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动态 (4985)
Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
Description: This perennial herbaceous plant is 1¼–4' tall, producing either solitary or multiple leafy stems from the same root system. The stems are light green, reddish green, or light to medium brown; they are terete and sparsely to moderately short-pubescent. Abundant alternate leaves occur along each stem that become gradually smaller in size as they ascend. The leaf blades are 1-4" long and ¼–1" across; they are elliptic to broadly elliptic, or lanceolate-elliptic, or oblanceolate-elliptic in shape. The margins of leaf blades are entire (toothless) to slightly toothed toward their tips and they are short-ciliate. The upper blade surface is yellowish green or medium green and sparsely covered with minute stiff hairs, providing it with a slightly rough texture; the lower blade surface is light to medium green and glabrous to short-pubescent along the major veins. The leaf blades are either sessile or they have short petioles. Each stem terminates in a cylindrical panicle of flowerheads about 4-10" long. The branches and peduncles of the panicle are light green and more or less covered with short hairs that are usually glandular. Leafy bracts up to 1" long and ¼" across occur along these branches and at the bases of peduncles; these bracts are similar in appearance to the leaves, except they are smaller in size. Individual flowerheads are about 6 mm. (¼") long and 3-4 mm. across. Each flowerhead has 5-10 ray florets that surround a dense head of 8-20 disk florets. The ray florets are pistillate (female), while the disk florets are perfect (both male and female). The spreading petaloid rays of the flowerhead are golden yellow and narrowly oblong in shape. The tubular corollas of the disk florets are yellow and they have 5 narrow lobes along their upper rims. The base of each flowerhead has a cylindrical urn-shape that is tapered at its base; it is surrounded by phyllaries (floral bracts) in about 4 overlapping series. The phyllaries are light green, linear-lanceolate in shape, and either minutely pubescent or glandular-pubescent (usually the latter); these phyllaries are strongly recurved toward their tips. The blooming period occurs from late summer to mid-autumn, lasting about 3-4 weeks. Afterwards, the florets are replaced by achenes with small tufts of hair; they are distributed by the wind. The bodies of these achenes are about 3 mm. long, bullet-shaped, and either glabrous or slightly short-pubescent. The root system is fibrous and sometimes long-rhizomatous; an older plant usually develops a swollen caudex. This plant spreads by reseeding itself or it can form clonal offspring from rhizomes.
Cultivation: The preference is partial sun, mesic to dry conditions, and a somewhat acidic soil containing rocky material or sand. This plant will adapt to cultivation, however it may require staking to prevent it from toppling over. Range & Habitat: Downy Ragged Goldenrod is native to southern Illinois, where it is uncommon, while elsewhere within the state it is absent (see Distribution Map). Illinois lies along the northern range-limit of this plant; it occurs primarily in south-central and southeast USA. Habitats include upland woodlands, upland savannas, thinly wooded rocky bluffs, thickets, glades with acidic bedrock, and rocky prairies. In the wooded habitats where this plant occurs, they are typically dominated by oaks and hickories. Outside of Illinois, Downy Ragged Goldenrod also occurs in sandy mixed woodlands (where both hardwood deciduous trees and conifers are present). This plant is normally found in high quality natural areas. Occasional wildfires are probably beneficial in maintaining its populations.
Faunal Associations: Very little is known about the floral-faunal relationships of Downy Ragged Goldenrod specifically. This goldenrod is a significant source of nectar for migrating Monarch butterflies in Arkansas (Rudolph et al., 2006) and the larvae of a leaf beetle, Microrhopala excavata, mine its leaves (Clark et al., 2004). For goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in general, the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads attract a wide variety of insects, including honeybees, bumblebees, little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), Halictid bees, masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees, wasps, Syrphid flies and other flies, butterflies, skippers, and beetles. Several Andrenid bees are oligoleges (specialist pollinators) of goldenrods; this includes Andrena hirticincta, Andrena nubecula, Andrena placata, Andrena simplex, and Andrena solidaginis. In addition, a plasterer bee, Colletes simulans armata, is an oligolege of goldenrods. A wide variety of insects feed destructively on the foliage, flowerheads, stems, roots, and plant juices of various goldenrods. These species include leaf beetles (Microrhopala spp., Ophraella spp., Trirhabda spp.), larvae of leaf-miner flies (Calycomyza spp.), larvae of gall flies (Asteromyia spp., Rhopalomyia spp.), plant bugs (Lygus spp., Polymerus spp., Slaterocoris spp.), Corythucha marmorata (Goldenrod Lace Bug), aphids (Uroleucon spp.), treehoppers (Stictocephala spp.), Aonidomytilus solidaginis (Goldenrod Scale), larvae of Gelechiid moths (Dichomeris spp.), larvae of Schinia nundina (Goldenrod Flower Moth) and other Noctuid moths, larvae of Tortricid moths (Epiblema spp., Eucosma spp., Phaneta spp.), and grasshoppers (Melanoplus spp.); see Clark et al. (2004), Spencer & Steyskal (1986), Felt (1917), Aldrich & Osten-Sacken (1905), Knight (1941), Watson (1928), Wheeler et al. (1983), Cranshaw (2004), Hottes & Frison (1931), Blackman & Eastop (2013), Dennis (1952), Covell (1984/2005), Miller (1987), and Vickery & Kevan (1985) for more information. Vertebrate animals use goldenrods as a source of food to a more limited extent. The seeds of these plants are eaten by such birds as the Indigo Bunting, American Goldfinch, Slate-colored Junco, and Tree Sparrow; the Greater Prairie Chicken feeds on the foliage and flowerheads (DeVore et al., 2004; Martin et al., 1951/1961; Yeatter, 1943). Occasionally, the White-tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit also feed on the young foliage of goldenrods (Sotala & Kirkpatrick, 1973; Martin et al., 1951/1961). These plants are a source of food for the Prairie Vole (Cole & Batzli, 1979) and probably other voles.
