http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-05/uoca-spp051506.php South Pacific plant may be missing link in evolution of flowering plants]</ref> suggest that it has features which may have been characteristic of the earliest flowering plants.

[[Image:Flores.gif|thumb|right|Various flower colors and shapes]]
[[Image:Syrphid fly on Grape hyacinth.jpg|thumb|A [[wikipedia:Syrphid fly| Syrphid fly]] on a [[Grape hyacinth]]]]
The general assumption is that the function of flowers, from the start, was to involve other animals in the reproduction process. Pollen can be scattered without bright colors and obvious shapes, which would therefore be a liability, using the plant's resources, unless they provide some other benefit. One proposed reason for the sudden, fully developed appearance of flowers is that they evolved in an isolated setting like an island, or chain of islands, where the plants bearing them were able to develop a highly specialized relationship with some specific animal (a wasp, for example), the way many island species develop today. This symbiotic relationship, with a hypothetical wasp bearing pollen from one plant to another much the way [[wikipedia:fig wasp| fig wasp]]s do today, could have eventually resulted in both the plant(s) and their partners developing a high degree of specialization. [[wikipedia:Island genetics| Island genetics]] is believed to be a common source of speciation, especially when it comes to radical adaptations which seem to have required inferior transitional forms. Note that the wasp example is not incidental; bees, apparently evolved specifically for symbiotic plant relationships, are descended from wasps.

Likewise, most [[wikipedia:fruit| fruit]] used in plant reproduction comes from the enlargement of parts of the flower. This fruit is frequently a tool which depends upon animals wishing to eat it, and thus scattering the seeds it contains.

While many such [[wikipedia:symbiotic relationship| symbiotic relationship]]s remain too fragile to survive competition with mainland animals and spread, flowers proved to be an unusually effective means of production, spreading (whatever their actual origin) to become the dominant form of land plant life.

While there is only hard proof of such flowers existing about 130 million years ago, there is some circumstantial evidence that they did exist up to 250 million years ago. A chemical used by plants to defend their flowers, [[wikipedia:oleanane| oleanane]], has been detected in fossil plants that old, including [[wikipedia:gigantopterid| gigantopterid]]s<ref>[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/04/010403071438.htm Oily Fossils Provide Clues To The Evolution Of Flowers]</ref>, which evolved at that time and bear many of the traits of modern, flowering plants, though they are not known to be flowering plants themselves, because only their stems and prickles have been found preserved in detail; one of the earliest examples of [[wikipedia:petrified wood|petrification]].

The similarity in [[wikipedia:leaf| leaf]] and [[wikipedia:Plant stem|stem]] structure can be very important, because flowers are genetically just an adaptation of normal leaf and stem components on plants, a combination of genes normally responsible for forming new shoots.<ref>[http://unisci.com/stories/20012/0615015.htm Age-Old Question On Evolution Of Flowers Answered]</ref> The most primitive flowers are thought to have had a variable number of flower parts, often separate from (but in contact with) each other. The flowers would have tended to grow in a spiral pattern, to be [[wikipedia:bisexual| bisexual]] (in plants, this means both male and female parts on the same flower), and to be dominated by the [[wikipedia:ovary (plants)|ovary]] (female part). As flowers grew more advanced, some variations developed parts fused together, with a much more specific number and design, and with either specific sexes per flower or plant, or at least "ovary inferior".

Flower evolution continues to the present day; modern flowers have been so profoundly influenced by humans that many of them cannot be pollinated in nature. Many modern, domesticated flowers used to be simple weeds, which only sprouted when the ground was disturbed. Some of them tended to grow with human crops, and the prettiest did not get plucked because of their beauty, developing a dependence upon and special adaptation to human affection.<ref>[http://www.livescience.com/othernews/050526_flower_power.html Human Affection Altered Evolution of Flowers]</ref>

== Development ==
[[Image:ABC flower development.gif|thumb|120px|The ABC model of flower development.]]
The molecular control of floral organ identity determination is fairly well understood. In a simple model, three gene activities interact in a combinatorial manner to determine the developmental identities of the organ primordia within the floral [[wikipedia:meristem| meristem]]. These gene functions are called A, B and C-gene functions. In the first floral whorl only A-genes are expressed, leading to the formation of sepals. In the second whorl both A- and B-genes are expressed, leading to the formation of petals. In the third whorl, B and C genes interact to form stamens and in the center of the flower C-genes alone give rise to carpels. The model is based upon studies of [[wikipedia:homeotic| homeotic]] mutants in ''[[Arabidopsis]] thaliana'' and snapdragon, ''[[Antirrhinum majus]]''. For example, when there is a loss of B-gene function, mutant flowers are produced with sepals in the first whorl as usual, but also in the second whorl instead of the normal petal formation. In the third whorl the lack of B function but presence of C-function mimics the fourth whorl, leading to the formation of carpels also in the third whorl. See also [[wikipedia:The ABC Model of Flower Development| The ABC Model of Flower Development]].

Most genes central in this model belong to the [[wikipedia:MADS-box| MADS-box]] genes and are [[wikipedia:transcription factors| transcription factors]] that regulate the expression of the genes specific for each floral organ.

=== Flowering transition ===
The [[wikipedia:transition| transition]] to flowering is one of the major phase changes that a plant makes during its life cycle. The transition must take place at a time that will ensure maximal [[wikipedia:reproductive| reproductive]] success. To meet these needs a plant is able to interpret important endogenous and environmental cues such as changes in levels of [[wikipedia:plant hormones| plant hormones]] and seasonable [[wikipedia:temperature| temperature]] and [[wikipedia:photoperiod| photoperiod]] changes. Many perennial and most biennial plants require [[wikipedia:vernalization| vernalization]] to flower. The molecular interpretation of these signals through genes such as CONSTANS and FLC ensures that flowering occurs at a time that is favorable for [[wikipedia:fertilization| fertilization]] and the formation of [[seeds]].<ref>Ausin et al (2005), Environmental regulation of flowering. Int J Dev Biol. 2005;49(5-6):689-705</ref> Flower formation is initiated at the ends of stems, and involves a number of different physiological and morphological changes. The first step is the transformation of the vegetative stem primordia into floral primordia. This occurs as biochemical changes take place to change cellular differentiation of leaf, [[bud]] and stem tissues into tissue that will grow into the reproductive organs. Growth of the central part of the stem tip stops or flattens out and the sides develop protuberances in a whorled or spiral fashion around the outside of the stem end. These protuberances develop into the sepals, petals, stamens, and [[wikipedia:carpel| carpel]]s. Once this process begins, in most plants, it cannot be reversed and the stems develop flowers, even if the initial start of the flower formation event was dependent of some environmental [[wikipedia:cue| cue]].<ref>[http://www.genesdev.org/cgi/content/abstract/20/7/898?ck=nck The transcription factor FLC confers a flowering response to vernalization by repressing meristem competence and systemic signaling in Arabidopsis - Searle et al. 20 (7): 898 ...]</ref> Once the process begins, even if that cue is removed the stem will continue to develop a flower.

==Symbolism==
{| align="right"
|-
|[[Image:Liliumbulbiferumflowertop.jpg|thumb|250px|Lilies are often used to denote life or resurrection]]
|-
|[[Image:flordeju.gif|thumb|Flowers inspire decorative motifs]]
|-
|[[Image:Ambrosius Bosschaert, the Elder 04.jpg|thumb|250px|Flowers are common subjects of [[wikipedia:still life| still life]] paintings, such as this one by [[wikipedia:Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder| Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder]]]]
|-
|[[Image:Jade ornament with grape design.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Chinese [[wikipedia:Jade| Jade]] ornament with flower design, [[wikipedia:Jin Dynasty, 1115–1234|Jin Dynasty]] ([[wikipedia:1115| 1115]]-[[wikipedia:1234| 1234]] AD), [[wikipedia:Shanghai Museum| Shanghai Museum]].]]
|-
|[[Image:boysmellsflower.jpg|thumb|250px|Flowers are beloved for their various fragrances]]
|}
Many flowers have important [[wikipedia:symbol| symbol]]ic meanings in Western culture. The practice of assigning meanings to flowers is known as [[floriography]]. Some of the more common examples include:

* Red [[rose]]s are given as a symbol of love, beauty, and passion.
* [[Poppy|Poppies]] are a symbol of consolation in time of death. In the [[wikipedia:United Kingdom|UK]], [[wikipedia:New Zealand| New Zealand]], [[wikipedia:Australia| Australia]] and [[wikipedia:Canada| Canada]], red poppies are worn to commemorate soldiers who have died in times of war.
* [[Iris (plant)|Irises]]/[[Lily]] are used in burials as a symbol referring to "resurrection/life". It is also associated with stars (sun) and its petals blooming/shining.
* [[Asteraceae|Daisies]] are a symbol of innocence.

Flowers within art are also representative of the [[wikipedia:female genitalia| female genitalia]], as seen in the works of artists such as [[wikipedia:Georgia O'Keefe| Georgia O'Keefe]], [[wikipedia:Imogen Cunningham| Imogen Cunningham]], [[wikipedia:Veronica Ruiz de Velasco| Veronica Ruiz de Velasco]], and [[wikipedia:Judy Chicago| Judy Chicago]], and in fact in Asian and western classical art. Many cultures around the world have a marked tendency to associate flowers with [[wikipedia:female|femininity]].

The great variety of delicate and beautiful flowers has inspired the works of numerous poets, especially from the 18th-19th century [[wikipedia:Romantic poetry|Romantic]] era. Famous examples include [[wikipedia:William Wordsworth| William Wordsworth]]'s ''[[wikipedia:I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud|I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud]]'' and [[wikipedia:William Blake| William Blake]]'s ''Ah! Sun-Flower''.

Because of their varied and colorful appearance, flowers have long been a favorite subject of visual artists as well. Some of the most celebrated paintings from well-known painters are of flowers, such as [[wikipedia:Vincent van Gogh|Van Gogh]]'s [[wikipedia:sunflowers (series of paintings)|sunflowers]] series or [[wikipedia:Claude Monet|Monet]]'s water lilies. Flowers are also dried, freeze dried and pressed in order to create permanent, three-dimensional pieces of [[wikipedia:flower art| flower art]].

The Roman goddess of flowers, gardens, and the season of Spring is [[wikipedia:Flora (goddess)|Flora]]. The Greek goddess of spring, flowers and nature is [[wikipedia:Chloris| Chloris]].

In [[wikipedia:Hindu| Hindu]] mythology, flowers have a significant status. [[wikipedia:Vishnu| Vishnu]], one of the three major gods in the [[wikipedia:Hindu| Hindu]] system, is often depicted standing straight on a [[lotus]] flower.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/hinduism/deities/vishnu.shtml Vishnu]</ref> Apart from the association with [[wikipedia:Vishnu| Vishnu]], the Hindu tradition also considers the lotus to have spiritual significance.<ref>[http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/1999/7/1999-7-13.shtml Hinduism Today: God's Favorite Flower]</ref> For example, it figures in the Hindu stories of creation.<ref>[http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/sunrise/49-99-0/ge-mrook.htm The Lotus]</ref>

==Usage==
In modern times, people have sought ways to cultivate, buy, wear, or otherwise be around flowers and blooming plants, partly because of their agreeable appearance and [[wikipedia:odor|smell]]. Around the world, people use flowers for a wide range of events and functions that, cumulatively, encompass one's lifetime:
* For new births or [[wikipedia:Christening| Christening]]s
* As a [[corsage]] or [[wikipedia:boutonniere| boutonniere]] to be worn at social functions or for holidays
* As tokens of love or esteem
* For wedding flowers for the bridal party, and decorations for the hall
* As brightening decorations within the home
* As a gift of remembrance for bon voyage parties, welcome home parties, and "thinking of you" gifts
* For [[wikipedia:funeral| funeral]] flowers and expressions of [[wikipedia:sympathy| sympathy]] for the grieving

People therefore grow flowers around their homes, dedicate entire parts of their living space to [[flower garden]]s, pick wildflowers, or buy flowers from [[wikipedia:florist| florist]]s who depend on an entire network of commercial growers and shippers to support their trade.

Flowers provide less food than other major plants parts ([[seed]]s, [[wikipedia:fruit| fruit]]s, [[wikipedia:root| root]]s, [[wikipedia:plant stem|stem]]s and [[wikipedia:leaf|leaves]]) but they provide several important foods and [[wikipedia:spice| spice]]s. Flower vegetables include [[broccoli]], [[cauliflower]] and [[artichoke]]. The most expensive spice, [[saffron]], consists of dried stigmas of a [[crocus]]. Other flower spices are [[clove]]s and [[caper]]s. [[Hops]] flowers are used to flavor [[wikipedia:beer| beer]]. [[wikipedia:Marigold| Marigold]] flowers are fed to [[wikipedia:chicken| chicken]]s to give their egg yolks a golden yellow color, which consumers find more desirable. [[Dandelion]] flowers are often made into wine. Bee [[wikipedia:Pollen| Pollen]], pollen collected from bees, is considered a health food by some people. [[wikipedia:Honey| Honey]] consists of bee-processed flower nectar and is often named for the type of flower, e.g. [[wikipedia:orange (fruit)|orange]] blossom honey, [[clover]] honey and [[wikipedia:tupelo| tupelo]] honey.

Hundreds of fresh flowers are edible but few are widely marketed as food. They are often used to add color and flavor to salads. [[wikipedia:Squash (fruit)|Squash]] flowers are dipped in breadcrumbs and fried. Edible flowers include [[nasturtium]], [[chrysanthemum]], [[carnation]], [[cattail]], [[honeysuckle]], [[chicory]], [[cornflower]], [[Canna (plant)|Canna]], and [[sunflower]]. Some edible flowers are sometimes candied such as [[daisy]] and [[rose]] (you may also come across a candied [[pansy]]).

Flowers can also be made into [[wikipedia:herbal tea| herbal tea]]s. Dried flowers such as chrysanthemum, rose, jasmine, camomile are infused into tea both for their fragrance and medical properties. Sometimes, they are also mixed with [[wikipedia:camellia sinensis|tea]] leaves for the added fragrance.

