Issues#141 to #160 (August 1996 to March 1997)
DRS. HERB AND FLORENCE WAGNER VISIT THE COLVILLE NATIONAL FOREST
From: Kathy Ahlenslager
</S=K.AHLENSLAGER/OU1=R06F21A@mhs-fswa.attmail.com>
The dynamic duo of Herb and Florence Wagner, along with their
botanist friend Art Gilman from Vermont, treated Colville Na-
tional Forest botanists to a visit on their way from the Univer-
sity of Michigan to the American Institute of Biological
Sciences meeting in Seattle. Both Wagner's conduct research on
ferns and fern-allies. The Wagner's were interested in seeing
some populations of our odd Botrychium species (moonworts or
grape ferns).
On the Colville National Forest they visited 14 Botrychium
locations in 4 days (July 28-31) and identified two new species
of them for Washington (B. hesperium and B. lineare). In addi-
tion we saw several populations of an undescribed Botrychium
species, which is also known from the Wallowas.
The Wagner's were treated to the largest Botrychium paradoxum (7
inches tall) and the smallest sporulating B. virginianum (1 inch
tall) that they'd ever seen. We also saw B. campestre, B.
crenulatum, B. lanceolatum, B. minganense, B. montanum, B.
multifidum B. pedunculosum, B. pinnatum and B. simplex. The
Wagners commented that the western U.S. forms of Botrychium
minganense and B. simplex differ from those in the east and both
species need taxonomic work.
Herb, Florence and Art additionally identified ferns, clubmosses
and horsetails. They found Equisetum nelsonii and E. pratense in
Stevens County, neither of which are shown for Washington in the
"Flora of North America."
Special thanks to Kirk and Karen Larson, Jean Wood and Linda
Swartz for leading us to "their" Botrychium sites, so that we
all could join in puzzling over this interesting genus.
(BEN # 141 20-August-1996)
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40TH ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM OF IAVS - AUGUST 1997 - CZECH REPUBLIC
From: Jan Leps <suspa@entu.cas.cz>
We would like to invite you to participate in the 40th Annual
Symposium of the IAVS (International Association of Vegetation
Science) in 1997. The Symposium will be organized jointly by the
Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of South Bohemia, and
the Institute of Botany, Academy of Science of the Czech
Republic. The Symposium will take place from 18 to 23 August
1997, in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
The Symposium will be centered around the following three
topics:
1. Vegetation mapping: scales in space and time and hierarchi-
cal vegetation classification
2. Experimental tests of mechanistic hypotheses of community
patterns
3. Closely related species in plant communities: from genetic
differences to different ecological roles
Pre-symposium excursion: There will be a four day pre-symposium
excursion in the Czech Republic, featuring the main vegetation
types in the country.
Post-symposium excursion: There will be a ten days post-
symposium excursion to Bulgaria, organized by Tenyo Meshinev and
Iva Apostolova. This is a not well known, but botanically fas-
cinating area, and one of the few easily accessible places in
the Balkans. To avoid lengthy travelling, we will go to Sofia by
plane. The transport Praha-Sofia and back will be arranged by
the organizers (it is likely that we will be able to get a
substantial price reduction). The approximate cost of the excur-
sion will be 450 USD (without the air fare).
Please, address all correspondence to:
IAVS Symposium, Institute of Botany, CZ-252 43, Pruhonice, Czech
Republic
fax: +42 2 67750031
E-mail: iavs97@jcu.cz
Current information on the Symposium (and the on-line registra-
tion form) can be found at the WWW homepage:
http://www.jcu.cz/~iavs97
or
http://www.jcu.cz/~iavs97/index.html
Hope to see you at the Symposium,
Zdena Neuhauslova, Frantisek Krahulec, Jan Leps, Tomas Herben,
Petr Smilauer
(BEN # 141 20-August-1996)
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INSTRUCTOR (TENURE-TRACK) IN NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION
From: Sharon Palmer <shpalmer@unixg.ubc.ca> [abbrev.]
Forest Sciences Department
Faculty of Forestry
University of British Columbia
Applications are being accepted for a tenure-track position at
the Instructor level to teach in the Natural Resource Conserva-
tion undergraduate program, which will graduate 40-50 students
per year. Responsibilities include teaching two courses, and in
addition, carrying out management and coordination of an in-
tegrated course that addresses ecological and social issues in
conservation.
Applicants must have at minimum, a Masters degree in an ap-
propriate field with at least three years additional relevant
experience. They must have field and data analysis skills and a
demonstrated ability to teach in field and classrooms settings.