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois. Comments: Sometimes this species is called 'Downy Goldenrod.' There is some variability in the width of leaves, presence of teeth on the leaves, abundance of pubescence, and presence of glandular hairs on this goldenrod across its range. Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris) is easy to identify in Illinois because of the recurved phyllaries (floral bracts) of its flowerheads; this is the only goldenrod within the state that has this characteristic, and it is rare among goldenrods (Solidago spp.) elsewhere. One species with this characteristic is Stout Goldenrod (Solidago squarrosa). This latter species is found primarily in northeastern United States. Stout Goldenrod has larger lower leaves than Downy Ragged Goldenrod (Solidago petiolaris), and its lower leaves have more teeth. Overall, it is a less hairy plant than Downy Ragged Goldenrod. The remaining goldenrod with recurved phyllaries, Wright's Goldenrod (Solidago wrightii), is difficult to distinguish from Downy Ragged Goldenrod. Because Wright's Goldenrod occurs some distance away in the southwestern area of the United States, it won't be considered any further.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
Description: This herbaceous perennial wildflower overwinters as a rosette of semi-evergreen leaves. Beginning in mid- to late spring, it bolts to become about 1¼–3' tall by autumn. The central stem is light green (sometimes with streaks of light purple), terete, evenly short-pubescent, erect to ascending, and mostly unbranched, although short secondary stems often develop from the upper leaf axils. Alternate leaves occur along the entire length of the central stem, becoming gradually smaller as they ascend. Individual leaves are 1¼–3¼" long and 1–2¾" across (about 1.2–2 times as long as wide); they are ovate to broadly ovate with rather flattened serrated teeth along their margins. The tips of the leaves are broadly acute, while their bases taper somewhat abruptly to short winged petioles. The winged margins of the petioles are widest where they join the leaf blades, but disappear where they join the stems. The upper leaf surface is medium to dark green and sparsely short-hairy to nearly glabrous, while the lower leaf surface is light green and sparsely to moderate short-pubescent. The lower leaf surface is more pubescent along the undersides of major veins than between the veins. Leaf venation is pinnate with a prominent central vein; 2 prominent lateral veins are present on some leaves but not others. The central stem terminates in a pyramidal panicle of flowerheads that is up to 1¼' long and 1' across; the panicle is usually widest toward the lower bottom. In response to the weight of this inflorescence, there is a tendency for the entire plant to arch to one side. Relative to the orientation of the central branch of the panicle, the lateral branches are mostly ascending or ascending-arching. The branchlets terminating in flowerheads are up to 1/3" (8 mm.) long and they bend upward to hold the flowerheads in an erect position, regardless of the orientation of the panicle. Both the branches and branchlets of the inflorescence are light to medium green, terete, and densely short-pubescent. Interspersed along the branches of the inflorescence are leafy bracts up to 1" long and ¾" across; the leafy bracts are oval, broadly elliptic, obovate, or ovate in shape, while their margins are toothless. Along the terminal branchlets, there are a few leafy bractlets up to 1/8" (3 mm.) long that are green, broadly oblong in shape, and scale-like in appearance. Both the leafy bracts and leafy bractlets are medium to dark green and densely short-pubescent along their lower sides. The flowerheads (including both their involucres and florets) are about ¼" (5-6 mm.) tall and ¼" (5-6 mm.) across. Each flowerhead has 4-7 disk florets that are surrounded by 4-6 ray florets. The corollas of the disk florets are yellow and short-tubular in shape with 5 arching lobes at their apices. The petaloid rays of the ray florets are yellow, widely spreading and short-oblong in shape with 1 or 2 shallow notches at their tips. The base of each flowerhead is surrounded by scale-like phyllaries (floral bracts) in about 3 irregular series. These phyllaries are unequal in size, light green, oblong with rounded or bluntly acute tips, and appressed to together; their margins are short-ciliate. Both the disk florets and ray florets are perfect.
The blooming period occurs during early to mid-autumn, lasting about one month. Much smaller and sparsely branched panicles of flowerheads may bloom from short leafy stems that develop from the axils of the upper leaves. Fertile florets are replaced by small achenes with sessile tufts of white hair; they are distributed by the wind. The achenes are about 1.5–2 mm. long and narrowly bullet-shaped. The root system consists of a short branching rootstock, sometimes forming a small caudex on older robust plants. Sometimes clonal plants are produced from short stout rhizomes. Cultivation: The preference is full sun to moderate shade, moist to dry conditions, and calcareous soil containing clay, loam, or rocky material. This uncommon goldenrod, notwithstanding its restricted range, adapts readily to flower gardens in a variety of situations. Range & Habitat: The native Drummond's Goldenrod is restricted to the border counties of southwest Illinois, where it is uncommon (see Distribution Map). This goldenrod is a Midwestern endemic plant that is found primarily in Missouri and Arkansas. Habitats include borders of wooded bluffs, openings in rocky wooded bluffs, limestone glades, ledges and tops of limestone cliffs, and crevices of limestone cliffs. The bluffs and cliffs are typically located along rivers (the Mississippi River in the case of Illinois). This conservative species is found primarily in high quality natural areas.