==See also==
* [[Plants]]
* [[List of garden plants]]
* [[wikipedia:Plant sexuality| Plant sexuality]]
* [[Garden]]
* [[Gardening]]
* [[wikipedia:Sowing| Sowing]]
* [[wikipedia:Evolution of plants| Evolution of plants]]
* [[Plant evolutionary developmental biology]]

==References==
{{reflist|}}
* Eames, A. J. (1961) ''Morphology of the Angiosperms'' McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York.
* Esau, Katherine (1965) ''Plant Anatomy'' (2nd ed.) John Wiley & Sons, New York.

==External links==
* [http://wildflower.utexas.edu/ Native Plant Information Network]
* [http://www.gardenguide-uk.co.uk/garden-flower-colours.html Garden Guide UK - Information on Flowers and Colours]

[[Category:Flowers|*]]
[[Category:Gardening]]
[[Category:plant morphology]]
[[Category:Plant sexuality]]
[[Category:Reproductive system]]
[[Category:Pollination]]
[[Category:Gardening|Gardening]]

Exotic plants

James — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:41:33 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

The term '''Exotic plants''' is often used to describe plant species that have been, or are being, [[wikipedia:Introduced species|introduced]] in to parts of the world other than their historical or documented range by humans, often as [[ornamental plants]]. Exotics are frequently utilized in the [[garden]], but are also kept in [[wikipedia:greenhouses| greenhouses]] or as [[houseplants]].

While no plant species has ever been documented driving another species to extinction, exotics that escape from gardens are often labeled [[wikipedia:invasive species| invasive species]] thought to outcompete native flora. In reality, however, this phenomena is exclusively a result of other [[wikipedia:anthropogenic| anthropogenic]] activities such as fertilizer runoff or habitat disruption/destruction. Only humans and a handful of domesticated mammalian species (particularly [[wikipedia:cat| cat]]s and [[wikipedia:pig| pig]]s) have ever been directly responsible for the extinction of another species.

The following examples are types of plants that have, at some point in their evolutionary history, experienced some sort of evolutionary shock or shocks that have enabled them to thrive in a wide variety of ecological niches rather than the one or two they had previously inhabited. This is a natural process, carried out by migratory birds, ocean currents, wind, rivers, and other natural phenomena. Apparently the modern notions of "native" and "exotic" species have arisen out of "multiple psychopathologies of nativism" whose "foundational concepts and logical structure...are identical to whose of the discredited ideologies of xenophobia, racism, nationalism, and fascism..." (Theodoropoulos, 2003:122).
==Examples of exotic plants==
* ''[[Agave]]''
* Palms ([[Arecaceae]])
* [[Bamboo]] (Poaceae: Bambuseae)
* Bromeliads ([[Bromeliaceae]])
* [[Cycad]]s (Cycadophyta)
* [[Cactus|Cacti]] (Cactaceae)
* [[Venus Flytrap]] (''Dionaea muscipula'')
* Moon Flower (''[[Ipomoea]] spp.'')
* Sensitive Plant (''[[Mimosa pudica]]'')
* Four 'o' Clocks (''[[Mirabilis jalapa]]'')
* Orchids ([[Orchidaceae]])
* [[Passion Flower]] (''Passiflora spp.'')

==Examples of Exotic Invasives==
* Some [[Bamboo]] (Poaceae: Bambuseae)
* Air Potato (''[[Dioscorea bulbifera]]'')
* Common Water Hyacinth (''[[Eichhornia crassipes]]'')
* [[Kudzu]] (''Pueraria lobata'')
* Multiflora Rose (''[[Rosa multiflora]]'')

==References==
Theodoropoulos, David. 2003. Invasion Biology. Avvar:Blythe, California.

==See also==
*[[wikipedia:Introduced species| Introduced species]]
*[[House plants]]
*[[Ornamental plant]]
*[[wikipedia:Hardiness zone| Introduced species]]

[[Category:Plants]]
[[Category:Ornamental plants]]

Ornamental plant

James — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:30:14 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[Image:Petunie.jpg|thumb|right|[[Petunia]]]]
'''Ornamental plants''' are typically grown in the flower [[garden]] or as [[house plant]]s. Most commonly they are grown for the display of their [[flower]]s. Other common ornamental features include [[leaves]], [[wikipedia:scent| scent]], [[wikipedia:fruit| fruit]], [[wikipedia:Plant stem|stem]] and [[wikipedia:bark| bark]]. In some cases, unusual features may be considered ornamental, such as the prominent and rather vicious [[wikipedia:spine (botany)|thorn]]s of ''[[Rosa sericea]]''. In all cases, their purpose is the enjoyment of gardeners and visitors. Ornamental plants may also be used for [[wikipedia:landscaping| landscaping]], and for [[wikipedia:floristry|cut flowers]].

Similarly [[wikipedia:tree| tree]]s may be called ornamental trees. This term is used when they are used as part of a garden setting, for instance for their flowers, their shapes or for other attractive characteristics. By comparison, trees used in larger landscape effects such as screening and shading, or in urban and roadside plantings, are called ''amenity trees''.

[[Image:"Meillandine" Rose in clay pot.jpg|250px|thumb|left|''Meillandine Rose'' in clay pot]]For plants to be considered as ornamental, they may require specific work and activity by a gardener. For instance, many plants cultivated for [[wikipedia:topiary| topiary]] and [[wikipedia:bonsai| bonsai]] would only be considered as ornamental by virtue of the regular pruning carried out on them by the gardener, and they may rapidly cease to be ornamental if the work was abandoned.

Ornamental plants and trees are distinguished from utilitarian and crop plants, such as those used for [[wikipedia:agriculture| agriculture]] and [[wikipedia:vegetable| vegetable]] crops, and for [[wikipedia:forestry| forestry]] or as fruit trees. This does not preclude any particular type of plant being grown both for ornamental qualities in the garden, and for utilitarian purposes in other settings. Thus [[lavender]] is typically grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, but may also be grown as a crop plant for the production of [[wikipedia:lavender oil| lavender oil]].

== See also ==
* [[List of garden plants]]

== External links ==
*[http://www.florero.net/index_ENG.html Innovative ways of potting and repotting ornamental plants]
*[http://wulturesheet.org CultureSheet] provides information on growing plants

[[Category:Ornamental plants]]
[[Category:Gardening]]

Gardening

James — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:41:47 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

'''Gardening''' is the practice of growing [[plant]]s for their attractive flowers or foliage, and [[wikipedia:vegetable| vegetable]]s or [[wikipedia:fruit| fruit]]s for consumption. Gardening is a human activity used to produce edible foods and use plants to beautify their local environmental conditions. Its scale ranges: from fruit orchards, to long boulevards plantings with one or more different types of shrubs, trees and [[herbaceous]] plants, to residential yards including lawns and foundation plantings, to large or small containers grown inside or outside. Gardening may often be very specific, with only one type of plant grown, or involve a large number of different plants in mixed plantings. It involves an active participation in the growing of plants and tends to be labor intensive, which differentiates it from [[wikipedia:farming| farming]] or [[wikipedia:forestry| forestry]].

== History ==
Gardening for food extends far back into [[wikipedia:prehistory| prehistory]]. [[Ornamental Gardens|Ornamental gardens]] were known in ancient times, a famous example being the [[wikipedia:Hanging Gardens of Babylon| Hanging Gardens of Babylon]], while [[wikipedia:ancient Rome| ancient Rome]] had dozens of gardens.

==Types==

[[Residential garden]]ing takes place near the home, in a space referred to as the '''[[garden]]'''. Although a garden typically is located on the land near a residence, it may also be located [[wikipedia:roof garden|on a roof]], in an [[wikipedia:Atrium (architecture)|atrium]], on a [[wikipedia:balcony| balcony]], in a [[wikipedia:windowbox| windowbox]], or [[wikipedia:patio garden|on a patio]] or [[vivarium]].
[[Image:Moving soil.JPG|thumb|left|200px|Moving soil.]]

Gardening also takes place in non-residential green areas, such as [[wikipedia:park| park]]s, public or semi-public gardens ([[botanical garden]]s or [[wikipedia:zoological garden| zoological garden]]s), [[wikipedia:amusement park|amusement]] and [[wikipedia:theme park| theme park]]s, along transportation corridors, and around [[wikipedia:tourism|tourist attractions]] and [[wikipedia:garden hotels| garden hotels]]. In these situations, a staff of [[wikipedia:gardener| gardener]]s or [[wikipedia:groundskeeper| groundskeeper]]s maintains the gardens.

[[Impact Garden]]ing is a way of using small space to great effect, keeping plants close together, which blocks weeds and requires very little upkeep once started.

[[Indoor garden]]ing is concerned with the growing of [[houseplant]]s within a residence or building, in a [[wikipedia:conservatory (greenhouse)|conservatory]], or in a [[wikipedia:greenhouse| greenhouse]]. Indoor gardens are sometimes incorporated as part of [[wikipedia:air conditioning| air conditioning]] or [[wikipedia:heating| heating]] systems.

[[wikipedia:Water garden| Water garden]]ing is concerned with growing plants adapted to pools and [[wikipedia:pond| pond]]s. [[wikipedia:Bog| Bog]] gardens are also considered a type of water garden. These all require special conditions and considerations. A simple water garden may consist solely of a tub containing the [[wikipedia:water| water]] and plant(s).

[[Container garden]]ing is concerned with growing plants in any type of container either indoors or outdoors. Common containers are pots, hanging baskets, and planters. Container gardening is usually used in atriums and on balconies, patios, and roof tops.

[[Community garden]]ing is a social activity in which an area of land is gardened by a group of people, providing access to fresh produce and plants as well as access to satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment. <ref>"[http://www.communitygarden.org/learn/ American Community Garden Association What is a community garden?]". American Community Garden Association (2007).</ref><ref> Hannah, A.K. & Oh, P. (2000) Rethinking Urban Poverty: A look at Community Gardens. ''Bulletin of Science, Technology and & Society.'' 20(3). 207-216. </ref> Community gardens are typically owned in trust by local governments or nonprofits.<ref> Ferris, J., Norman, C. & Sempik, J. (2001) People, Land and Sustainability: Community Gardens and the Social Dimension of Sustainable Development. ''Social Policy and Administration.'' 35(5). 559-568.</ref>

==Gardeners==
[[Image:gardening.jpg|thumb|300px|A gardener]]
A "gardener" is any person involved in [[gardening]], arguably the oldest occupation, from the [[wikipedia:hobbyist| hobbyist]] in a [[residential garden]], the homeowner supplementing the family food with a small [[vegetable garden]] or [[wikipedia:orchard| orchard]], to an employee in a [[wikipedia:nursery| nursery]] or the [[wikipedia:head gardener| head gardener]] in a [[wikipedia:great house|large estate]].

The term gardener is also used to describe [[wikipedia:garden design| garden design]]ers and [[wikipedia:landscape gardener| landscape gardener]]s, who are involved chiefly in the design of gardens, rather than the practical aspects of [[wikipedia:horticulture| horticulture]].

[[History of gardening|Gardening has a long history]], and there have been many [[wikipedia:History of gardening#Historic gardeners|pioneering gardeners]] of note, from the great landscape gardeners of the 18th century, to those who created or expanded the idea of the [[wikipedia:No-dig gardening|"no-dig" garden]]. In addition, television [[wikipedia:lifestyle programs| lifestyle programs]] have spawned a number of [[wikipedia:celebrity gardener| celebrity gardener]]s.

==Comparison with farming==

In respect to its food producing purpose, gardening is distinguished from [[wikipedia:Agriculture|farming]] chiefly by scale and intent. Farming occurs on a larger scale, and with the production of saleable goods as a major motivation. Gardening is done on a smaller scale, primarily for pleasure and to produce goods for the gardener's own family or community. There is some overlap between the terms, particularly in that some moderate-sized vegetable growing concerns, often called [[wikipedia:market gardening| market gardening]], can fit in either category.
[[Image:Brian Farrell plants.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Planting in a garden.]]
The key distinction between gardening and farming is essentially one of scale; gardening can be a hobby or an income supplement, but farming is generally understood as a full-time or commercial activity, usually involving more land and quite different practices. One distinction is that gardening is labor-intensive and employs very little [[wikipedia:infrastructural capital| infrastructural capital]], typically no more than a few tools, e.g. a [[wikipedia:spade| spade]], [[wikipedia:Hoe (tool)|hoe]], [[wikipedia:basket| basket]] and [[wikipedia:watering can| watering can]]. By contrast, larger-scale farming often involves [[wikipedia:irrigation system| irrigation system]]s, chemical [[wikipedia:fertilizer| fertilizer]]s and [[wikipedia:combine harvester|harvesters]] or at least [[wikipedia:ladder| ladder]]s, e.g. to reach up into [[wikipedia:fruit tree| fruit tree]]s. However, this distinction is becoming blurred with the increasing use of power tools in even small gardens.

In part because of labor intensity and aesthetic motivations, gardening is very often much more productive per unit of land than farming. In the [[wikipedia:Soviet Union| Soviet Union]], half the [[wikipedia:food supply| food supply]] came from small peasants' garden plots on the huge government-run [[wikipedia:collective farm| collective farm]]s, although they were tiny patches of land. Some argue this as evidence of superiority of [[wikipedia:capitalism| capitalism]], since the peasants were generally able to sell their produce. Others consider it to be evidence of a [[wikipedia:tragedy of the commons| tragedy of the commons]], since the large collective plots were often neglected, or fertilizers or water redirected to the private gardens.

The term [[wikipedia:precision agriculture| precision agriculture]] is sometimes used to describe gardening using [[wikipedia:intermediate technology| intermediate technology]] (more than tools, less than harvesters), especially of [[wikipedia:organic farming|organic varieties]]. Gardening is effectively scaled up to feed entire [[wikipedia:village| village]]s of over 100 people from specialized plots. A variant is the [[wikipedia:community garden| community garden]] which offers plots to urban dwellers; see further in [[wikipedia:allotment (gardening)|allotment (gardening)]].