Candidates with backgrounds in ecology, forestry, conservation
biology, geography, or hydrology are encouraged to apply. A
familiarity with conservation issues in British Columbia is
beneficial.
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The
University of British Columbia welcomes all qualified ap-
plicants, especially women, aboriginal people, visible
minorities and persons with disabilities. In accordance with
Canadian immigration requirements this advertisement is directed
to Canadian Citizens and permanent residents.
Please direct inquiries, and applications consisting a CV, the
names and addresses of three references, prior to October 31,
1996 to: Dr. Scott Hinch, Search Committee Chair, Forest
Sciences Department, University of British Columbia, Vancouver,
B.C., Canada, V6T 1Z4. Tel: (604) 822-9377 Fax: (604) 822-9102
E-mail: shinch@unixg.ubc.ca.
(BEN # 141 20-August-1996)
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BBBBB EEEEEE NN N ISSN 1188-603X
BB B EE NNN N
BBBBB EEEEE NN N N BOTANICAL
BB B EE NN NN ELECTRONIC
BBBBB EEEEEE NN N NEWS
No. 142 August 30, 1996
aceska@freenet.victoria.bc.ca Victoria, B.C.
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Dr. A. Ceska, P.O.Box 8546, Victoria, B.C. Canada V8W 3S2
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DR. DOUGLASS M. HENDERSON (1938 - 1996)
From: The Idaho Statesman, July 27, 1996, Page 4B [abbrev.]
Douglass M. Henderson, 58, a professor of Botany at the Univer-
sity of Idaho, died Wednesday, July 24, 1996, at his Moscow,
Idaho, home of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
He was born July 9, 1938, at Long Beach, Calif., to Allen and
Dolores Smith Henderson. He was reared in Bakersfield, Calif.,
and graduated from high school there in 1956.
He enlisted with the U.S. Air Force, and spent four years at
various bases around the country between 1956 and 1960. He was
in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1960 to 1962. While with the
Air Force, he attended tech school in Denver.
He attended Bakersfield College from 1960 to 1963 and graduated
magna cum laude from Fresno State College in 1965 with a
bachelor's degree in botany.
He married Margaret Sherman on Dec. 26, 1970, at Sacramento,
Calif.
He received his doctorate in botany from the University of
Washington at Seattle in 1972. He was a teaching assistant, then
instructor of botany at UW after graduation. He was an assistant
professor of botany at the University of Idaho from 1972 to
1978, and become an associate professor in 1978.
He was director of the University of Idaho herbarium, the manag-
ing editor for the Systematic Botany (1983-1985), and regional
coordinator for Flora of North America (1984-1987). In 1975 he
was appointed by the Governor to be in charge of issuing permits
for the collection of endangered and threatened plants in Idaho.
He had written numerous scholarly publications, won UI teaching
excellence awards and was a member of several botanical associa-
tions (ASPT, IAPT, BSA). He was an avid photographer and enjoyed
hiking and canoeing.
He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters and three
grandchildren. The family suggests memorials may be made to
University of Idaho Vandal Boosters, or to the University of
Washington Botany Department, c/o University of Washington,
Seattle, WA 99195.
Several publications of D. M. Henderson [selected by AC]:
Henderson, D. M. 1976. A biosystematic study of Pacific
northwestern blue-eyed grasses (Sisyrinchium, Iridaceae).
Brittonia 28: 149-176.
Henderson, D. M., R. K. Moseley, & A. F. Cholewa. 1990. A new
Agoseris (Asteraceae) from Idaho and Montana. Systematic
Botany 15(3): 462-465. [A. lackschewitzii - see BEN # 24 & #
36]
Cholewa, A. F. & D. M. Henderson. 1994. Iridaceae Iris Family
Part One Sisyrinchium L. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada
Academy of Science 27(2): 215-218.
Urbanczyk, S. M. & D. M. Henderson. 1994. Classification and
ordination of alpine plant communities, Sheep Mountain, Lemhi
Country, Idaho. Madrono 41(3): 205-223.