Faunal Associations: Very little information is available about floral-faunal relationships for Drummond's Goldenrod. However, goldenrods (Solidago spp.) in general attract a wide variety of insects to their flowerheads. This includes honeybees, bumblebees, cuckoo bees (Epeolus spp.), leaf-cutter bees (Megachile spp.), long-horned bees (Melissodes spp.), little carpenter bees (Ceratina spp.), green metallic bees (Augochlorella spp.), Halictid bees (Halictus spp., Lasioglossum spp.), plasterer bees (Colletes spp.), masked bees (Hylaeus spp.), Andrenid bees (Andrena spp.), dagger bees (Perdita spp., Heterosarus spp.), ground beetles (Lebia spp.), ladybird beetles (Hippodamia spp.), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, Tiphiid wasps, Syrphid flies, bee flies (Bombyliidae), Tachinid flies, flesh flies (Sarcophaga spp.), blow flies (Lucilia spp.), Muscid flies, butterflies, and day-flying moths (Robertson, 1929, & others). Other insects feed on the leaves, plant juices, and other parts of goldenrods. The larvae of a leaf beetle, Microrhopala excavata, have been observed to mine the leaves of Drummond's Goldenrod. Other insect feeders of goldenrods include other leaf beetles (Ophraella spp., Trirhabda spp.), larvae of leaf-mining flies (Calycomyza spp.), larvae of gall flies (Asteromyia spp., Rhopalomyia spp.), plant bugs (Lygus spp., Plagiognathus spp., Slaterocoris spp.), stink bugs (Euschistus spp.), aphids (Uroleucon spp.), treehoppers (Stictocephala spp.), grasshoppers (Melanoplus spp.), larvae of owlet moths (Cucullia spp.), larvae of Geometer moths (various species), and larvae of Tortrix moths (Epiblema spp., Eucosma spp., Phaneta spp.). Among vertebrate animals, the seeds of goldenrods are eaten by such songbirds as the Eastern Goldfinch, Slate-colored Junco, Tree Sparrow, and Indigo Bunting (Martin et al., 1951/1961; DeVore et al., 2004). The White-tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit sometimes feed on the foliage of these plants, while the Woodland Vole and other voles feed on both the foliage and seeds (Martin et al., 1951/1961).
Photographic Location: The wildflower garden of the webmaster in Urbana, Illinois. Comments: This is one of the best goldenrods (Solidago spp.) for ornamental gardens. It should be cultivated more often. Drummond's Goldenrod resembles many other goldenrod species, but it can be distinguished as follows: 1) the leaves of Drummond's Goldenrod are unusually wide, sometimes they are almost as wide as they are across, 2) the leafy bracts of the inflorescence of Drummond's Goldenrod are also unusually wide, 3) its stems are evenly short-pubescent, rather than hairless or hairy in longitudinal lines, 4) the phyllaries, or floral bracts, of its flowerheads have either bluntly acute or rounded tips, 5) the branches of the terminal inflorescence spread rather widely, and 6) the habitats of this goldenrod are largely restricted to riverside bluffs, limestone glades, and limestone cliffs. Of the preceding characteristics,
#1 and #6 above are the most distinctive. Some authors state that the leaves of this goldenrod have 3 prominent veins (a central vein and 2 lateral veins) – while this is true for some leaves, not all leaves have this characteristic.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
Description: This climbing non-woody vine is a herbaceous perennial up to 8' long that branches occasionally. The light green to purple stems are terete, slightly speckled, glabrous, and often glaucous. Alternate leaves up to 3½" long and 2½" across occur at intervals along each stem; they are ovate-oval to broadly ovate-lanceolate in shape, smooth along their margins, and parallel-veined. The upper surfaces of the leaves are medium green and glabrous, while their lower surfaces are pale green and hairless. There are no hairs along the raised veins on the leaf undersides. The petioles of the leaves are up to 1¾" long, light green, and hairless. At the base of most petioles, there is a pair of tendrils that can cling to adjacent vegetation or objects for support. At the base of each stem on the vine, there is an appressed to slightly spreading sheath that is usually bladeless.