==Gardens as art==
[[Garden design]] is considered to be an art in most cultures, distinguished from gardening, which generally means ''garden maintenance''. In [[wikipedia:Japan| Japan]], [[wikipedia:Samurai| Samurai]] and [[wikipedia:Zen monk| Zen monk]]s were often required to build decorative gardens or practice related skills like [[flower arrangement]] known as ''[[wikipedia:ikebana| ikebana]]''. In 18th century Europe, country estates were refashioned by landscape gardeners into [[formal garden]]s or landscaped park lands, such as at [[wikipedia:Versailles| Versailles]], France or [[wikipedia:Stowe, Buckinghamshire|Stowe]], England. Today, [[wikipedia:landscape architect| landscape architect]]s and [[wikipedia:garden designer| garden designer]]s continue to produce artistically creative designs for private garden spaces.

==Social aspects==

In modern [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]] and [[wikipedia:North America| North America]], people often express their political or social views in gardens, intentionally or not. The [[wikipedia:lawn| lawn]] vs. garden issue is played out in [[wikipedia:urban planning| urban planning]] as the debate over the "[[wikipedia:land ethic| land ethic]]" that is to determine urban [[wikipedia:land use| land use]] and whether hyper [[wikipedia:hygienist| hygienist]] [[wikipedia:bylaw| bylaw]]s (e.g. [[wikipedia:weed control| weed control]]) should apply, or whether land should generally be allowed to exist in its natural wild state. In a famous [[wikipedia:Canada|Canadian]] [[wikipedia:Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms|Charter of Rights]] case, "Sandra Bell vs. City of Toronto", 1997, the right to cultivate all native species, even most varieties deemed noxious or allergenic, was upheld as part of the [[wikipedia:right of free expression| right of free expression]].

People often surround their house and garden with a [[wikipedia:hedge (barrier)|hedge]]. Common hedge plants are [[wikipedia:privet| privet]], [[wikipedia:Crataegus|hawthorn]], [[wikipedia:beech| beech]], [[wikipedia:Taxus|yew]], [[wikipedia:Leyland Cypress|leyland cypress]], [[wikipedia:Tsuga|hemlock]], [[wikipedia:Thuja occidentalis|arborvitae]], [[wikipedia:Berberis|barberry]], [[wikipedia:Buxus|box]], [[wikipedia:holly| holly]], [[wikipedia:oleander| oleander]], [[wikipedia:forsythia| forsythia]] and [[wikipedia:lavender| lavender]]. The idea of open gardens without hedges may be distasteful to those who enjoy privacy. This may have an advantage to local [[wikipedia:wildlife| wildlife]] by providing a habitat for [[wikipedia:birds| birds]], animals, and wild plants.

Gardening is thus not only a food source and art, but also a right. The [[wikipedia:Slow Food| Slow Food]] movement has sought in some countries to add an [[wikipedia:edible| edible]] [[wikipedia:school| school]][[wikipedia:yard| yard]] and garden [[wikipedia:classroom| classroom]]s to schools, e.g. in [[wikipedia:Fergus, Ontario| Fergus, Ontario]], where these were added to a public school to augment the [[wikipedia:kitchen| kitchen]] classroom.

In [[wikipedia:United States|US]] and [[wikipedia:British English|British]] usage, the production of ornamental plantings around buildings is called ''[[wikipedia:landscaping| landscaping]]'', ''landscape maintenance'' or ''grounds keeping'', while international usage uses the term ''gardening'' for these same activities.

==Garden pests==
*A garden pest is what one considers a pest. The beautiful ''[[wikipedia:Tropaeolum| Tropaeolum]] speciosum'' can be considered a pest if it [[wikipedia:seeds| seeds]] and starts to grow where it is not wanted. As the root is well below ground, pulling it up does not remove it: it simply grows again and becomes what may be considered a pest.
*In [[wikipedia:lawn| lawn]]s, moss can become dominant and be impossible to eradicate. In some lawns, [[wikipedia:lichens| lichens]], especially very damp lawn lichens such as [[wikipedia:Peltigera| Peltigera]] lactucfolia and P. membranacea, can become difficult and be considered pests.
*Other garden pests include insects. There are several ways to remove unwanted pests from a garden.

== Restrictions ==
Governments of most countries are restricting imports of plant material. In the past, someone could send such things as lily seeds and bulbs to friends in any country. Today, most of those avenues are closed, due to the threat of [[wikipedia:invasive species| invasive species]].

== Lunar Gardening ==

[[Lunar Gardening]] is a form of gardening which observes the moon phases to make decisions on timing the gardening activities.

==See also==
* [[List of gardening topics]]
* [[wikipedia:Pershore College| Pershore College]]
* [[wikipedia:Museum of Garden History| Museum of Garden History]]
* [[Rock garden]]
* [[wikipedia:Arboretum| Arboretum]]
* [[House plants]]
* [[Exotic plants]]
* [[wikipedia:Penjing| Penjing]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
* J. L. Budd. "American Horticultural Manual Vol1". John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
* J. L. Budd. "American Horticultural Manual Vol2". John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
* "Arizona Master Gardener Manual". Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture, University of Arizona. Retrieved on 2007-08-06.
* Thomas Joseph Dwyer. "Guide To Hardy Fruits And Ornamentals". T. J. Dwyer & Son. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
* Robert Hogg. "The Fruit Manual". Cottage Gardener Office. Retrieved on 2008-05-11.
* Estimating Soil Texture By Feel
*[http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/crpsl2/MF2852.pdf Estimating Soil Texture By Feel]

[[Category:Gardening| ]]
[[Category:Horticulture]]
[[Category:Human skills]]

Plant collecting

James — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:21:04 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

'''Plant collecting''' involves procuring live or dried plant specimens, for the purposes of research, cultivation or as a hobby.

==Collection of live specimens==
The collection of live plant specimens from the wild, sometimes referred to as plant hunting, is an activity that has occurred for centuries. The earliest recorded evidence of plant hunting was in 1495 BC when botanists were sent to Somalia to collect incense trees for [[wikipedia:Queen Hatshepsut| Queen Hatshepsut]]. The [[wikipedia:Victorian era| Victorian era]] saw a surge in plant hunting activity as botanical adventurers explored the world to find exotic plants to bring home, often at considerable personal risk. These plants usually ended up in [[botanical garden]]s or the private gardens of wealthy collectors. Prolific plant hunters in this period included [[wikipedia:William Lobb| William Lobb]] and his brother [[wikipedia:Thomas Lobb| Thomas Lobb]], [[wikipedia:George Forrest (botanist) |George Forrest]], [[wikipedia:Joseph Dalton Hooker|Joseph Hooker]] and [[wikipedia:Robert Fortune|Robert Fortune]].
<ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/design/nonflash_victorian3.shtml A history of British gardening]". BBC. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.</ref>

==Collection of herbarium specimens==
[[Herbarium]] specimens of plants are collected for a number of different uses. They can assist in accurate identification and provide a species record for a time and place that can be utilised in distribution maps. They can also provide biological material for researchers, a reference point to document scientific names and vouchers for research and seed collections.<ref>Bean, A.R. (editor) (2006). "[http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/publications/p01811aa.pdf/Collecting_and_preserving_plant_specimens_a_manual_version_3.pdf Collecting and preserving plant specimens, A Manual]". Queensland Herbarium, Environmental Protection Agency Biodiversity Sciences unit, Brisbane.. ISBN 1-920928-06-5</ref>

==Plant collecting as a hobby==
Plant collecting may also refer to a hobby, in which the hobbyist takes identifiable samples of [[plant]] species found in nature, dries them, and stores them in a paper sheet album, a simple [[herbarium]], alongside with the information of the finding location, finding date, etc. necessary scientific information. As in many [[wikipedia:collecting| collecting]] hobbies, rarer specimens have been valued. However, when collecting living organisms, the [[wikipedia:Conservation ethic|conservation aspects]] must precede the collector's ambitions. This has led in some cases to a collector voluntarily taking part, helping scientists, in some research areas, provided he can store the "[[wikipedia:collectible| collectible]]". In fact, historically, many [[wikipedia:species| species]] have initially been found within a collection of a collector.

Usually, a plant can be identified in nature, since they are stationary.
The advent of [[wikipedia:digital camera| digital camera]]s has led many plant collectors to switch totally to [[wikipedia:photography| photography]]. Some have switched to collecting live specimens of various plant species in their gardens, building a sort of "private [[botanical garden]]". Some have specialized in a specific group, the [[orchid]]s and the [[rose]]s and their [[cultivar]]s are among the most collected.

==See also==
*[[wikipedia:List of Irish plant collectors| List of Irish plant collectors]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Plant collectors]]
[[Category:Natural history]]
[[Category:Collecting]]
[[Category:Cultural history]]

Botany

James — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:07:48 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[Image:504px-Pinguiculagrandiflora1web.jpg|thumb|250px|''[[Pinguicula grandiflora]]'' commonly known as a [[Butterwort]]]]
[[Image:Stem-cross-section.jpg|thumb|250px|Example of a cross section of a stem <ref>Winterborne J, 2005. ''Hydroponics - Indoor Horticulture'' [http://www.hydroponicist.com]</ref>]]
'''Botany''', '''plant science(s)''', '''phytology''', or '''plant biology''' is a branch of [[wikipedia:biology| biology]] and is the [[wikipedia:Scientific method|scientific study]] of plant [[wikipedia:life| life]] and development. Botany covers a wide range of scientific disciplines that study [[plant]]s, [[wikipedia:algae| algae]], and [[wikipedia:fungi| fungi]] including: [[wikipedia:Plant anatomy|structure]], [[wikipedia:cell growth|growth]], [[wikipedia:reproduction| reproduction]], [[wikipedia:metabolism| metabolism]], [[wikipedia:morphogenesis|development]], [[wikipedia:phytopathology|diseases]], and chemical properties and evolutionary relationships between the different groups. Botany, the study of plants, began with tribal efforts to identify edible, medicinal and poisonous plants, making botany one of the oldest sciences. From this ancient interest in plants, the scope of botany has increased to include the study of over 550,000 kinds or species of living organisms.

==Scope and importance of botany==
[[Image:Beli-hibiskus.jpg|left|thumb|250px|[[Hibiscus]]]]As with other life forms in biology, plant life can be studied from different perspectives, from the [[wikipedia:molecular biology|molecular]], [[wikipedia:genetics|genetic]] and [[wikipedia:biochemistry|biochemical]] level through [[wikipedia:organelle| organelle]]s, [[wikipedia:cell biology|cells]], [[wikipedia:biological tissue|tissues]], [[wikipedia:organ (anatomy)|organs]], individuals, plant [[wikipedia:population| population]]s, and communities of plants. At each of these levels a botanist might be concerned with the classification ([[wikipedia:taxonomy| taxonomy]]), structure ([[wikipedia:Plant anatomy|anatomy]] and [[wikipedia:Plant morphology|morphology]]), or function ([[wikipedia:Plant physiology|physiology]]) of plant life.

Historically all living things were grouped as animals or plants,<ref>Chapman, Jasmin; Jones, Alan M.; Walsh, Ed; McDonald, Averil; Elizabeth Murphy, Jan; O'Brien, Pat. Science Web. Nelson Thornes Ltd, 56. ISBN 0-17-438746-6.</ref> and botany covered all organisms not considered [[wikipedia:animal| animal]]s. Some organisms once included in the field of botany are no longer considered to belong to the plant [[wikipedia:Kingdom (biology)|kingdom]] – these include [[wikipedia:fungi| fungi]] (studied in [[wikipedia:mycology| mycology]]), [[wikipedia:lichen| lichen]]s ([[wikipedia:lichenology| lichenology]]), [[wikipedia:bacterium|bacteria]] ([[wikipedia:bacteriology| bacteriology]]), [[wikipedia:viruses| viruses]] ([[wikipedia:virology| virology]]) and single-celled [[wikipedia:alga| alga]]e, which are now grouped as part of the [[wikipedia:Protista| Protista]]. However, attention is still given to these groups by botanists, and fungi, lichens, bacteria and [[wikipedia:Photosynthesis|photosynthetic]] protists are usually covered in introductory botany courses.

The study of plants is vital because they are a fundamental part of [[wikipedia:life on Earth| life on Earth]], which generates the [[wikipedia:oxygen| oxygen]], [[wikipedia:food| food]], [[wikipedia:fibre| fibre]]s, fuel and [[wikipedia:medicine| medicine]] that allow humans and other higher life forms to exist. Through [[wikipedia:photosynthesis| photosynthesis]], plants also absorb [[wikipedia:carbon dioxide| carbon dioxide]], a [[wikipedia:greenhouse gas| greenhouse gas]] that in large amounts can affect global climate, they prevent [[wikipedia:soil erosion| soil erosion]] and impact the [[wikipedia:water cycle| water cycle]]. [[wikipedia:paleobotany|Paleobotanists]] study ancient plants in the fossil record. It is believed that early in the earth's history, the evolution of photosynthetic plants altered the global [[wikipedia:atmosphere| atmosphere]] of the earth, changing the ancient atmosphere by [[wikipedia:oxidation| oxidation]]. A good understanding of plants is crucial to the future of human societies as it allows us to:
* Produce food to feed an expanding population
* Understand fundamental life processes
* Produce medicine and materials to treat diseases and other ailments
* Understand environmental changes more clearly

===Human nutrition===
[[Image:US long grain rice.jpg|right|thumb|Nearly all the food we eat comes (directly and indirectly) from plants like this American long grain [[wikipedia:rice| rice]].]]
Virtually all foods eaten come from plants, either directly from [[wikipedia:staple food| staple food]]s and other [[wikipedia:fruit| fruit]] and [[wikipedia:vegetables| vegetables]], or indirectly through [[wikipedia:livestock| livestock]] or other animals, which rely on plants for their nutrition. Plants are the fundamental base of nearly all [[wikipedia:food chain| food chain]]s because they use the energy from the sun and nutrients from the soil and atmosphere and convert them into a form that can be consumed and utilized by animals; this is what ecologists call the first [[wikipedia:trophic level| trophic level]]. Botanists also study how plants produce food we can eat and how to increase yields and therefore their work is important in mankind's ability to ''feed the world'' and provide [[wikipedia:food security| food security]] for future generations, for example through [[plant breeding]]. Botanists also study [[wikipedia:weed| weed]]s, plants which are considered to be a nuisance in a particular location. Weeds are a considerable problem in [[wikipedia:agriculture| agriculture]], and botany provides some of the basic science used to understand how to minimize 'weed' impact in agriculture and native ecosystems. [[wikipedia:Ethnobotany| Ethnobotany]] is the study of the relationships between plants and people.