Bursik, R. J. & D.M. Henderson. 1995. Valley peatland flora of
Idaho. Madrono 42(3): 366-395
(BEN # 142 30-August-1996)
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DISCOVERY AND DESTRUCTION OF SUPERB FOSSIL SITE NEAR NANAIMO
From: Thor Henrich c/o <shenrich@direct.ca>
On Friday, August 9, 1996, bulldozer operator John Bell,
employed by the Paramount Blasting and Drilling Company, was
working on the new Duke Point Road extension, which will connect
the Island Highway south of Nanaimo to a new ferry terminal to
the mainland. The workers had finished blasting a large section
of sandstone and coal-bearing shale, and were removing large
blocks of stone, to crush into roadfill for the new extension.
Mr. Bell recognized a large fossil of some sort on the undersur-
face of a large boulder. He excavated the stone and allowed it
to turn over. This action exposed a surface covered with the
leaves of an ancient palm tree, Phoenicites (in older literature
Geonomites) imperialis, as well as many other smaller leaves.
Mr. Bell was able with his huge machine, to scoop up the boul-
der, and move it to the top roadcut, adjacent to the parking lot
of the Cranberry Arms Hotel.
The Victoria Palaeontology Society became aware of the discovery
from Elizabeth Hargreaves of the Nanaimo Times, and after a
quick reconnaissance trip recognized the scientific importance
of the fossil site. Salvage palaeontology of the site revealed
exquisitely preserved specimens of the Upper Cretaceous Period
(about 72 million years old), such as dawn redwood (Metasequoia
cuneata), several fern species, many angiosperms, and the enig-
matic cycadoid Nilssonia. The end of the Mesozoic Era is one of
the most important periods in the history of life on this
planet. We see not only the extinction of dinosaurs, but also
the rapid evolution of the angiosperms, the dominant plant group
today.
At present the boulder containing the palm fossils has been
moved to the campus of Malaspina University College, under the
supervision of K. Maggie McColl (Geology Department co-
ordinator), until a final decision can be made concerning its
final disposition. Members of the Victoria Palaeontology Society
also collected many smaller pieces of fossil-bearing rock for
future scientific investigations.
The high diversity and richness of the flora on this site, as
well as its excellent preservation, mark it as a most valuable
site. Unfortunately, most of the fossil containing rock has been
excavated, crushed, and used as a road fill for the Duke Point
Road extension.
It is a tragedy, if a society which purports to be advanced and
civilized, allows the destruction of some of its more sig-
nificant records of its ancient history.
The Victoria Palaeontology Society will hold the Society's
Annual Open House at the Swan Lake Nature Centre, 3873 Swan Lake
Rd., Victoria, B.C. on Saturday, September 21, 1996, from 10:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is by donation. All are invited to
attend.
(BEN # 142 30-August-1996)
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AMENDMENTS TO CITES LISTINGS: TAXUS BREVIFOLIA & LEWISIA TWEEDYI
From: From the Federal Register Online
via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
This notice invites comments and information from the public on
species that have been suggested as candidates for U.S.
proposals to amend Appendix I or II.
Dates: The Service will consider all comments received by Oc-
tober 11, 1996, on species proposals described in this notice.
Addresses: Please send correspondence concerning this notice to
Chief, Office of Scientific Authority; 4401 North Fairfax Drive,
Room 750; Arlington, Virginia 22203. Fax number 703-358-2276.
Comments and other information received will be available for
public inspection by appointment, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
through Friday, at the above address.
For further information contact: Dr. Marshall A. Howe, Office of
Scientific Authority, at the above address, telephone 703-358-
1708.
16. Pacific Yew (Taxus brevifolia)
The Oregon Natural Resources Council has recommended that the
United States propose the Pacific yew for inclusion in Appendix
II. This slow-growing species occurs in a limited range in the
western United States and Canada. An effective anti-cancer
compound (paclitaxel or taxol) is obtained especially from its
bark, as well as to an increasing but unknown extent from other
species of Taxus. Some companies are working on methods of
obtaining paclitaxel from Taxus needles and branches (which
could avoid loss of the whole plant). Laboratory substitutes for
the natural compound are either not available or not available
in adequate commercial quantity, but there is some semi-
synthetic production. The species is not grown commercially in
large quantity for medicinal use, but there is some ornamental
cultivation. There is some export of Pacific yew biomass for
manufacture of paclitaxel in other countries. The Himalayan yew
(Taxus wallichiana) was listed in Appendix II at COP9, excluding
the finished pharmaceutical products (i.e., the end-product
medicine).