Individual umbels of flowers are produced from the axils of the middle to upper leaves of each mature vine. Each umbel is connected to the stem by a long stout peduncle about 4-10" long. The peduncles are 4-8 times longer than the petioles of adjacent leaves; they are similar in appearance to the stems. Individual umbels are about 1½–3" across, consisting of 20-120 flowers on slender pedicels; when fully developed, they are globoid in shape. Like other species in this genus, Smooth Carrion Flower is dioecious; some vines produce only staminate (male) flowers, while other vines produce only pistillate (female) flowers. The green to yellowish green staminate flowers are individually about ¼" across, consisting of 6 lanceolate tepals and 6 stamens with white anthers. The green to yellowish green pistillate flowers are individually about ¼" across, consisting of 6 lanceolate tepals and a pistil with 3 flattened stigmata. The tepals of both kinds of flowers are often recurved. The blooming period occurs from late spring to early summer and lasts about 3 weeks. The flowers often have a carrion-like scent, but itsDistribution Map presence and strength varies with the local ecotype. Staminate flowers wither away after blooming, while pistillate flowers are replaced by globoid fleshy berries. Individual berries are about ¼" across and contain about 3-5 seeds; they are dark blue and glaucous at maturity. At the end of the growing season, the entire vine dies down to the ground. Cultivation: Smooth Carrion Flower prefers full or partial sun and more or less mesic conditions. It flourishes in different kinds of soil, including those that are rocky or loamy. In a shady situation, this vine may fail to produce flowers. Range & Habitat: According to official records, Smooth Carrion Flower is rare in Illinois. However, in neighboring states this vine has been found in many counties and it is regarded as more common. It is possible that some records of Smilax lasioneura (Common Carrion Flower) in Illinois are based on misidentifications and it was Smooth Carrion Flower that was observed. These two species are very similar in appearance and easily confused. Habitats of the native Smooth Carrion Flower include savannas, thickets, prairies, rocky upland woodlands, woodland openings, woodland borders, and fence rows. Occasional wildfires appear to be beneficial in managing populations of this species. Faunal Associations: The flowers are pollinated primarily by small bees, miscellaneous flies, and beetles. Fly visitors include Flesh flies, Blow flies, Muscid flies, Syrphid flies, mosquitoes, and other species. The bees suck nectar or collect pollen, while the flies and beetles suck nectar or feed on pollen. The butterfly Megisto cymela (Little Wood Satyr) has been observed sucking nectar from Carrion Flower as well. Insects that feed on the foliage of Smilax spp. (whether Greenbriers or Carrion Flowers) include the flea beetle Pachyonychus paradoxus, the thrips Ctenothrips bridwelli, and the caterpillars of several moths, including Acrolepiopsis incertella (Carrion Flower Moth), Phosphila miselioides (Spotted Phosphila), Phosphila turbulenta (Turbulent Phosphila), and Phyprosopus callitrichoides (Curve-Lined Owlet). In addition to these species, the caterpillars of Papaipema unimoda (Meadow Rue Borer Moth) sometimes bore into the stems of Carrion Flowers. The berries of Smilax spp. are eaten by some upland gamebirds and songbirds (see the Bird Table); the Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey also eat the young leaves and buds of these vines. The berries are a minor source of food to some mammals: this includes the Black Bear, Opossum, Raccoon, Fox Squirrel, and Gray Squirrel. The leaves and stems are browsed by the White-Tailed Deer and Cottontail Rabbit. Photographic Location: The Loda Cemetery Prairie in the southwest corner of Iroquois County, Illinois. Comments: Species in the Smilax genus fall into two large groups: woody vines with prickles or bristles (Green Briers, Catbriers) and non-woody vines that are devoid of prickles or bristles (Carrion Flowers). In Illinois, there are 5 species of Carrion Flower that are currently recognized; some of these species were regarded as mere varieties of Smilax herbacea in the past. Smooth Carrion Flower can be distinguished from similar species using one or more of the following criteria: 1) the undersides of its leaves are pale green and totally hairless, 2) its umbel-bearing peduncles are at least 4 times longer than the petioles of adjacent leaves, and 3) it is a climbing or sprawling vine with numerous tendrils. The very similar Smilax lasioneura (Common Carrion Flower) has fine hairs along the veins of its leaf undersides (and sometimes between the veins as well) while its peduncles are less than 4 times the length of the petioles of the adjacent leaves. Another similar species, Smilax pulverulenta (Powdery Carrion Flower), has leaf undersides that are medium green and it also has fine hairs along its veins. The remaining Carrion Flowers in Illinois are shorter vines with an upright habit of growth and they have much fewer, if any, tendrils.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 1-2½' tall and unbranched. The central stem is stout, smooth, and zigzags slightly. It usually reclines to the side somewhat, rather than being held stiffly erect with respect to the ground. The alternate leaves are narrowly ovate, with parallel veins and smooth margins. They are up to 6" long and 2" across, and are sessile to the central stem, or have short petioles. The undersides of the leaves may be slightly pubescent. The central stem terminates in a single inflorescence consisting of small white flowers. This inflorescence is a narrow raceme (almost spike-like) about 1-4" long. Each flower has 6 narrow tepals, 6 stamens with yellow anthers, and a central pistil that is shaped like a vase with a long, narrow neck. When fully open, each star-like flower is about 1/3" across. The blooming period occurs during late spring and lasts about 3 weeks. There is a mild floral fragrance. Each flower is replaced by a small berry about ¼" across. The berries are initially green with purple or black stripes, but later become bright red. The root system consists of stout rhizomes, which form vegetative colonies readily. Cultivation: This plant prefers moist to slightly dry conditions and partial sunlight. It will also tolerate light shade and full sunlight. It is not particular about soil texture, but often grows in sandy soil in native habitats. Insects and disease are rarely bothersome.
Range & Habitat: Starry False Solomon's Seal occurs occasionally in northern and east-central Illinois; it is uncommon to absent elsewhere within the state (see Distribution Map). This wildflower is native to Illinois. Habitats include sandy prairies, moist meadows in woodland areas, woodland borders, sandy riverbanks and semi-wooded slopes, Black Oak savannas, calcareous seeps, and the shrub zone of sand dunes near Lake Michigan. Among the Smilacina spp. in Illinois, Starry False Solomon's Seal is the most likely to occur in sunny areas, although it usually doesn't stray far from areas with some woody vegetation. Faunal Associations: The flowers attract Halictid bees (including Green Metallic bees), flower flies, and Tachinid flies primarily. These insects seek nectar or pollen. The berries are eaten by woodland songbirds, including various woodland thrushes and the Veery, as well as the White-Footed Mouse. These animals help to distribute the seeds. Deer often feed on the foilage, cropping the stems to about 6" above the ground.