[[Image:mendel.png|frame|left|[[wikipedia:Gregor Mendel| Gregor Mendel]] laid the foundations of modern genetics from his studies of plants.]]

===Fundamental life processes===
Plants are convenient organisms in which fundamental life processes (like [[wikipedia:cell division| cell division]] and [[wikipedia:protein synthesis| protein synthesis]] for example) can be studied, without the ethical dilemmas of studying animals or humans. The [[wikipedia:Mendelian inheritance|genetic laws of inheritance]] were discovered in this way by [[wikipedia:Gregor Mendel| Gregor Mendel]], who was studying the way [[wikipedia:peas|pea]] shape is inherited. What Mendel learned from studying plants has had far reaching benefits outside of botany. Additionally, [[wikipedia:Barbara McClintock| Barbara McClintock]] discovered '[[wikipedia:transposon|jumping genes']] by studying [[wikipedia:maize| maize]]. These are a few examples that demonstrate how botanical research has an ongoing relevance to the understanding of fundamental biological processes.

===Medicine and materials===
Many [[wikipedia:medication|medicinal]] and [[wikipedia:recreational drugs| recreational drugs]], like [[wikipedia:tetrahydrocannabinol| tetrahydrocannabinol]], [[wikipedia:caffeine| caffeine]], and [[wikipedia:nicotine| nicotine]] come directly from the plant kingdom. Others are simple [[wikipedia:Derivative (chemistry)|derivatives]] of botanical natural products; for example [[wikipedia:aspirin| aspirin]] is based on the pain killer [[wikipedia:salicylic acid| salicylic acid]] which originally came from the [[wikipedia:bark| bark]] of [[wikipedia:willow| willow]] trees.<ref>Mann, J. (1987). ''Secondary Metabolism'', 2nd ed.. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 186-187. ISBN 0-19-855529-6.</ref>
There may be many [[wikipedia:drug discovery|novel cures for diseases]] provided by plants, waiting to be discovered. Popular [[wikipedia:stimulant| stimulant]]s like [[wikipedia:coffee| coffee]], [[wikipedia:chocolate| chocolate]], [[wikipedia:tobacco| tobacco]], and [[wikipedia:tea| tea]] also come from plants. Most [[wikipedia:alcoholic beverage| alcoholic beverage]]s come from [[wikipedia:fermentation (food)|fermenting]] plants such as [[wikipedia:barley| barley]] ([[wikipedia:beer| beer]]), [[wikipedia:rice| rice]] ([[wikipedia:saki| saki]]) and [[wikipedia:grapes| grapes]] ([[wikipedia:wine| wine]]).

Plants also provide us with many natural materials, such as [[wikipedia:cotton| cotton]], [[wikipedia:wood| wood]], [[wikipedia:paper| paper]], [[wikipedia:linen| linen]], [[wikipedia:vegetable oil| vegetable oil]]s, some types of [[wikipedia:rope| rope]], and [[wikipedia:rubber| rubber]]. The production of [[wikipedia:silk| silk]] would not be possible without the cultivation of the [[wikipedia:mulberry| mulberry]] plant. [[wikipedia:Sugarcane| Sugarcane]], [[wikipedia:rapeseed| rapeseed]], [[wikipedia:soy| soy]] and other plants with a highly-fermentable sugar or oil content have recently been put to use as sources of [[wikipedia:biofuel| biofuel]]s, which are important alternatives to [[wikipedia:fossil fuel| fossil fuel]]s, see [[wikipedia:biodiesel| biodiesel]].

===Environmental changes===
Plants can also help us understand changes in on our environment in many ways.

*Understanding [[wikipedia:habitat destruction| habitat destruction]] and [[wikipedia:endangered species|species extinction]] is dependent on an accurate and complete catalog of plant [[wikipedia:systematics| systematics]] and taxonomy.
*Plant responses to [[wikipedia:ultraviolet|ultraviolet radiation]] can help us monitor problems like the [[wikipedia:ozone depletion| ozone depletion]].
*[[wikipedia:palynology|Analyzing pollen]] deposited by plants [[wikipedia:geologic timescale|thousands or millions of years ago]] can help scientists to reconstruct past climates and predict future ones, an essential part of [[wikipedia:climate change| climate change]] research.
*Recording and analyzing the timing of plant [[wikipedia:biological life cycle|life cycles]] are important parts of [[wikipedia:phenology| phenology]] used in climate-change research.
*[[wikipedia:Lichens| Lichens]], which are sensitive to atmospheric conditions, have been extensively used as [[wikipedia:pollution| pollution]] indicators.

In many different ways, plants can act a little like the '[[wikipedia:canary|miners canary']], an ''early warning system'' alerting us to important changes in our environment. In addition to these practical and scientific reasons, plants are extremely valuable as recreation for millions of people who enjoy [[wikipedia:gardening| gardening]], [[wikipedia:horticulture|horticultural]] and [[wikipedia:herb|culinary]] uses of plants every day.

==Etymology==
From [[wikipedia:Greek language|Greek]] βοτάνη = "[[wikipedia:pasture| pasture]], [[wikipedia:grass| grass]], [[wikipedia:fodder| fodder]]", perhaps via the idea of a [[wikipedia:livestock| livestock]] keeper needing to know which plants are safe for livestock to eat.

==History==
[[Image:Botany.jpg|thumb|right|The traditional tools of a botanist.]]

===Early botany===
Early examples of plant taxonomy occur in the [[wikipedia:Rigveda| Rigveda]], that divides plants into ''Vṛska'' (tree), ''Osadhi'' (herbs useful to humans) and ''Virudha'' (creepers). which are further subdivided. The [[wikipedia:Atharvaveda| Atharvaveda]] divides plants into eight classes, ''Visakha'' (spreading branches), ''Manjari'' (leaves with long clusters), ''Sthambini'' (bushy plants), ''Prastanavati'' (which expands); ''Ekasṛnga'' (those with [[wikipedia:monopodial| monopodial]] growth), ''Pratanavati'' (creeping plants), ''Amsumati'' (with many stalks), and ''Kandini'' (plants with knotty joints). The [[wikipedia:Taittiriya Samhita| Taittiriya Samhita]] and classifies the plant kingdom into ''vṛksa'', ''vana'' and ''druma'' (trees), ''visakha'' (shrubs with spreading branches), ''sasa'' (herbs), ''amsumali'' (a spreading or [[wikipedia:deliquescent| deliquescent]] plant), ''vratati'' (climber), ''stambini'' (bushy plant), ''pratanavati'' (creeper), and ''alasala'' (those spreading on the ground).

[[wikipedia:Manusmriti| Manusmriti]] proposed a classification of plants in eight major categories. [[wikipedia:Charaka Samhitā| Charaka Samhitā]] and [[wikipedia:Sushruta Samhita| Sushruta Samhita]] and the [[wikipedia:Vaisesika| Vaisesika]]s also present an elaborate taxonomy.

[[wikipedia:Parashara| Parashara]], the author of ''Vṛksayurveda'' (the science of life of trees), classifies plants into Dvimatrka ([[wikipedia:Dicotyledon| Dicotyledon]]s) and Ekamatrka ([[wikipedia:Monocotyledon| Monocotyledon]]s). These are further classified into ''Samiganiya'' ([[wikipedia:Fabaceae| Fabaceae]]), ''Puplikagalniya'' ([[wikipedia:Rutaceae| Rutaceae]]), ''Svastikaganiya'' ([[wikipedia:Cruciferae| Cruciferae]]), ''Tripuspaganiya'' ([[wikipedia:Cucurbitaceae| Cucurbitaceae]]), ''Mallikaganiya'' ([[wikipedia:Apocynaceae| Apocynaceae]]), and ''Kurcapuspaganiya'' ([[wikipedia:Asteraceae| Asteraceae]]).<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.infinityfoundation.com/mandala/t_es/t_es_tiwar_botany_frameset.htm Ancient Indian Botany and Taxonomy]</ref>

Important medieval Indian works of plant physiology include the ''Prthviniraparyam'' of [[wikipedia:Udayana| Udayana]], ''Nyayavindutika'' of Dharmottara, ''Saddarsana-samuccaya'' of Gunaratna, and ''Upaskara'' of Sankaramisra.<ref name="autogenerated1" />

;Ancient China
In [[wikipedia:ancient China| ancient China]], the recorded listing of different plants and herb concoctions for [[wikipedia:pharmaceutical| pharmaceutical]] purposes spans back to at least the [[wikipedia:Warring States| Warring States]] (481 BC-221 BC). Many Chinese writers over the centuries contributed to the written knowledge of herbal pharmaceutics. There was the [[wikipedia:Han Dynasty| Han Dynasty]] (202 BC-220 AD) written work of the [[wikipedia:Huangdi Neijing| Huangdi Neijing]] and the famous pharmacologist [[wikipedia:Zhang Zhongjing| Zhang Zhongjing]] of the 2nd century. There was also the 11th century scientists and statesmen [[wikipedia:Su Song| Su Song]] and [[wikipedia:Shen Kuo| Shen Kuo]], who compiled treatises on herbal medicine and included the use of [[wikipedia:mineralogy| mineralogy]].

;Greco-Roman world
Among the earliest of botanical works in Europe, written around [[wikipedia:300 B.C.| 300 B.C.]], are two large treatises by [[wikipedia:Theophrastus| Theophrastus]]: ''On the History of Plants'' (''[[wikipedia:Historia Plantarum| Historia Plantarum]]'') and ''On the Causes of Plants''. Together these books constitute the most important contribution to botanical science during antiquity and on into the Middle Ages. The Roman medical writer [[wikipedia:Dioscorides| Dioscorides]] provides important evidence on Greek and Roman knowledge of medicinal plants.

===Medieval botany===
The [[wikipedia:Kurdish people|Kurdish]] biologist [[wikipedia:Al-Dinawari| Al-Dinawari]] (828-896) is considered the founder of [[wikipedia:Muslim Agricultural Revolution#Agricultural sciences|Arabic botany]] for his ''Book of Plants'', in which he described at least 637 plants and discussed [[plant evolution]] from its birth to its death, describing the phases of [[plant growth]] and the production of flowers and fruit.<ref>Fahd, Toufic, "Botany and agriculture", pp. 815 , in Morelon, Régis & Roshdi Rashed (1996), [[wikipedia:Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science| Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science]], vol. 3, Routledge, ISBN 0415124107</ref>

In the early 13th century, the [[wikipedia:Al-Andalus|Andalusian]]-[[wikipedia:Arab| Arab]]ian biologist Abu al-Abbas al-Nabati developed an early [[wikipedia:scientific method| scientific method]] for botany, introducing [[wikipedia:empirical| empirical]] and [[wikipedia:experiment| experiment]]al techniques in the testing, description and identification of numerous [[wikipedia:materia medica| materia medica]], and separating unverified reports from those supported by actual tests and [[wikipedia:observation| observation]]s.<ref>Huff, Toby (2003), ''The Rise of Early Modern Science: Islam, China, and the West'', [[wikipedia:Cambridge University Press| Cambridge University Press]], p. 218, ISBN 0521529948</ref> His student [[wikipedia:Ibn al-Baitar| Ibn al-Baitar]] (d. 1248) wrote a [[wikipedia:Pharmacy|pharmaceutical]] encyclopedia describing 1,400 [[plant]]s, [[wikipedia:food| food]]s, and [[wikipedia:drug| drug]]s, 300 of which were his own original discoveries. A [[wikipedia:Latin| Latin]] translation of his work was useful to European biologists and pharmacists in the 18th and 19th centuries.<ref>Diane Boulanger (2002), "The Islamic Contribution to Science, Mathematics and Technology", ''OISE Papers'', in ''STSE Education'', Vol. 3.</ref>

===Early modern botany===
In 1665, using an early microscope, [[wikipedia:Robert Hooke| Robert Hooke]] discovered [[wikipedia:cell (biology)|cells]] in [[wikipedia:cork (material)|cork]], and a short time later in living plant tissue. The [[wikipedia:Germans|German]] [[wikipedia:Leonhart Fuchs| Leonhart Fuchs]], the Swiss [[wikipedia:Conrad von Gesner| Conrad von Gesner]], and the British authors [[wikipedia:Nicholas Culpeper| Nicholas Culpeper]] and [[wikipedia:John Gerard| John Gerard]] published herbals that gave information on the medicinal uses of plants.

During the 18th century systems of classification became deliberately artificial and served only for the purpose of [[wikipedia:identification| identification]]. These classifications are comparable to diagnostic keys, where taxa are artificially grouped in pairs by few, easily recognisable characters. The sequence of the taxa in keys is often totally unrelated to their natural or phyletic groupings. In the 18th century an increasing number of new plants had arrived in Europe, from newly discovered countries and the European colonies worldwide, and a larger amount of plants became available for study.