The Service seeks information regarding: (1) The intensity and
purposes of removal of the several parts of this species from
the wild in various areas, the characteristics of the popula-
tions impacted by these extractions, and the trends in those
populations; (2) the location, characteristics, and safety of
populations that will not be available for extraction; (3) the
extent to which biomass from the wild (i.e., materials other
than the end-point medicine) is exported from either country;
and (4) the degree to which the medicinal trade involves other
wild species, and/or non-wild sources of the compound (e.g.,
from cultivated Pacific yew or other species, or from laboratory
synthesis).
19. Tweedy's Bitterroot (Lewisia tweedyi or Cistanthe tweedyi)
The recommendation to remove this species from Appendix II was
initiated by the CITES Plants Committee, as part of the ongoing
process of reviewing listed taxa at 10-year intervals. This
herbaceous mountain species is native in the State of Washington
and nearby in the Province of British Columbia (Canada). Because
it was found to be sufficiently secure within its range, this
species was removed from consideration for the U.S. Endangered
Species Act in a 1985 Federal Register notice on many taxa (50
FR 39526). Moreover, this species is believed to be sufficiently
easy to propagate and available in cultivation to supply rock-
garden enthusiasts.
Since the biological status of the species is considered less
vulnerable than when it was listed in 1983, and since there have
been no applications to export it from the wild in the last
decade (and almost none to export it from cultivation as artifi-
cially propagated specimens), removal of the species from Appen-
dix II seems appropriate. Information is sought on the status of
the species in the wild, and the likelihood and extent of inter-
national trade in wild specimens of this species.
(BEN # 142 30-August-1996)
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ROYAL BRITISH COLUMBIA MUSEUM HAS A NEW MAILING ADDRESS !!!
From: Tara Steigenberger <tsteigenberg@rbml01.rbcm.gov.bc.ca>
BCMail Plus has informed us that our mail will be delayed if we
don't have the new address on it. The new address is:
Royal British Columbia Museum
PO Box 9815 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
Canada V8W 9W2
PS: did I tell you that I'm getting married??
(BEN # 142 30-August-1996)
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BOTANY BC 1996
From: Jan Kirkby <jankirkby@gulfislands.com>
This year's BOTANY BC took place from July 18 to July 20 in Fort
St. James and Prince George. The topic this year was Vegetation
of Special Habitats and included a bus trip from Prince George
down the Rocky Mountain Trench to Valemount.
Many thanks to Craig Delong and other organizers of this year's
Botany BC. They outdid themselves by showing us such a vast
array of ecosystem types that one participant was heard to
wonder whether we were still on the same planet! Imagine seeing
this within 2 days: serpentine ridge (Murray Ridge - 1445 m),
limestone mountain (Mt. Pope at 750 m elevation), black
spruce/tamarack bog, willow forests, beautiful Rubus chamaemorus
(Cloudberry) bog, inland wetbelt oldgrowth forest, and sand
dunes.
This year's BOTANY BC had a slightly different format due to the
bus trip: two full days in the field were combined with evening
lectures. There were excellent talks by Dr. Art Kruckeberg on
the relationship between plants and serpentine geology [see
abstract below], Dr. Hugues Massicotte on mycorrhizal fungi, and
Trevor Goward's enlichening talk on indicator lichen species in
inland oldgrowth forests. These "antique" forests occur nowhere
else on the planet, and Trevor gave an articulate and impas-
sioned plea for the preservation of these threatened ecosystems.
[Abstracts of Dr. Massicotte's talk and Trevor Goward's "an-
tique" forests will be posted in the next BEN.]
Rare plant discoveries were made, among them blue-listed Pellaea
atropurpurea, Woodsia glabella, and Carex tonsa, and yellow-, or
"watch"-listed Aspidotis densa.
Thanks again to Craig et al for organizing this memorable trip.
Join us for an alpine BOTANY BC next July. Possibly at beautiful
Cathedral Lakes.
(BEN # 143 12-September-1996)
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PLANT LIFE OF WESTERN NORTH AMERICAN ULTRAMAFICS
From: Kruckeberg, A.R. 1992. (Abstract)
[ Ultramafic rocks - igneous rocks in which there is an abnor-
mally high content of ferromagnesian silicates, but which
contain no feldspar... Chambers Science and Technology Dic-
tionary ]
In Western North America, ultramafics occur with decreasing
abundance from California, Oregon, Washington, to British Colum-
bia. The greatest concentration of ultramafics, mostly as ser-
pentinized peridotite, are in northwestern California and south-
western Oregon.