Photographic Location: The photograph was taken near Busey Woods in Urbana, Illinois. Comments: Starry False Solomon's Seal has attractive foilage, flowers, and berries. It can be distinguished from Smilacina racemosa (False Solomon's Seal) by the narrower leaves and spike-like inflorescence. The latter plant has a plume-like inflorescence that consists of a spreading raceme. Another plant with similar foliage, Polygonatum biflorum (Smooth Solomon's Seal), has broader leaves that are pale green. However, the flowers of this species occur in pairs underneath the leaves along the stem. Another scientific name for Starry False Solomon's Seal is Maianthemum stellatum.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
Description: This herbaceous plant is an annual vine up to 25' long that develops multiple lanky stems. This vine can climb over adjacent vegetation and fences using its branched tendrils, otherwise it sprawls across the ground. The stems are light green, terete, furrowed, and quite hairy. The alternate leaves are up to 8" long and across (excluding the petioles); they are orbicular-angular with 3-5 palmate lobes that are shallow to moderately deep. Leaf margins are slightly serrated. The upper surface of each leaf is yellowish green or medium green and relatively hairless, while the lower surface is finely pubescent, especially along the lower veins. The petiole of each leaf is up to 5" long; it is light green, rather stout, and quite hairy. The leaf blade is strongly indented at the base where it is connected to the petiole. Occasionally, branched tendrils and racemes of flowers occur oppositely from the alternate leaves along the vine. Bur Cucumber is usually monoecious and produces both staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers on the same plant. Each staminate flower has a green calyx with 5 teeth, a greenish white corolla with 5 spreading lobes, and a central column of stamens that is knobby at its apex. The teeth of the calyx are short and broad with recurved tips. The lobes of the corolla have a network of green lines on a white background. The staminate flowers are individually about 1/3" across and they tend to bloom in small clusters toward the apex of the raceme. Each pistillate flower has a large ovary that is enclosed within an ovoid fruit about ½" long. The surface of this fruit is covered with sharp spines and long white hairs; it is initially green, but later turns brown. A single style is exerted from the terminal end of this fruit. The pistillate flowers are bunched together in a short raceme; a typical raceme has 3-10 pistillate flowers. The peduncles and pedicels of both staminate and pistillate racemes are light green and pubescent. The blooming period occurs from late summer to early fall and lasts about 3 weeks. There is no noticeable floral scent. Each bur-like fruit contains a single large seed that is brown and flattened; this seed is tapered at one end more than the other and it has a rough surface. The root system consists of a shallow branched taproot. This plant spreads by reseeding itself.
Cultivation: The preference is full or partial sun, moist conditions, and a fertile soil that is loamy or silty. During hot dry weather, the large leaves have a tendency to droop during the middle of the day, but they usually recover at night if there is adequate moisture in the ground. The seeds germinate after the soil becomes warm. Range & Habitat: The native Bur Cucumber occurs occasionally in scattered counties across Illinois (see Distribution Map). Habitats include openings in floodplain forests, moist meadows in floodplain areas, thickets, banks of ditches and rivers, and edges of fields. Moist disturbed areas are preferred.
Faunal Associations: The nectar of the flowers attracts long-tongued bees (including honeybees & bumblebees), Sphecid wasps, Vespid wasps, and various kinds of flies. Wasps are especially attracted by the accessible nectar of the staminate flowers. Some of the bees also collect pollen from the staminate flowers. Insects that feed on the foliage, plant juices, and other parts of Bur Cucumber include the leaf beetle Acalymma gouldi, Acalymma vittatum (Striped Cucumber Beetle), Diabrotica undecimpunctata (Spotted Cucumber Beetle), Anasa armigera (Horned Squash Bug), the squash bug Anasa repetita, and the Coreid bug Leptoglossus gonagra. The spiny fruits of Bur Cucumber can cling to the fur of mammals, which helps to distribute the seeds. Mammalian herbivores usually shun the foliage as a food source. The fruit is inedible. Photographic Location: A flood-prone meadow (or thicket) along a drainage ditch in Champaign, Illinois. This meadow became a thicket in some areas because of scattered shrubs and vines.
Comments: Bur Cucumber is easy to identify once it begins to flower and forms fruits. It differs from Echinocytis lobata (Wild Cucumber) by its hairy stems, whereas the latter species has smooth stems. Both of these species produce bur-like fruits, but the fruits of Wild Cucumber are larger (about 2" long) and occur individually, rather than in small clusters. The staminate flowers of Wild Cucumber are usually more showy and occur on longer racemes. The cultivated members of the Gourd family are originally from Central America, South America, or Eurasia. This includes cucumbers, summer squash, winter squash, and many melons. While these cultivated plants occasionally escape into neighboring areas, they rarely persist. They have yellow flowers that are variable in size (from small to very large), while their fleshy fruits are often edible and larger in size than their wild counterparts.