In 1754 [[wikipedia:Carolus Linnaeus|Carl von Linné]] (Carl Linnaeus) divided the plant Kingdom into 25 classes. One, the ''Cryptogamia'', included all the plants with concealed reproductive parts (algae, fungi, mosses and liverworts and ferns).<ref name="Hoek, Mann and Jahns 95">'''Hoek, C.van den, Mann, D.G. and Jahns, H.M.''' 2005. ''[http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=xuUoiFesSHMC&printsec=frontcover Algae: An Introduction to Phycology]''. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. ISBN 0 521 30419 9</ref>

The increased knowledge on anatomy, morphology and life cycles, lead to the realization that there were more natural affinities between plants, than the sexual system of Linnaeus indicated. [[wikipedia:Adanson| Adanson]] (1763), [[wikipedia:Jussieu| Jussieu]] (1789), and [[wikipedia:Candolle| Candolle]] (1819) all proposed various alternative natural systems that were widely followed. The ideas of [[wikipedia:natural selection| natural selection]] as a mechanism for [[wikipedia:evolution| evolution]] required adaptations to the [[wikipedia:Candollean system| Candollean system]], which started the studies on evolutionary relationships and [[wikipedia:phylogenetic classifications| phylogenetic classifications]] of plants.

===Modern botany===
A considerable amount of new knowledge today is being generated from studying [[wikipedia:model organisms|model plants]] like ''[[wikipedia:Arabidopsis thaliana| Arabidopsis thaliana]]''. This weedy species in the mustard family was one of the first plants to have its [[wikipedia:genome| genome]] sequenced. The sequencing of the [[wikipedia:rice| rice]] (''Oryza sativa'') genome and a large international research community have made [[wikipedia:rice| rice]] the de facto [[wikipedia:cereal| cereal]]/[[wikipedia:grass| grass]]/[[wikipedia:monocot| monocot]] model. Another grass species, ''[[Brachypodium distachyon]]'' is also emerging as an experimental model for understanding the genetic, cellular and molecular biology of temperate grasses. Other commercially-important staple foods like [[wikipedia:wheat| wheat]], [[wikipedia:maize| maize]], [[wikipedia:barley| barley]], [[wikipedia:rye| rye]], [[wikipedia:pearl millet| pearl millet]] and [[wikipedia:soybean| soybean]] are also having their genomes sequenced. Some of these are challenging to sequence because they have more than two [[wikipedia:haploid| haploid]] (n) sets of [[wikipedia:chromosome| chromosome]]s, a condition known as [[wikipedia:polyploid| polyploid]]y, common in the plant kingdom. ''[[wikipedia:Chlamydomonas reinhardtii| Chlamydomonas reinhardtii]]'' (a single-celled, green [[wikipedia:Algae|alga]]) is another plant model organism that has been extensively studied and provided important insights into cell biology.

In 1998 the [[wikipedia:Angiosperm Phylogeny Group| Angiosperm Phylogeny Group]] published a [[wikipedia:phylogeny| phylogeny]] of flowering plants based on an analysis of [[wikipedia:DNA| DNA]] sequences from most families of flowering plants. As a result of this work, major questions such as which families represent the earliest branches in the genealogy of [[wikipedia:angiosperms| angiosperms]] are now understood. Investigating how plant species are related to each other allows botanists to better understand the process of evolution in plants.

==Subdisciplines of Botany==

*[[Agronomy]]—Application of plant science to crop production
*[[Bryology]]—Mosses, liverworts, and hornworts
*[[Economic botany]]—The place of plants in economics
*[[Ethnobotany]]—Relationship between humans and plants
*[[Forestry]]—Forest management and related studies
*[[Horticulture]]—Cultivated plants
*[[Paleobotany]]—Fossil plants
*[[Palynology]]—Pollen and spores
*[[Phycology]] - Algae
*[[Phytochemistry]]—Plant secondary chemistry and chemical processes
*[[Phytopathology]]—Plant diseases
*[[Plant anatomy]]—Cell and tissue structure
*[[Plant ecology]]—Role of plants in the environment
*[[Plant genetics]]—Genetic inheritance in plants
*[[Plant morphology]]—Structure and life cycles
*[[Plant physiology]]—Life functions of plants
*[[Plant taxonomy|Plant systematics]]—Classification and naming of plants

==Notable Botanists==
*[[wikipedia:Ibn al-Baitar| Ibn al-Baitar]] (d. 1248), Andalusian-Arab scientist, botanist, pharmacist, physician, and author of one of the largest botanical encyclopedias.
*[[wikipedia:Al-Dinawari| Al-Dinawari]] (828-896), Kurdish botanist, historian, geographer, astronomer, mathematician, and founder of [[wikipedia:Muslim Agricultural Revolution#Agricultural sciences|Arabic botany]].
*[[wikipedia:Luther Burbank| Luther Burbank]] (1849-1926), American botanist, horticulturist, and a pioneer in agricultural science.
*[[wikipedia:Joseph Dalton Hooker| Joseph Dalton Hooker]] (1817-1911), English botanist and explorer. Second winner of [[wikipedia:Darwin Medal]].
*[[wikipedia:Thomas Henry Huxley| Thomas Henry Huxley]] (1825–1895), English biologist, known as "Darwin's Bulldog" for his advocacy of [[wikipedia:Charles Darwin]]'s theory of evolution. Third winner of [[wikipedia:Darwin Medal]].
*[[wikipedia:Carl Linnaeus| Carl Linnaeus]] (1707-1778), Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist who laid the foundations for the modern scheme of Binomial nomenclature. He is known as the father of modern taxonomy, and is also considered one of the fathers of modern ecology.
*[[wikipedia:Gregor Johann Mendel| Gregor Johann Mendel]] (1822-1884), Augustinian priest and scientist, and is often called the father of [[wikipedia:genetics]] for his study of the inheritance of traits in pea plants.
*[[wikipedia:Muslim Agricultural Revolution#Agricultural sciences|Abu al-Abbas al-Nabati]] (c. 1200), Andalusian-Arab botanist and agricultural scientist, and a pioneer in experimental botany.
*[[wikipedia:Leonardo da Vinci| Leonardo da Vinci]] (1452-1519), Italian polymath; a scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer.
*[[wikipedia:Agustín Stahl| Agustín Stahl]] (1842-1947), conducted investigations and experiments in the fields of [[wikipedia:ethnology| ethnology]], and [[wikipedia:zoology| zoology]] in the Caribbean region.

==See also==
[[Image:H J N Crantz Classis cruciformium.jpg|thumb|[[wikipedia:Crantz| Crantz]]'s ''Classis cruciformium...'', 1769]]
* [[History of plant systematics]]
* [[History of phycology]]
* [[Botanical garden]] and [[List of botanical gardens]]
* [[Dendrochronology]]
* [[List of domesticated plants]]
* [[Edible Flowers]]
* [[Flower]]s and [[List of flowers]]
* [[Forestry]]
* [[Herb]]s
* [[List of botanical journals]]
* [[List of botanists]]
* [[List of botanists by author abbreviation]]
* [[List of systems of plant taxonomy]]
* [[List of publications in biology]]
* [[Paleobotany]]
* [[Palynology]]
* [[Plant anatomy]]
* [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Seeds Seeds]
* [[Plant physiology]]
* [[Plant community]]
* [[Plant sexuality]]
* [[Soil science]]
* [[wikipedia:Tree| Tree]]s
* [[wikipedia:Vegetation| Vegetation]]
* [[wikipedia:Weed Science| Weed Science]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* U.S. Geological Survey. [http://www.nbii.gov/disciplines/botany/ National Biological Information Infrastructure: Botany]

==Further reading==
===Popular science style books on Botany===
* [[wikipedia:David Attenborough|Attenborough, David]] ''[[wikipedia:The Private Life of Plants| The Private Life of Plants]]'', ISBN 0-563-37023-8
* [[wikipedia:David Bellamy|Bellamy, D]] ''Bellamy on Botany'', ISBN 0-563-10666-2 an accessible and short introduction to various botanical subjects
* Capon, B: ''Botany for Gardeners'' ISBN 0-88192-655-8
* Cohen, J. ''How many people can the earth support?'' W.W. Norton 1995 ISBN 0-393-31495-2
* Halle, Francis. ''In praise of plants'' ISBN 0-88192-550-0. English translation of a poetic advocacy of plants.
* King, J. ''Reaching for the sun: How plants work'' ISBN 0-521-58738-7. A fluent introduction to how plants work.
* [[wikipedia:Thomas Pakenham|Pakenham, T]]: ''Remarkable Trees of the World'' (2002) ISBN 0-297-84300-1
* Pakenham, T: ''Meetings with Remarkable Trees'' (1996) ISBN 0-297-83255-7
* Pollan, M ''The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-eye View of the World'' Bloomsbury ISBN 0-7475-6300-4 Account of the [[wikipedia:co-evolution| co-evolution]] of plants and humans
* Thomas, B.A.: ''The evolution of plants and flowers'' St Martin's Press 1981 ISBN 0-312-27271-5
* Walker, D. ''Energy, Plants and Man'' ISBN 1-870232-05-4 A presentation of the basic concepts of photosynthesis

===Academic and Scientific books on Botany===
* Buchanan, B.B., Gruissem, W & Jones, R.L. (2000) ''Biochemistry & molecular biology of plants''. American Society of Plant Physiologists ISBN 0-943088-39-9
* Crawford, R. M. M. (1989). ''Studies in plant survival''. Blackwell. ISBN 0-632-01475-X
* Crawley, M. J. (1997). ''Plant ecology''. Blackwell Scientific. ISBN 0-632-03639-7
* Ennos, R and Sheffield, E ''Plant life'', Blackwell Science, ISBN 0-86542-737-2 Introduction to plant [[wikipedia:biodiversity| biodiversity]]
* Fitter, A & Hay, R ''Environmental physiology of plants'' 3rd edition Sept 2001 Harcourt Publishers, Academic Press ISBN 0-12-257766-3
* Lambers, H., Chapin, F.S. III and Pons, T.L. 1998. Plant Physiological Ecology. Springer-Verlag, New York. ISBN 0-387-98326-0; 2nd compltely revised edition to appear in 2008.
* Lawlor, D.W. (2000) ''Photosynthesis'' BIOS ISBN 1-85996-157-6
* Matthews, R. E. F. ''Fundamentals of plant virology'' Academic Press,1992.
* Mauseth, J.D.: ''Botany : an introduction to plant biology''. Jones and Bartlett Publishers, ISBN 0-7637-2134-4, A first year undergraduate level textbook
* Morton, A.G. (1981). ''History of Botanical Science.''Academic Press, London. ISBN 0-12-508380-7 (hardback) ISBN 0-12-508382-3 (paperback)
* Raven, P.H, Evert R.H and Eichhorn, S.E: ''Biology of Plants'', Freeman. ISBN 1-57259-041-6, A first year undergraduate level textbook
* Richards, P. W. (1996). ''The tropical rainforest''. 2nd ed. C.U.P. (Pbk) ISBN 0-521-42194-2 £32.50
* Ridge, I. (2002) ''Plants'' [[wikipedia:Oxford University Press| Oxford University Press]] ISBN 0-19-925548-2
* Salisbury, FB and Ross, CW: ''[[wikipedia:Plant physiology| Plant physiology]]'' Wadsworth publishing company ISBN 0-534-15162-0
* Stace, C. A. ''A new [[Flora (plants)|flora]] of the British Isles''. 2nd ed. C.U.P.,1997. ISBN 0-521-58935-5
* Strange, R. L. ''Introduction to [[plant pathology]]''. Wiley-VCH, 2003. ISBN 0-470-84973-8
* Taiz, L. & Zeiger, E. (1998). ''Plant physiology''. 3rd ed. August 2002 Sinauer Associates. ISBN 0-87893-823-0
* Walter, H. (1985). ''[[wikipedia:Vegetation| Vegetation]] of the earth''. 3rd rev. ed. Springer.
* Willis, K (2002) ''The evolution of plants'' Oxford University Press ISBN 0-19-850065-3 £22-99

==External links==
*[http://huntbot.andrew.cmu.edu Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation]
*[http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/PlantGrowth.html plant growth] and [http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/P/PlantCell.html the plant cell] from [http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/ Kimball's Biology Pages]
*[http://www.botany.org/newsite/botany/ Botanical Society of America: What is Botany?]
*[http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/index.htm Science and Plants for Schools]
*[http://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/mineralogie/palbot/teach/botanyteach.html Teaching Documents about Botany] Teaching documents, lecture notes and tutorials online: an annotated link directory.
*[http://www.aspb.org/aboutus/ American society of plant biologists APSB]
*[http://www.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/teaching/content.html Why study Plants? Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge]
*[http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/ Botany Photo of the Day]
*[http://rjb.revistas.csic.es Anales del Jardín Botánico de Madrid], Journal published by [http://www.rjb.csic.es Real Jardín Botánico], [[wikipedia:CSIC| CSIC]] (scientific articles in Spanish, English, and other languages)
*[http://collectaneabotanica.revistas.csic.es Collectanea Botanica], Journal published by [http://www.institutbotanic.bcn.es Institut Botànic de Barcelona], [[wikipedia:CSIC| CSIC]] (scientific articles in Spanish, English, and other languages)

===Flora and other plant catalogs or databases===
* [http://www.ou.edu/cas/botany-micro/www-vl/ The Virtual Library of Botany]
* [http://www.kulak.ac.be/bioweb/ High quality pictures of plants and information about them] from Catholic University of Leuven
* [http://fax.libs.uga.edu/QK1xC981/ Curtis's Botanical Magazine], 1790-1856
* [http://fax.libs.uga.edu/QK488xE4/ The Trees Of Great Britain and Ireland], by Henry John Elwes & Augustine Henry, 1906-1913
* [http://www.pflanzen-portal.com Botanik-Datenbank] (ger.)
* [http://green-24.de/search/botanik/pflanzen/index.html Plant Directory] (ger.)
* [http://plants.usda.gov/index.html USDA plant database]
* [http://www.linnean.org/ The Linnean Society of London]
* [http://wildflower.utexas.edu/ Native Plant Information Network]

[[Category:Botany|*]]

Tulipa turkestanica

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:35:43 GMT

Summary:

[[image:Tulipa_turkestanica.jpg|''Tulipa turkestanica''|400px|thumb|right]]
'''''Tulipa turkestanica''''' ('''Turkistan Tulip''') is a species of [[tulip]] native to central [[Asia]], notably in Iran and [[Turkistan]]. It is an [[herbaceous]] perennial [[bulb]]flower, growing 10 cm to 15 cm tall, with 2-4 glaucous-green [[leaf|leaves]] up to 15 cm long on each stem. The [[flower]]s are white to pinkish-red, with a yellow centre; each plant produces from 1-12 flowers in early spring.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Liliales]]
* familia = [[Liliaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Tulip]]a''
* species = '''''T. turkestanica''''' [[Eduard August von Regel|Regel]]
* binomial = ''Tulipa turkestanica''

===Cultivation and uses===
''Tulipa turkestanica'' is a popular [[ornamental plant]], grown in [[rock garden]]s.