Soils weathered from ultramafic rocks are either devoid of
vegetation (barrens) or support sparse but often distinctive
floras. Cation exchange capacities range from 5.2 to 43 milli-
equivalents per 100 grams of dry soil; pH values are around
neutral (6.0 to 8.8); Mg/Ca quotients are invariably greater
than 1.0; and deficiencies of nitrogen and phosphorus are com-
mon. Tissue analysis of serpentine plants often reveals high
concentrations of magnesium and nickel.
Vegetation on ultramafic soils takes the form of distinctive
variants of conifer-hardwood forest, chaparral, or grassland.
Often the serpentine (S) vegetation is sharply delimited from
adjacent non-serpentine (NS) types, both by physiognomy (e.g.
chaparral on serpentine, forest on nearby nonserpentine), and by
species composition. The most striking contrast in vegetation (S
vs. NS) are in California and Oregon. Contrasts in S-NS vegeta-
tion are lessening in the Pacific Northwest, possibly because of
increased precipitation, or the short post-Pleistocene history
in the region, or both. A similar lessening of contrasts in S-NS
vegetation was noted in the United Kingdom.
Floras on ultramafic soils can be strikingly unusual. Three
types of floristic elements can be found: (1) serpentine en-
demics, (2) local or regional indicator species, and (3) boden-
vag species, taxa widespread on S and NS habitats. Also many NS
taxa may be excluded from adjoining S soils.
The greatest concentration of species endemic to serpentine is
in the Klamath-Siskyou mountain complex of northwestern Califor-
nia and southwestern Oregon, with secondary concentrations in
the North Coast and South Coast ranges and the Sierra Nevada of
California. Endemics occur in all life-forms: trees and shrubs
(e.g., Cupressus sargentii, Quercus durata, Ceanothus jepsonii),
herbaceous perennials (e.g., Calochortus tiburonensis, Fritil-
laria liliacea, Lilium bolanderi); and annuals (e.g., Streptan-
thus batrachopus, Layia discoidea, Clarkia franciscana). En-
demics belong to genera abundantly represented in the regional
flora.
Widespread species that appear as local or regional indicators
of serpentine include trees like Calocedrus decurrens and Pinus
jeffreyi, shrubs (e.g., Heteromeles arbutifolia, Adenostoma
fasciculatum, Ceanothus cuneatus) and herbs (e.g., Streptanthus
glandulosus, Darlingtonia californica, Aspidotis densa,
Xerophyllum tenax).
Indifferent or bodenvag species are often racially differen-
tiated into tolerant and intolerant biotypes.
The fauna on western North American serpentines has received but
scant attention, and merits closer study. Butterfly species are
known to be closely tied to serpentine plants as food sources;
one instance of plant mimicry of butterfly eggs is cited.
The evolution of a serpentine flora may involve a variety of
speciational routes. The most probable sequence for diploid taxa
could involve (1) genetic preadaptation to serpentine within a
NS species; (2) racial fixation of the preadapted genotype; (3)
further morphological and physiological divergence yielding an
infraspecific variant; (4) attaining species status by further
genetic and ecological isolation. This sequence is illustrated
by Streptanthus, a genus of western North America crucifers,
with varying degrees of fidelity and narrow endemism to Califor-
nia and Oregon serpentines. A more rapid mode of speciation on
serpentine, saltational speciation by catastrophic selection,
has been proposed.
Adaptation to ultramafic soils is likely to involve both
physiological and morphological modifications. Xerophytism,
nanism, glaucescence, plagiotropism and colour changes (an-
thocyanic, chlorotic) are frequent attributes of serpentine
species. A few species possess the ability to accumulate over
1000 micrograms/gram of nickel in their foliar dry matter
(hyperaccumulators).
Western North American serpentines have been exploited for
minerals, timber, grazing and agriculture, with consequent
effects on their flora. Mining for mercury, nickel and chromium,
as well as geothermal power developments, have created the
greatest disturbance to them. Only modest efforts have been made
to preserve samples of serpentine vegetation. Some state and
federal wilderness areas include serpentine vegetation; other
serpentine areas are 'protected' either by neglect or because
they are valued as watershed areas. A very few natural areas
specifically for serpentine vegetation have been established in
the three Pacific Coast states. None are known for British
Columbia.
Kruckeberg, A. R. 1992. Plant life of western North American
ultramafics. Pp. 31-73 in Roberts, B. A. & J. Proctor [eds.]
The ecology of areas with serpentinized rocks. A world view.
Kluwer Academic Publishers.