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
古曰:“世间第一补人之物乃粥也”,常喝粥有养生延年之效。清代章穆的《饮食调疾辩》曾载:“粥能滋养,虚实百病固己。若因病所宜,用果、菜、鱼、肉及药物主可入食料者同煮食之,是饮食即药饵也,其功更奇更速。”南宋诗人陆放翁也以《食粥》为题,对粥的养生之功赋诗赞颂:“世人个个学长年,不悟长年在目前,我得宛丘平易法,只将食粥致神仙。”喝粥可以调节胃口,增进食欲,补充身体需要的水分;而喝花粥,更有调节神经、促进新陈代谢、提高机体免疫力以及护肤养颜之功效。鲜花乃植物的精英,含有各种生物甙、植物激素、花青素、酯类、维生素和微量元素等,以花煮粥可谓是四季皆宜的保健妙品。民间的春食桃花粥、夏食荷花粥、秋食菊花粥、冬食梅花粥传说颇得四时食补之道。鲜花入粥,形色不变,花香四溢。煮制好的花粥,虽薄却不稀,虽黏却不腻,入口滑爽滋润,齿颊留香,沁人心脾,特别是当玫瑰花的胭红、桂花的嫩黄点缀其中,视觉上的愉悦往往令人不忍下箸。
近年来,随着人们追求食品个性的潮流,食花之风经久不衰,喝花粥己成为现代人士美容健体、驱病益寿的一种饮食时尚,人们对鲜花入粥的烹煮技术和花粥功效的掌握,也可谓是丰富多样,不胜枚举。菊花粥:《神农本草经》上把它列上为品,谓之“久服,利血气,驻颜色,轻身,耐老。”桃花粥:因桃花含有山奈酚、香豆精、维生素A、B、C等,故有“经常吃桃花,面似桃花”,吃桃花使人有“好颜色”之功效。梅花粥:《采珍》集中说:“萼梅(梅花)瓣,肆水煮粥,解热毒。”其花蕾含有多种挥发油和维生素,可疏肝解郁,美容美肤。此外,还有清暑宁神的荷花粥、悦人容颜的玫瑰花粥、健身提神的茉莉花粥……等等。 花粥诱人,而煮一锅绵香好味的花粥,也并非易事,不仅要正确选择花粥的食材,关键还要注意掌握煮花粥的火候。清代文人袁枚在《随园食单》中曾自拟煮粥的标准:“见水不见米,非粥也;见米不见水,非粥也。必使米水融合,柔腻如一,而后谓之粥。”
下面就为小伙伴们介绍几种花粥: 梅花粥 梅花含有多种挥发油和维生素。功效疏肝解郁,美容艳体。先将粳米50~100克煮粥待粥将成时加入梅花10克,同煮一二开即可。梅花粥不仅芳馨适口,使人开胃,还可美容驻颜色,减肥延年。 扁豆花粥 扁豆花含有蛋白质、维生素C及碳水化合物等,是较为理想的美容佳品,并可治疗妇女月经过多和带下。于每年7~8月间采集未完全开放的白扁豆花,晒干备用。以粳米100克煮粥,待粥将成时放入扁豆花10~15克,再煮一二开即成。扁豆花粥味甜清香,健脾开胃,甚为爽口,美肌艳容,健身提神,防老抗衰。 金银花粥 取鲜金银花30克(干品10克),煎浓汁(去渣)约150毫升;用粳米100克加水600毫升,煮成稀粥,每日早晚温服。常服能降低血清胆固醇,降低血压,耳聪目明。 黄花菜粥 入夏时取含苞欲放的花蕾蒸熟,晒干备用。用粳米100克煮粥,粥将熟时放入菜干10克,煮两沸即成。常服可强神益肾,健脑提神。 决明花粥 取决明花30克(干品12克),煎浓汁(去渣)约150毫升,再用粳米100克加水700毫升,共煮成稀粥,每日早晚温服,可清肝、明目、润肠、通便,预防老年动脉硬化和心血管疾病。 百合花粥 先将粳米50~100克煮粥,将熟时加入百合花10克再煮一二沸即可。此粥气味清香,绵甜爽口,常服可治疗心肺疾患,助颜轻身。 白兰花粥 取白兰花(即白玉兰花)两朵,脱下花瓣,洗净待用;另取100克粳米淘洗后入锅。将清水、白兰花,煮成浓汁。待粳米煮至粥样时,加入白兰花浓汁、适量蜂蜜,再略煮即成。此粥能止咳、化浊、补脾,适用于慢性支气管炎、虚劳久咳、前列腺炎、食欲不振等。 月季花粥 取月季花3朵,脱瓣、用清水洗净,煮成粥时,加入月季花、红糖100克,再略煮即成。此粥能活血调经、化瘀止痛、痛经、跌打损伤、筋骨疼痛等。
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
很多人都在疑问,可不可以用温水浇植物。今天在这里我要跟大家分享的并不是可不可以,而温水浇植物的好处。
首先,一般植物生长的最适温度为20~25℃,如采用20~25℃的温水浇水,可加速土壤里有机物的分解,促进根部细胞的吸收,增强根部的输送能力,供给枝、叶充足的养分,促进植物早发芽、早孕蕾、早开花。这是因为植株的叶、茎平均温度一般高于根部的温度。用温水浇水就能加速有机肥的分解过程,及时供给叶、茎充足养料。如果浇冷水,根部温度低,养分分解慢,就会产生营养供不应求的现象,影响植物生育。 其次,冬季多数植物处于休眠或半休眠状态,根系活动大幅度减少,若用冷水浇花,对一些植物有可能造成伤害,但水温太高,根部也会受到烫伤,引起局部受害,甚至整株死亡。所以用温水浇花较为稳妥。 此外,早春播种或盆栽育苗,用温水喷灌,也能促使早出苗。