[[Category:Liliaceae]]

Tulipa pulchella

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:33:42 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Tulipa pulchella0.jpg|''Tulipa pulchella''|thumb|right|240px]]
'''''Tulipa pulchella''''' is a dwarf [[tulip]] native to [[Iran]] and [[Turkey]]. It has a [[bulb]] 1-2 cm diameter, which produces a flowering stem up to 20 cm tall. The [[leaf|leaves]] are glaucous-green, 10-15 cm long. The [[flower]]s are reddish-purple, with six [[tepal]]s 3 cm long and 1.5 cm broad.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Liliales]]
* familia = [[Liliaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Tulipa]]''
* species = '''''T. pulchella'''''
* binomial = ''Tulipa pulchella''
* binomial_authority = Fenzl et Regel

===Cultivation===
It was introduced to [[Europe]] in the early 1800s, where a small number of [[cultivar]]s are grown as [[ornamental plant]]s in gardens, notably 'Persian Pearl'.

[[Category:Liliaceae]]

Tulipa edulis

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:31:40 GMT

Summary:

[[image:Amana edulis Amana02.jpg|thumb|right|400px]]
'''''Tulipa edulis''''' is a flowering bulb that is native to [[wikipedia:China| China]], [[wikipedia:Japan| Japan]], and [[wikipedia:Korea| Korea]].it is edible and ssome cases can be used medicinally.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Liliales]]
* familia = [[Liliaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Tulipa]]''
* species = '''''T. edulis'''''
* binomial = ''Tulipa edulis''
* binomial_authority = ([[wikipedia:Miq.| Miq.]]) [[wikipedia:John Gilbert Baker|Baker]]

==External links==
*[http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?423574 USDA NPGS/GRIN database]
*[http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Tulipa+edulis Plants for a Future database]
*[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=3&taxon_id=200027985 Chinese Plant Names]

[[Category:Liliaceae]]

Tulipa clusiana

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:05:16 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Planttype right column 06
|
| image01=[[image:Tulip Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane' Rock Ledge Flower 2000px.jpg|175px|''Tulipa clusiana'']]
| image02=[[Image:Tulip Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane' Rock Ledge Plant 1730px.jpg|175px|Flowering plant growing on a rocky ledge]]
| image03=[[Image:Tulip Tulipa clusiana 'Lady Jane' Rock Ledge Flower Closeup 3008px.jpg|175px|Flower closeup]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=[[Tracheobionta]]
| Superdivision=[[Spermatophyta]]
| Division=[[Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=[[Liliopsida]]
| Subclass=[[Liliidae]]
| Order=[[Liliales]]
| Family=[[Liliaceae]]
| Genus=[[Tulipa L.]]
| Species=[[Tulipa clusiana DC.]]
| priceguide=[[Heliconia Rostrata#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

The '''Lady Tulip''' (''Tulipa clusiana'') is a species of [[tulip]]. The plant grows to a height of 6 to 12 [[wikipedia:inch|in]] (15 to 30 [[wikipedia:centimeter|cm]]). It flowers during the [[wikipedia:spring (season)|spring]] season.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Liliales]]
* familia = [[Liliaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Tulipa]]''
* species = '''''T. clusiana'''''
* binomial = ''Tulipa clusiana''

[[Category:Liliaceae]]

Dipodium punctatum

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 23:01:25 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[Image:Dipodium punctatum 2.jpg|thumb|right|Dipodium Punctatum (Hyacinth Orchid)]]
'''''Dipodium punctatum''''' (''' Hyacinth Orchid''' or ''' Christmas Orchid''' ) is a native [[orchid]] of [[wikipedia:Australia| Australia]].

==Specifications==
* name = Hyacinth Orchid
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Higher Epidendroideae]]
* tribus = [[Cymbidieae]]
* subtribus = [[Cyrtopodiinae]]
* alliance = [[Dipodium]]
* genus = ''[[Dipodium]]''
* species = '''''D. punctatum'''''
* binomial = ''Dipodium punctatum''
* binomial_authority = ([[wikipedia:Sm.| Sm.]]) [[wikipedia:Robert Brown (botanist)|R.Br.]]
* synonyms =
*''[[Dendrobium]] punctatum'' Sm.
*''[[wikipedia:Wailesia punctata| Wailesia punctata]]'' (Sm.) G.Nicholson

==Background==
''D. punctatum'' is a brown stemmed, leafless narrow [[perennial]] [[plant]] that grows to height of 0.75 m .This species is terrestrial, favouring protected shady positions in dry forests or woodlands as it is drought and frost tender. The summer flowers are about 5 cm across with Hyacinth-like pink and dense purple-red spotting on segments. This Orchid is common along the coast and [[wikipedia:Northern Tablelands, New South Wales|Northern Tablelands]] of [[wikipedia:New South Wales| New South Wales]], also [[wikipedia:Queensland| Queensland]], [[wikipedia:South Australia| South Australia]] and [[wikipedia:Tasmania| Tasmania]].

Similar species include ''D. variegatum'', ''D. pulchellum'', ''D. hamiltonianum'' and ''D. roseum''.

==References==
*[http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/science/hot_science_topics/Ecology_of_Cumberland_Plain_Woodland/woodland_plants/dipodium_punctatum ''Dipodium punctatum''] Ecology of Cumberland Plain Woodland, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney
*[http://www.abc.net.au/newengland/stories/s1276677.htm ''Dipodium punctatum''] ABC

[[Category:Flora of New South Wales]]
[[Category:Flora of Queensland]]
[[Category:Flora of South Australia]]
[[Category:Flora of Tasmania]]
[[Category:Orchidaceae of Australia]]

Paphiopedilum micranthum

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:56:35 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Planttype right column 01
|
| image01=[[Image:Paph4341677920aaaf0aa6b.jpg|175px|''Paphiopedilum micranthum'']]
| image02=[[image:Paphiopedilum micranthum Orchi 01.jpg|175px]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=
| Superdivision=
| Division=[[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=
| Subclass=
| Order=[[Asparagales]]
| Family=[[Orchidaceae]]
| Genus=[[Paphiopedilum]]
| priceguide=[[Heliconia Rostrata#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

'''''Paphiopedilum micranthum''''' is commonly known as the '''Hard-leaved Pocket Orchid''' or '''Silver Slipper Orchid'''. It blooms during late winter to early summer with one flower per an inflorence.
Flowers are fragrant

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Cypripedieae]]
* tribus = [[Cypripedilinae]]
* subtribus = [[Cypripediodeae]]
* genus = ''[[Paphiopedilum]]''
* species = '''''Paphiopedilum micranthum'''''
* species_authority = [[wikipedia:Tang & Wang| Tang & Wang ]], [[wikipedia:1951| 1951]]

==Distribution==
''Paphiopedilum micranthum'' is found in Northern [[wikipedia:Vietnam| Vietnam]] and the [[wikipedia:Guangxi| Guangxi]], [[wikipedia:Yunnan| Yunnan]], and [[wikipedia:Guizhou| Guizhou]] provinces of [[wikipedia:China|China]] at elevations of 360 to 1600 meters. The plant is found on cliffs and in crevices which contains leaf litter, limestone, and clay. The area is subjected to fog in the winter and heavy rain from late spring to summer.
==Culture==
Keep plant in moderately shaded area with intermediate temperatures around 30F to 88F and humidity of 60 to 80%. The plant is easy to bloom and require a well drain mix such as a mix of gravel, perlite, and bark. Keep plant cool during the winter

==Varieties==
*'''''Paphiopedilum micranthum''''' '''var.''' '''''eburneum''''' yellow sephal, yellow pedals with red veins, and white lip
*'''''Paphiopedilum micranthum''''' '''var.''' '''''alboflavum'''''
*'''''Paphiopedilum micranthum''''' '''var.''' '''''glanzeanum''''' white pedals and sephal with shades of yellow and a white lip.
*'''''Paphiopedilum micranthum''''' '''var.''' '''''guanxii''''' pink sephal,pink pedal with red veins, and a white lip

[[Category:Paphiopedilum]]

Paphiopedilum malipoense

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:53:27 GMT

Summary:

[[Image:Paphiopedilum malipoense Orchi 01.jpg| ''Paphiopedilum gratrixianum''|thumb|right|350px]]
'''''Paphiopedilum gratrixianum''''' is a species of [[plant]] in the [[Orchidaceae]] family.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plantae]]
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Paphiopedilum]]''
* species = '''''P. gratrixianum'''''
* binomial = ''Paphiopedilum gratrixianum''
* binomial_authority = ([[wikipedia:Maxwell T. Masters|Masters]]) [[wikipedia:Robert Allen Rolfe|Rolfe]], [[wikipedia:1905| 1905]].

==Distribution and habitat==

Laos and Vietnam.

==References==
*Braem, G. & Chiron, G. ''Paphiopedilum'', Tropicalia, France, 2003.
*Cribb, P. ''The Genus Paphiopedilum'', Second Edition, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd., 1998.

[[Category:Paphiopedilum]]

Paphiopedilum gratrixianum

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:48:11 GMT

Summary:

{{Template:Planttype right column 01
|
| image01=[[Image:Paph53970142e7ea69cfz.jpg|175px|''Paphiopedilum micranthum'']]
| image02=[[Image:Paph44864511661571ed5z.jpg|175px]]
| Kingdom=[[Plantae]]
| Subkingdom=
| Superdivision=
| Division=[[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| Subdivision=
| Class=
| Subclass=
| Order=[[Asparagales]]
| Family=[[Orchidaceae]]
| Genus=[[Paphiopedilum]]
| priceguide=[[Heliconia Rostrata#Price Guide|Price Guide]]
|}}

'''''Paphiopedilum gratrixianum''''' is a species of [[plant]] in the [[Orchidaceae]] family.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plantae]]
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Paphiopedilum]]''
* species = '''''P. gratrixianum'''''
* binomial = ''Paphiopedilum gratrixianum''
* binomial_authority = ([[Maxwell T. Masters|Masters]]) [[Robert Allen Rolfe|Rolfe]], [[1905]].

==Distribution and habitat==

Laos and Vietnam.

==References==
*Braem, G. & Chiron, G. ''Paphiopedilum'', Tropicalia, France, 2003.
*Cribb, P. ''The Genus Paphiopedilum'', Second Edition, Natural History Publications (Borneo) Sdn. Bhd., 1998.

[[Category:Paphiopedilum]]

Paphiopedilum emersonii

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:46:01 GMT

Summary:

[[Image:1425754529f26b120371b.jpg|thumb|right|400px|Paphiopedilum emersonii]]
'''Paphiopedilum emersonii''' was named after an American Orchid enthusiast Emerson 'Doc' Charles. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer with one to two flowers per an infloresensce. The plant size is small when compared to other Paphiopedilums. Flowers are fragrant.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plants|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Cypripedioideae]]
* tribus = [[Cypripediae]]
* subtribus = [[Paphiopedilinae]]
* genus = ''[[Paphiopedilum]]''
* species = '''''Paph. emersonii'''''
* species_authority = [[wikipedia:Koop. & P.J. Cribb| Koop. & P.J. Cribb]], [[wikipedia:1982| 1982]]

==Distribution==
Paphiopedilum emersonii is found in Northern [[wikipedia:Vietnam| Vietnam]] and the [[wikipedia:Yunnan| Yunnan]], [[wikipedia:Guangxi| Guangxi]], and [[wikipedia:Guangdong| Guangdong]] provinces of [[wikipedia:China| China]]. It is found in rocks, sandstone, and clay on mossy cliffs in elevations of 460 to 750 meters. The area is subjected to dryness from late fall to spring with slight fog and drizzle. In the summer, there they are subjected to heavy rain.

==Culture==
Keep plant in a moderately bright area with cool to intermediate temperatures from 45F to 90F. To induce blooming reduce watering for 3 to 4 weeks during the winter. Keep humidity at 60 to 80%. The plant is easy to flower. Pot in a mix of bark, perlite, and charcoal. Variations including coconut husk chips are also used.

==Varieties==
*'''Paphiopedilum emersonii var. luteum''' yellow pedals, yellow dorsal sephal, and yellow lip.
*'''Paphiopedilum emersonii var. album''' yellow dorsal sephal and peach lips

[[Category:Paphiopedilum]]

Paphiopedilum delenatii

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:41:01 GMT

Summary:

[[Image:Paphiopedilum delenatii Orchi 013.jpg|''Paphiopedilum delenatii''|thumb|right|350px]]
'''Paphiopedilum delenatii''' is named after Delanat, a French orchid enthusiast of the 1900's. The plant blooms in the spring time with one to two flowers per an inflorence. Flowers are fragrant.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Cypripedieae]]
* tribus = [[Cypripedilinae]]
* subtribus = [[Cypripediodeae]]
* genus = ''[[Paphiopedilum]]''
* species = '''''Paph. delenatii'''''

==Distribution==
Paphiopedilum delenatii is found in Southern [[wikipedia:Vietnam| Vietnam]] at elevations of 600 to 900 meters. Plants are found growing in granite pebbles and mossy tree trunks, usually near water in a shady area. The area is subjected to fog from fall to winter and heavy rain in the summer.

==Culture==
Keep plants moderately lighted or partially shaded with humidity at 60 to 85% with an intermediate night temperatures of 58 °F (14 °C) to 62 °F (17 °C) and day temperatures of 75 °F (24 °C) to 83 °F (28 °C). To induce blooming, with hold watering and maintain a cool temperature, ie. 55F during winter nights and expose plant to 9-12 hours of good lighting every day in the winter. plant grow well in bright light; however to get more in-depth flower color grow in shade.

==Varieties==
*'''Paphiopedilum delenatii var. album'''
*'''Paphiopedilum delenatii var. dunkel''' dark magenta lip

[[Category:Paphiopedilum]]

Vanda luzonica

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:38:33 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

'''''Vanda luzonica''''' is a species of [[vanda]], a flower of the [[Orchidaceae|orchid family]]. It is a rare type of orchid and is endangered. ''Vanda luzonica'' is named after the island of [[wikipedia:Luzon| Luzon]] in the [[wikipedia:Philippines| Philippines]].

==Specifications==
* name = ''Vanda luzonica''
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Epidendroideae]]
* subtribus = [[Sarcanthinae]]
* genus = ''[[Vanda]]''
* species = '''''V. luzonica'''''
* binomial = ''Vanda luzonica''

==Background==
''Vanda luzonica'' is [[Epiphyte|epiphytic]] and can grow quite large, growing up to a metre long. It has leathery leaves growing from 20-50 cm in length. Its flowers look similar to those of ''[[Vanda tricolor]]''. The flowers are spaced loosely and are a bit waxy. The sepals and petals of this orchid are white with purple streaks and pink spots near the tips.

''Vanda luzonica'' is found in the regions of [[wikipedia:Zambales Mountains| Zambales Mountains]], [[wikipedia:Bulacan| Bulacan]], [[wikipedia:Tarlac| Tarlac]] and [[wikipedia:Rizal| Rizal]]. It grows best at low altitude and in a mix of shade and sunlight.

[[Category:Orchid species]]
[[Category:Vanda]]

Vanda javierae

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:35:11 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

'''Vanda javierae''', a type of [[Vanda]], belonging to the orchid family ([[Orchidaceae]]), is the only white vanda orchid in the world. It is one of the world's most rarest vanda orchids and is an endangered species.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Monocotyledon|Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Vanda]]''
* species = '''''V. javierae'''''
* binomial = ''Vanda javierae''

V. javierae is found only in the island of [[Luzon]] in the Philippines. It is also known as Mrs. Javier's Vanda.

==Characteristics==

V. javierae has leaves which are 20 cm long and are leathery. It grows up to 35 cm and yields at least 5-6 distinct white flowers with red-brown lip.

==Habitat==

V. javierae is only endemic to the Island of Luzon where it is considered endangered. This exotic orchid is nearly found everywhere which are at mid altitudes and are near streams.

[[Category:Vanda]]
[[Category:Orchid species]]

Vanda

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:30:12 GMT

Summary:

[[image:Vanda Orchid.jpg| Vanda|350px|thumb|right|''Vanda Miss Joaquim'']]
'''''Vanda''''' is a [[wikipedia:genus| genus]] in the orchid family (''[[Orchidaceae]]'') which, although not large (about fifty [[wikipedia:species| species]]), is one of the most important florally.

== Description ==
The name "Vanda" is derived from the [[wikipedia:Sanskrit| Sanskrit]] name for the species ''Vanda tessellata''.

These mostly [[epiphyte|epiphytic]], but sometimes [[lithophyte|lithophytic]] or [[terrestrial plant|terrestrial]] orchids are distributed in [[wikipedia:India| India]], [[wikipedia:Himalaya| Himalaya]], SE [[wikipedia:Asia| Asia]], [[wikipedia:Indonesia| Indonesia]], the [[wikipedia:Philippines| Philippines]], [[wikipedia:New Guinea| New Guinea]], southern [[wikipedia:China| China]] and northern [[wikipedia:Australia| Australia]].

The genus has a [[wikipedia:monopodial| monopodial]] growth habit with leaves that are highly variable according to [[wikipedia:habitat (ecology)|habitat]]. Some have flat, typically broad, ovoid leaves (strap-leaves), while others have cylindrical (terete), fleshy leaves and are adapted to dry periods. The stems of these orchids vary considerably in size; there are miniature plants and plants with a length of several meters.

There are few to many flattened [[flower]]s growing on a lateral [[inflorescence]]. Most show a yellow-brown color with brown markings, but they also appear in white, green, orange, red and burgundy shades. The [[labellum|lip]] has a small spur. ''Vanda''s usually bloom every few months and the flowers last for two to three weeks.

This genus is one of the five most horticulturally important orchid genera, because it has some of the most magnificent flowers to be found in the entire orchid family. This has contributed much to the work of [[wikipedia:Hybrid (biology)|hybridists]] producing flowers for the cut flower market. ''Vanda coerulea'' is one of the few botanical orchids with blue flowers (actually a very bluish purple), a property much appreciated for producing interspecific and intergeneric hybrids. ''Vanda dearei'' is one of the chief sources of yellow color in ''Vanda'' hybrids.

[[Vanda Miss Joaquim|''Vanda'' Miss Joaquim]] is the National Flower of [[wikipedia:Singapore| Singapore]].

Many ''Vanda'' orchids (especially ''Vanda coerulea'') are endangered, because of habitat destruction. The export of wild-collected specimens of the Blue Orchid (''Vanda coerulea'') and other wild ''Vanda''s is prohibited worldwide, as all orchids are listed on Appendix II of the [[wikipedia:Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species| Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species]].

== Expert Vanda Orchid Care Video ==
{{#ev:youtube|tlT1_J-QaG8|500}}

== Species ==
[[Image:Vanda denisoniana 2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Vanda denisoniana, misidentified as Vanda bensonii'']]
[[Image:Vanda pachara delight.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Vanda pachara delight]]
*''[[Vanda alpina]]'' (Himalaya to China - S. Yunnan).
*''[[Vanda arbuthnotiana]]'' (India).
*''[[Vanda arcuata]]'' (Indonesia - Sulawesi).
*''[[Vanda bensonii]]'' (Assam to Thailand).
*''[[Vanda bicolor]]'' (Bhutan).
*''[[Vanda bidupensis]]'' (Vietnam).
*''[[Vanda brunnea]]'' (China - Yunnan to Indo-China).
*''[[Vanda celebica]]'' (Indonesia – Sulawesi).
*''[[Vanda chlorosantha]]'' (Bhutan).
*''[[Vanda coerulea]]'' : '''Blue Orchid''' (Assam to China - S. Yunnan)
*''[[Vanda coerulescens]]'' (Arunachal Pradesh to China - S. Yunnan).
*''[[Vanda concolor]]'' (S. China to Vietnam).
[[Image:Vanda-caerulea.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''A hybrid descendant of Vanda coerulea, misidentified as Vanda coerulea itself'']]
[[Image:wanda_blau.JPG|thumb|right|250px|''This is the real Vanda coerulea, the '''Blue Orchid'''']]
*''[[Vanda cristata]]'' (Himalaya to China - NW. Yunnan).
*''[[Vanda dearei]]'' (Borneo).
*''[[Vanda denisoniana]]'' (China - Yunnan to N. Indo-China).
*''[[Vanda devoogtii]]'' (Sulawesi).
*''[[Vanda foetida]]'' (S. Sumatra).
*''[[Vanda furva]]'' (Java, Maluku).
*''[[Vanda fuscoviridis]]'' (S. China to Vietnam).
*''[[Vanda griffithii]]'' (E. Himalaya).
*''[[Vanda hastifera]]'' (Borneo).
**''Vanda hastifera'' var. ''gibbsiae'' (N. Borneo).
**''Vanda hastifera'' var. ''hastifera'' (Borneo).
*''[[Vanda helvola]]'' (W. Malaysia).
*''[[Vanda hindsii]]'' (Papuasia to N. Queensland).
[[Image:Vanda-tricolor-insignis.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Vanda tricolor, misidentified as Vanda insignis'']]
*''[[Vanda insignis]]'' (Lesser Sunda Is.).
*''[[Vanda jainii]]'' (Assam).
*''[[Vanda javierae]]'' (Philippines).
*''[[Vanda lamellata]]'' (Taiwan (to Philippines, N. Borneo).
*''[[Vanda leucostele]]'' (N. & W. Sumatra).
*''[[Vanda lilacina]]'' (China - Yunnan to Indo-China).
*''[[Vanda limbata]]'' (Java, Lesser Sunda Is., Philippines).
*''[[Vanda lindenii]]'' (Maluku).
*''[[Vanda liouvillei]]'' (Assam to Indo-China).
*''[[Vandopsis lissochiloides]]'' (SE Asia, Philippines).
[[Image:Vanda-lissochiloides.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Vandopsis lissochiloides'']]
*''[[Vanda lombokensis]]'' (Lesser Sunda Is.).
*''[[Vanda luzonica]]'' (Philippines - Luzon).
*''[[Vanda merrillii]]'' (Philippines).
*''[[Vanda petersiana]]'' (Myanmar).
*''[[Vanda pumila]]'' (Nepal to Hainan and N. Sumatra).
*''[[Vanda punctata]]'' (Pen. Malaysia).
*''[[Vanda roeblingiana]]'' (Philippines).
*''[[Vanda sanderiana]]'' (now synonym of ''Euanthe sanderiana'' (Rchb.f.) Schltr )
*''[[Vanda scandens]]'' (Borneo, Philippines - Mindanao).
[[Image:Vanda-tricolor-suavis.jpg|thumb|right|250px|''Vanda tricolor'']]
*''[[Vanda spathulata]]'' (India -Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka).
*''[[Vanda stangeana]]'' (India - Arunachal Pradesh to Assam).
*''[[Vanda subconcolor]]'' (China - SW. Yunnan to Hainan).
**''Vanda subconcolor'' var. ''disticha'' (Hainan).
**''Vanda subconcolor'' var. ''subconcolor'' (China - SW. Yunnan to Hainan).
*''[[Vanda sumatrana]]'' (Sumatra).
*''[[Vanda tessellata]]'' (Indian Subcontinent to Indo-China).
*''[[Vanda testacea]]'' (Indian Subcontinent to SC. China).
*''[[Vanda thwaitesii]]'' (Sri Lanka).
*''[[Vanda tricolor]]'' (Laos, Java to Bali).
*''[[Vanda vipanii]]'' (Myanmar).
*''[[Vanda wightii]]'' (S. India)

== Natural hybrids ==
*''Vanda × boumaniae'' (''V. insignis'' × ''V. limbata'') (Lesser Sunda Is.).
*''Vanda × charlesworthii'' (''V. bensonii'' × ''V. coerulea'') (Myanmar).
*''Vanda × confusa'' (''V. coerulescens'' × ''V. lilacina'') (Myanmar).
*''Vanda x Miss Joaquim (''V. hookeriana'' x ''V. teres'') (Singapore).

== Intergeneric hybrids ==
* Aeridovanda (''Aerides'' x ''Vanda'')
* Aeridovanisia (''Aerides'' x ''Luisia'' x ''Vanda'')
* Alphonsoara (''Arachnis'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Andrewara (''Arachnis'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Trichoglottis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Aranda (''Arachnis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Ascocenda (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Vanda'')
* Ascovandoritis (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Doritis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Bokchoonara (''Arachnis'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Bovornara (''Arachnis'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Burkillara (''Aerides'' x ''Arachnis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Charlieara (''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Christieara (''Aerides'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Vanda'')
* Darwinara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Neofinetia'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Debruyneara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Luisia'' x ''Vanda'')
* Devereuxara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Eastonara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Gastrochilus'' x ''Vanda'')
* Fujiora (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Trichoglottis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Goffara (''Luisia'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Hawaiiara (''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Hagerara (''Doritis'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Himoriara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Holttumara (''Arachnis'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Isaoara (''Aerides'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Joannara (''Renanthera'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Kagawara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Knappara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Knudsonara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Neofinetia'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Leeara (''Arachnis'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Luisanda (''Luisia'' x ''Vanda'')
* Luivanetia (''Luisia'' x ''Neofinetia'' x ''Vanda'')
* Lewisara (''Aerides'' x ''Arachnis'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Vanda'')
* Maccoyara (''Aerides'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Macekara (''Arachnis'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Micholitzara (''Aerides'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Neofinetia'' x ''Vanda'')
* Moirara (''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Mokara (''Arachnis'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Vanda'')
* Nakamotoara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Neofinetia'' x ''Vanda'')
* Nobleara (''Aerides'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Okaara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Onoara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Opsisanda (''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Pageara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Luisia'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Pantapaara (''Ascoglossum'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Paulara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Doritis'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Pehara (''Aerides'' x ''Arachnis'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Pereiraara (''Aerides'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Phalaerianda (''Aerides'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Raganara (''Renanthera'' x ''Trichoglottis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Ramasamyara (''Arachnis'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Renafinanda (''Neofinetia'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Renanda (''Arachnis'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Renantanda (''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Rhynchovanda (''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Ridleyare (''Arachnis'' x ''Trichoglottis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Robinaria (''Aerides'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Ronnyara (''Aerides'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Sanjumeara (''Aerides'' x ''Neofinetia'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Sarcovanda (''Sarcochilus'' x ''Vanda'')
* Shigeuraara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Ascoglossum'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Stamariaara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Sutingara (''Arachnis'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Teohara (''Arachnis'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Trevorara (''Arachnis'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Trichovanda (''Trichoglottis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vascostylis (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vandachnis (''Arachnis'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Vancampe (''Acampe'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vandaenopsis (''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vandaeranthes (''Aeranthes'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vandewegheara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Doritis'' x ''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vandofinetia (''Neofinetia'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vandofinides (''Aerides'' x ''Neofinetia'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vandoritis (''Doritis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Vanglossum (''Ascoglossum'' x ''Vanda'')
* Wilkinsara (''Ascocentrum'' x ''Vanda'' x ''Vandopsis'')
* Yapara (''Phalaenopsis'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')
* Yusofara (''Arachnis'' x ''Ascocentrum'' x ''Renanthera'' x ''Vanda'')
* Yonezawaara (''Neofinetia'' x ''Rhynchostylis'' x ''Vanda'')