呵呵,相信大家已经了解了吧,温水是可以浇花,但是说到这里,温水浇花,要注意很多问题,如下: 1.水温一定要控制好,水温过高,自然就不必说了; 2.水温浇花的季节也要选择,夏季浇花的水温和频率都要降低; 3.温水浇花的频率不宜过多。 说到这,大家就明白了,使用适度的水温和适度的频率的温水来浇花,是可以的,而且对植物是有好处的。
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Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
城市的生活节奏较快,就是这忙忙碌碌的生活中,人们却总想寻找恬静的地方。
生活方式在钢筋混凝土丛林中忙碌的现代城市人,最想要的就是贴近于大自然,所以植物便成了现代城市人贴近自然的一种比较简单的方式之一。 大概是小时候习惯了绿色环境,所以,在城里养花,基本上喜欢养绿色植物,开不开花无所谓,有点绿色,哪怕仅仅是点缀,都能让人心里舒展许多。所以,我就常常往花市上跑,每次都不会空手回来,买回来的花放在阳台上或是屋子里,每天看它生长,好像就是有个人在陪伴着自己,你多看它两眼,它都能有感觉一样。慢慢地,就已经养了近百余盆花,这些花草,都很普通,没什么珍稀名贵品种。 刚刚参加工作的那会儿,住的是那种没有阳台的老式单身宿舍,没有条件的养花。但院子里有几棵大树,推开窗户即可看到,也算是居有绿色。自从住上比较宽敞的房子以后,就开始在阳台养花。 宋代文豪苏东坡留下”宁可食无肉,不可居无竹”的名句 ,我解释成现代版就是“宁可食无肉,不可居无绿” 。
我一直喜欢养花的,可能与我小时候在农村生活的经历有关。家中的院子里有两个大菜园子,南边一个,北边一个,里面种的是各种各样的蔬菜水果,家里一年的蔬菜来源都在两个菜园子。除了能种蔬菜水果,往往能长出些不知名的花花草草。特别是偶尔有一两只蝴蝶飞来,飘落在花柱上,一边悠闲的一张一翕地扇着五彩的双翅,一边把它那卷曲的细长的吸管慢慢地伸张开来,插入饱含花蜜的花蕊里,静静的甜甜的吸着,那神态真是羡煞人矣!吸完了,倏地抽出吸管卷曲成几个美丽的圈儿,犹如一盘旋紧地砝条,扇动着一对美丽的翅膀,又飞到了另一朵花上。正如诗人描写的那样“儿童疾走追黄蝶,飞入菜花无处寻!”有时,看着看着忍不住突然伸手去抓它,一旦抓住,则弄个满手的五彩蝶粉,蝴蝶儿也不停地争扎,这时,心里不免产生一丝怜悯心,蝴蝶又被放飞了。 闲暇之余,工作烦闷之时,我就坐在阳台上或窗户边,花草围着我,我看着它们,观察它们的变化。我希望有一天我能有个小花园,花园里全是花草,高低错落,走进去,你就被它们包围在中间,阳光透过它们的枝叶斑驳地洒在脸上、身上;这,大概就是现代城里人的《桃花源记》吧。 爱上心生活,爱上心绿色。找个闲悠雅致之处,不如自己启动一片绿荫,开始养花吧,让绿色走进生活,让生活变成绿色,爱他们更是爱自己。
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
很多朋友家中都有饲养猫咪,但猫咪总是去吃我们的植物,尤其是草本植物,这是为什么呢?
难道说草中有什么东西在吸引猫咪嘛? 猫吃草是不是就像人吃菜一样,打算拿它来填饱肚子?依我看这很难。因为从能量的角度来说,单位重量的常见肉类所提供的卡路里是最好的牧草的4-5倍。粗略估算的话,就算猫能像马牛羊那样消化利用草,按野猫每天要吃掉10只左右老鼠算,如果有猫打算偷懒不去抓老鼠而去吃草,那为了获得同样的能量,它每天就得蹲在优质草场上啃光近2个平米的草皮——这些草堆在一起体积比猫本身还大不少。 而实际上猫根本消化不了草中的纤维素,因为它们没有食草动物那种长长的消化道和相应的酶。 所以说,猫从草里能吸收的主要就是水分、维生素和某些矿物质,而这些东西猫从别处也能获得。 猫咪为什么会吃草? 既然草对猫来说没什么特殊的营养价值,那猫为什么要吃草呢? 有人认为猫吃草是为了获得烟酸(一种维生素),但没有证据表明猫缺乏这种B族维生素,而且即使是吃不到草的家猫也基本都不缺这个。 也有说法是猫吃草是因为草富含纤维素,而纤维素会促进肠道蠕动,帮助消化。
还有人认为猫吃草是为了催吐,把消化道里日常积累的毛球都吐出来。 另外还有人认为,猫吃草是因为知道自己生病了,得吃草药治病(神农猫)。 不过以上这些说法并没有得到兽医的普遍支持,因为通过对猫主人的调查,发现绝大多数家猫在吃草之前并没有什么生病的迹象,而吃草之后也很少呕吐。根据他们的理论,猫吃草这一行为是从它们的猫科祖先那里继承下来的,因为野生猫科动物常会感染肠道寄生虫,而吃草有助于它们将那些虫子排出体外——换句话说,猫吃草不是为了吐的,而是为了拉…… 所以,尽管现在的家猫吃得比较卫生,不容易感染肠道寄生虫了,但遗传使然,还是动不动就想吃草,没什么特殊的目的。 其实说来说去,现在也还没有100%肯定的结论能说清猫为什么吃草,但至少做主人的可以放心,因为猫吃草不会有任何害处。另外,猫也不会像有些人担心的那样,一吃完草就到处呕吐。 不过,放自己的猫出去找草吃可不是个好办法,因为很多植物对猫都是有毒的,万一有个三长两短,就太让主人伤心了。 所以不如自己种些猫草吧。不用非要买那些很贵的所谓猫薄荷,其实燕麦、黑麦、小麦之类猫都爱吃。这些植物种子便宜,种着也简单——找一盒子,铺几厘米厚的土,撒上种,浇点水,等几天就OK。 猫为什么吃草的原因众说纷纭,但不管是因为本能还是干脆像人嚼口香糖那样只是为了找乐子,既然猫爱草,咱爱猫,那就给它种呗。
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文章
Miss Chen
2018年04月05日
Miss Chen
说到眼镜蛇,人们就会想到这种剧毒的爬行动物欲发起进攻时的凶猛姿态。说来也真奇,在不产眼镜蛇的美国西北部沿海地区,竟然有一种被称为眼镜草的植物,不仅外形酷似眼镜蛇从草丛中挺起的上身,而且也是以捕食小动物为生的“职业杀手”。
眼镜蛇瓶子草是较难栽培的食虫植物之一。其需要较高的日间温度及较低的夜间温度。其原生地为终年有冰凉山泉流入的沼泽或河岸,根部能一直保持较低的温度。所以在栽培比较好的模拟方法即是以冷凉的纯净水培养。天气炎热时可将冰块放于土壤表面降温。在高湿度、温暖的环境下,可以给予植株充足日照;若湿度低或变化幅度大,则需稍微遮荫。 眼镜蛇瓶子草从种苗开始种植是非常困难且缓慢的,所以通常在晚冬或春季以其匍匐茎繁殖。通常在春分至晚春时,匍匐茎节间上会长出许多小牙。将匍匐茎剪成数段,每段带一些根。再将这些茎段放在凉爽潮湿的碎水苔上,保持明亮高湿的环境。数周后即可见到芽发育。 与其他生长于温带地区的食虫植物一样,眼镜蛇瓶子草需要在冬季休眠才能长期存活。植株在冬季会停止生长3至5个月。直到邻近春天,成熟植株会长出单一朵花,并于数周后长出数个大型的捕虫瓶。整个夏季其都会不断长出捕虫瓶,但其尺寸都远小于春季的捕虫瓶。 许多栽培者都已成功栽培了眼镜蛇瓶子草,并发现了三个变型:全绿、全红、红绿。野生的眼镜蛇瓶子草,在一般强度的日照下为全绿,强光下则呈现红绿色。 浇水需使用矿物质含量低的水(如雨水、纯净水等);耐冷怕热,尤其是根部要保持冰凉,日夜要有较大的温差;喜欢强光,在温度不至于过高的情况下,可接受阳光的照射,植株顶部会呈现红色的网纹,非常的漂亮;如需施肥可按指示浓度的1/5以上喷施。 眼镜蛇草与瓶子草、猪笼草等一样,都是靠瓶状捕虫叶捕食小虫的食肉植物。但在捕虫器的构造和诱捕小虫的具体招数上,眼镜草又独辟蹊径,令人称奇。 眼镜蛇草的瓶状捕虫叶生长在根状茎上,一般高出地面40-80厘米,外表黄绿色并镶有红色的脉纹,颇为艳丽。与瓶子草的瓶状叶不同的是,在眼镜蛇草的形似兜帽的瓶子顶部见不到敞开的瓶口,仅有许多似小天窗样的透明斑块。在“兜帽”的下面,瓶状叶呈叶片状延伸,并分成左右两片,犹如眼镜蛇吐出的“芯子”。“蛇芯”上分布有许多蜜腺,而且越靠近“蛇头”,蜜汁越丰富。 当小虫受到蜜汁的诱惑,爬到“蛇芯”上后,再往前进就到了“蛇头”下蜜腺最多的口部。在这里叶子卷成了圆筒,小虫沿着卷筒的通道不断深入,最终被诱进了瓶内。此时,馋嘴的小虫如同进入了迷宫,想出去可不那么容易了。在瓶子顶部众多“天窗”的迷惑下,它已难以找到真正的出口。吃不到蜜汁又出不去的小虫在“蛇头”里乱撞,稍不注意就到了颈部区域,此时只有死路一条了。
在眼镜蛇草瓶状叶颈部光滑的内壁上,既有倒毛,又有表面充满蜡质的空地。到了这一区域,小虫再想爬回来已不可能,只能乖乖地向下滑。接着是布满了倒毛的瓶子中部,再向下就是瓶底的液池。掉在液池中的小虫,就像《西游记》中的金角大王被装入了玉净瓶,用不了多久就会化成肉汤。科学家的研究表明:在眼镜蛇草瓶状叶底部的液池中,有大量的细菌共生,因此用不着像猪笼草那样分泌消化液,小虫的身体将由细菌来分解,然后共植物体享用。 每一株眼镜蛇草都有几个至十几个瓶状叶,看上去好像一群高低错落的挺起上身的眼镜蛇。但这种外表凶猛的植物,却不堪大一些的动物的一击,有些鸟类甚至专门把它的瓶状叶啄破,取食其中未被完全分解的小虫尸体,或喝上几口美味的肉汤。 在自然界中,眼镜蛇草仅产于美国加利福尼亚州北部和俄勒冈州南部的山地沼泽中,是一种十分珍贵的植物。
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