==References==
*Grove, D. L. 1995. Vandas and Ascocendas. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon. 241 pp.
*Motes, Martin R., and Alan L. Hoffman. 1997 Vandas, Their botany, history and culture. ISBN 0-88192-376-1

== External links ==
*[http://www.orchids.co.in/plant-facts/breeding-vanda.shtm Breeding in Vanda] Breeding in Vanda
*[http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum Vanda Orchid Forum]
*[http://www.greenculturesg.com Green Culture Singapore Forum]
*[http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/details/SIP_752_2005-01-10.html Vanda Miss Joaquim]

[[Category:Orchid genera]]
[[Category:Vanda| ]]

Phalaenopsis amabilis

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:02:13 GMT

Summary:

[[image:Phalaenopsis amabilis Orchi 03.jpg|''Phalaenopsis amabilis''|thumb|right|350px]]
'''Moon Orchid''' (''Phalaenopsis amabilis'') is a species of the genus ''[[Phalaenopsis]]''. It is one of [[wikipedia:Indonesia| Indonesia]]'s national flowers (along with ''[[Jasminum sambac]]'' and ''[[Rafflesia arnoldii]]''), discovered the first time by a [[wikipedia:Netherlands|Dutch]] [[wikipedia:botanist| botanist]] Dr. [[wikipedia:C. L. Blume|C. L. Blume]]. This type of [[orchid]] can be found from [[wikipedia:Malaysia| Malaysia]], Indonesia, the [[wikipedia:Philippines| Philippines]] to [[wikipedia:Australia| Australia]]. It is a [[monopodial]] orchid that likes a little sunshine to support its life {{Fact|date=November 2007}}. The roots color is white, and the flower has a slight fragrance. It is able to bloom for a long period of time and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and more.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plantae]]
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Phalaenopsis]]''
* species = '''''P. amabilis'''''
* binomial = ''Phalaenopsis amabilis''
* binomial_authority = (L.) Blume (1825)

[[Category:Phalaenopsis]]
[[Category:Flora of Indonesia]]

Phalaenopsis lindenii

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:58:09 GMT

Summary:

[[image: Phalaenopsis lindenii toapel.jpg| ''Phalaenopsis lindenii''|thumb|right|350px]]
'''''Phalaenopsis lindenii''''' is a species of [[plant]] in the [[Orchidaceae]] family. It is [[Endemism|endemic]] to the [[wikipedia:Philippines| Philippines]]. Its natural [[wikipedia:habitat| habitat]] is subtropical or tropical moist lowland [[wikipedia:forest| forest]]s. It is threatened by [[wikipedia:habitat loss| habitat loss]].

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plantae]]
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Phalaenopsis]]''
* species = '''''P. lindenii'''''
* binomial = ''Phalaenopsis lindenii''

==Source==
* Agoo, E.M.G., Cootes, J., Golamco, A., Jr., de Vogel, E.F. & Tiu, D. 2004. [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/46371/all ''Phalaenopsis lindenii'']. [http://www.iucnredlist.org 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. ] Downloaded on 23 August 2007.

[[Category:Phalaenopsis]]
[[Category:Flora of the Philippines]]

Phalaenopsis equestris

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:50:36 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Phalaenopsis equestris.jpg| ''Phalaenopsis equestris''|thumb|right|240px]]
'''''Phalaenopsis equestris''''' is a [[plant]] of the [[orchid]] genus ''[[Phalaenopsis]]'' and native to [[Philippines]] and [[Taiwan]]. The [[inflorescence]] has 10 to 15 flowers of about 25 mm (1 in) diameter.<ref name="Botanica 658">"Botanica. The Illustrated AZ of over 10000 garden plants and how to cultivate them", p. 658-659. Könemann, 2004. ISBN 3-8331-1253-0</ref>

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plantae]]
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Liliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Asparagales]]
* familia = [[Orchidaceae]]
* genus = ''[[Phalaenopsis]]''
* species = '''''P. equestris'''''
* binomial = ''Phalaenopsis equestris''

[[Image:Phalaenopsis equestris f aureum toapel.jpg|thumb|right|''Phalaenopsis equestris'' var. ''aurea'']]
[[Image:Phalaenopsis equestris var. leucaspis.jpg|thumb|right|''Phalaenopsis equestris'' var. ''leucaspis'']]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Phalaenopsis]]

Rosa rubiginosa

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:09:46 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Rosa_eglanteria_img_3218.jpg|''Rosa rubiginosa''|thumb|right|240px]]
'''''Rosa rubiginosa''''' ('''Sweet briar''' or '''Eglantine Rose'''; [[wikipedia:synonymy|syn.]] ''R. eglanteria'') is a species of [[rose]] native to [[wikipedia:Europe| Europe]] and western [[wikipedia:Asia| Asia]].

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Rosales]]
* familia = [[Rosaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Rosoideae]]
* genus = ''[[Rosa]]''
* species = '''''R. rubiginosa'''''
* binomial = ''Rosa rubiginosa''
* binomial_authority = [[wikipedia:Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]

==Background==
It is a dense [[wikipedia:deciduous| deciduous]] [[shrub]] 2-3 m high and across, with the stems bearing numerous hooked [[wikipedia:Spine (biology)|prickles]]. The [[wikipedia:foliage| foliage]] has a strong [[wikipedia:apple| apple]]-like fragrance. The [[wikipedia:leaf|leaves]] are pinnate, 5-9 cm long, with 5-9 rounded to oval leaflets with a serrated margin, and numerous glandular hairs. The [[flowers]] are 1.8-3 cm diameter, the five petals being pink with a white base, and the numerous stamens yellow; the flowers are produced in clusters of 2-7 together, from late spring to mid summer. The [[wikipedia:fruit| fruit]] is a globose to oblong red [[rose hip|hip]] 1-2 cm diameter.

==Etymology==
The name 'eglantine' derives from Latin ''aculeatus'' (thorny), by way of old French ''aiglant''. 'Sweet' refers to the apple fragrance of the foliage, while 'briar' (also sometimes 'brier') is an old Anglo-Saxon word for any thorny shrub (Vedel & Lange 1960).

==Cultivation and uses==
In addition to its pink flowers, it is valued for its scent, and the hips that form after the flowers and persist well into the winter. [[wikipedia:Graham Stuart Thomas|Graham Thomas]] recommends that it should be planted on the south or west side of the [[garden]] so that the fragrance will be brought into the garden on warm, moist winds.

In [[wikipedia:New Zealand| New Zealand]] it is an [[wikipedia:invasive species| invasive species]], classed as a Regional Plant Pest. In southeast [[wikipedia:Australia| Australia]] it is also invasive.<ref>[http://www.weeds.org.au/cgi-bin/weedident.cgi?tpl=plant.tpl&ibra=all&card=S24 Sweet Briar], weeds.org.au, consulted 2007-01-24</ref>

It is also listed as a Category 1 Declared Weed in [[wikipedia:South Africa| South Africa]]. These plants may no longer be planted or propagated, and all trade in their seeds, cuttings or other propagative material is prohibited.

In the [[wikipedia:Chile| Chile]] and [[wikipedia:Argentina| Argentina]], where is known as '''Rosa Mosqueta''' can be found in the wild around the [[wikipedia:Andes| Andes]] range, but is also cultivated to produce marmelades and cosmetic products.[http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/72515806/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0]

==References==
*[http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Rosa&SPECIES_XREF=rubiginosa&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK= Flora Europaea: ''Rosa rubiginosa'']
*Blamey, M. & Grey-Wilson, C. (1989). ''Flora of Britain and Northern Europe''. Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 0-340-40170-2.
*Vedel, H. & Lange, J. (1960). ''Trees and bushes''. Metheun, London.
<references/>

Image:Rosa_eglanteria_leaf_img_2062.jpg|''Rosa rubiginosa'', leaf detail
Image:Rosa eglanteria img 2056.jpg|''Rosa rubiginosa''

[[Category:Roses]]
[[Category:Invasive plant species]]

Rosa moschata

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:03:49 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Rosa moschata.jpg|''Rosa moschata''|thumb|right|250px]]
'''''Rosa moschata''''' ('''Musk Rose''' or '''Rosehip''') is a species of [[rose]] long in cultivation. Its wild origins are unknown but are suspected to lie in the eastern [[wikipedia:Himalayas| Himalayas]].

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Rosales]]
* familia = [[Rosaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Rosoideae]]
* genus = [[Rosa]]
* species = '''''R. moschata'''''
* binomial = ''Rosa moschata''
* binomial_authority = [[Herrm.]]

==Form==
''R. moschata'' is a climber (3-5m) with single white 5cm flowers in a loose [[wikipedia:cyme| cyme]] or [[corymb]]. The sepals are 2cm long with slender points. The flowers have a characteristic "musky" scent which is also found in its hybrid musk ancestors.

The few thorns on the stems are straight. The light green leaves have 5 to 7 ovate leaflets with small teeth; the veins are sometimes pubescent and the [[wikipedia:rhachis| rhachis]] lacks thorns. The [[stipule]]s are narrow with spreading free tips. Small ovate hips are borne.

The variety 'Plena' bears semi-double flowers.

==Cultivation==
No truly wild examples of the musk rose have been found, though it is recorded in cultivation as least as far back as the 16th century. It is important in cultivation as a parent to several groups of cultivated roses, notably the [[damask rose]] and the [[hybrid musk]] group.

== References ==
* "[http://www.rogersroses.com/gallery/displayBlock.asp?bid=147&suppid=7 Rosa Moschata]". Rogers Roses. Retrieved on August 31, 2007.

==See also==
*[[Rose hip]]
*[[Rose hip seed oil]]

[[Category:Roses]]

Rosa minutifolia

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:54:50 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Rosa minutifolia 4.jpg|''Rosa minutifolia''|260px|thumb|right]]
'''''Rosa minutifolia''''' is a species of [[rose]] known by the common names '''Baja rose''' and '''small-leafed rose'''. This is a very spiny, dense shrub native to the [[chaparral]] plant community [[Baja California]] and [[San Diego County, California]]. It is grown elsewhere as an ornamental. The branches of the shrub are gray to red-tinted and covered in long and short spines. The shiny toothed leaves are composed of small leaflets only about half a centimeter wide. The blooms are generally bright pink with many [[Stamen|yellow-anthered stamens]] and masses of prickles on the undersides.

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Rosales]]
* familia = [[Rosaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Rosoideae]]
* genus = [[Rose|Rosa]]
* species = '''''R. minutifolia'''''
* binomial = ''Rosa minutifolia''
* binomial_authority = [[George Engelmann|Engelm.]]

==External links==
*[http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6677,6887,6893 Jepson Manual Treatment]
*[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ROMI80 USDA Plants Profile]
*[http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_index&where-taxon=Rosa+minutifolia Photo gallery]

[[Category:Roses]]
[[Category:Flora of California]]
[[Category:Flora of Baja California]]

Rosa laevigata

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:33:29 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Cherokee_rose.jpg|Cherokee Rose|thumb|right|240px]]
'''''Rosa laevigata''''' ('''Cherokee Rose''') is a [[rose]] native to southern [[wikipedia:China| China]] and [[wikipedia:Taiwan| Taiwan]] south to [[wikipedia:Laos| Laos]] and [[wikipedia:Vietnam| Vietnam]].

==Specifications==
* regnum = [[Plant]]ae
* divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
* classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
* ordo = [[Rosales]]
* familia = [[Rosaceae]]
* subfamilia = [[Rosoideae]]
* genus = ''[[Rosa]] ""
* species = '''''R. laevigata'''''
* binomial = ''Rosa laevigata''
* binomial_authority = [[wikipedia:André Michaux|Michx.]]

==Background==
It is an [[evergreen]] climbing [[wikipedia:shrub| shrub]], scrambling over other shrubs and small [[wikipedia:tree| tree]]s to heights of up to 5-10 m. The [[wikipedia:leaf|leaves]] are 3-10 cm long, with usually three leaflets, sometimes five leaflets, bright glossy green and glabrous. The [[flower]]s are 6-10 cm diameter, fragrant, with pure white [[wikipedia:petal| petal]]s and yellow [[stamen]]s, and are followed by bright red and bristly [[rose hip|hips]] 2-4 cm diameter. The flower stem is also very bristly.

===Cultivation and symbolism===
The species was introduced to the southeastern [[wikipedia:United States| United States]] in about [[wikipedia:1780| 1780]], where it soon became [[wikipedia:naturalisation (biology)|naturalized]], and where it gained its English name. It is the [[List of U.S. state flowers|state flower]] of [[wikipedia:Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]]. The flower is forever linked to the [[wikipedia:Trail of Tears| Trail of Tears]] and its petals represent the women's tears shed during the period of great hardship and grief throughout the historical trek from the [[wikipedia:Cherokee| Cherokee]]s' home to U.S. Forts such as Gilmer among others. The flower has a gold center, symbolizing the gold taken from the Cherokee tribe.

==References==
*[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200011269 Flora of China: ''Rosa laevigata'']

[[Category:Roses]]
[[Category:American folklore]]
[[Category:Cherokee tribe]]

Rosa gymnocarpa

James — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:28:40 GMT

Summary: Copied from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License

[[image:Rosa gymnocarpa 15142.JPG|''Rosa gymnocarpa''|thumb|right|270px|''Rosa gymnocarpa'']]
'''''Rosa gymnocarpa''''' is a species of [[rose]] native to western North America. It is known by the common names '''wood rose''', '''baldhip rose''', and '''dwarf rose'''. It is a shrub growing up to 2 meters in height. Its stem is covered with long, straight spines which may or may not be abundant. The fragrant flowers are flat and open-faced with five petals in most any shade of pink to almost lavender. Its fruit is a red [[rose hip]] containing hard tan seeds. This is a shade-tolerant woodlands plant.

==External links==
*[http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_JM_treatment.pl?6677,6887,6892 Jepson Manual Treatment]
*[http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ROGY USDA Plants Profile]
*[http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_index&where-taxon=Rosa+gymnocarpa Photos of flowers and hips]
[[Category:Roses]]