(BEN # 143 12-September-1996)
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A QUICK, SEMIQUANTITATIVE TEST FOR NICKEL HYPERACCUMULATION
From: Kruckeberg, A. R. 1995. Madrono 42: 461 + pers. comm.
Make up a 1 per cent solution of dimethylglyoxime in ethanol.
Soak a box of 4-5 cm filter papers in solution. Allows papers to
dry in a fume hood, or overnight in a low temperature (30 - 40
deg.) oven.
Use in field: Moisten (water) paper, then crush plant tissue
between folded paper. Turns RED if 1000 ppm or greater.
[The only hyperaccumulator of nickel so far reported from
northwestern North America is Arenaria (=Minuartia) rubella. Cf.
Kruckeberg, A.R. et al. 1993. Madrono 40: 25-30.]
(BEN # 143 12-September-1996)
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FIRST NATIONS' HERBAL MATERIA MEDICA - EXTENSION COURSE
From: Coastal Mountain College <cmc@infoserve.net>
Coastal Mountain College of Healing Arts presents an extension
course "First Nations' Herbal Materia Medica" instructed by
Brian Compton, Ph.D.
Native British Columbian medicinal plants have been used for a
variety of purposes by indigenous peoples for centuries but have
only recently begun to be systematically and comprehensively
examined and evaluated by scientists for their antibiotic and
antifungal properties. This combined with the growing public
interest in herbal medicine and research into new formulations
makes this course of vital interest to individuals in the
product research and manufacturing sectors.
This 10 week course provides an introduction to the botanical,
phytochemical, therapeutic and cultural attributes of 100
species of native medicinal flora. The course will also explain
their relation to the traditional healing beliefs and practices
of various First Nation cultures of North America.
The program will be taught by Brian Compton, Ph.D., eth-
nobotanist and honourary research associate at the University of
British Columbia. He has done extensive field studies in North
and South America. With over 10 years of teaching experience,
Dr. Compton presently teaches a course on "Ethnobiology of
British Columbia's First Nations" at First Nations' House of
Learning.
The course will feature:
field trips
gathering and preparation
herbal characteristics and classification
species used by coastal, interior and northern peoples
Course Date: Monday nights from October 7 to December 10, 1996
Course Tuition: CND$ 375.00
Deadline For Registration: October 5, 1996
To Register or For More Information
Coastal Mountain College of Healing Arts
1745 West 4th Ave., Vancouver, B.C., V6J 1M2
E-Mail: cmc@infoserve.net
Phone: (604) 734-4596 Fax: (604) 734-4597
(BEN # 143 12-September-1996)
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NPSBC - NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
This new society was instigated to bring together a diversity of
people who enjoy, study and work with indigenous plants. The
mission of the NPSBC Native Plant Society of British Columbia
is:
to encourage knowledge, responsible use and conservation
of British Columbia's native plants and habitats.
This will be achieved through the following objectives:
1. Advance knowledge and awareness of the value of native
plants.
2. Develop and maintain an inventory of BC's native species,
communities and habitats.
3. Promote the conservation of BC's native plant species,
communities and habitats.
4. Initiate the development of guidelines concerning the ethi-
cal uses of native plants.
5. Support the use of native plants in accordance with the
ethical use guidelines.
6. Encourage the restoration of disturbed habitats of native
plant species and communities.
7. Facilitate communications and interaction among individuals,
groups and governments regarding native plant issues.
8. Support research on native plants and plant communities.
Membership fees: Individual - $20.00, Associate - $15.00, Cor-
porate - $75.00.
First membership meeting of the NPSBC - Native Plant Society of
British Columbia: Saturday, November 23, 1996, from 9:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m., at the Grand Hall, University College of the Cariboo,
Kamloops. Registration fee for the conference (includes buffet
lunch and 2 coffee breaks) is $25.00 (deadline: November 8).
For more information contact:
Diane Gertzen, 14275 96th Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3V 7Z2
Phone: 604-930-3309 E-mail: DLGERTZE@mfor01.for.gov.bc.ca
(BEN # 144 17-September-1996)
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WHAT ARE THE ANTIQUE FORESTS ? (RE: BOTANY BC FIELD TRIP)
From: Trevor Goward, Nature Canada - Summer 1994.
As a rule, lichen colonization in a maturing forest occurs in
two pulses. The first consists of various species of widespread
distribution, and is essentially complete by the time the forest
reached the century mark. The second, more diffuse pulse doesn't
really begin to register until 50 to 100 years later. It is
comprised of species living at or near the ecological limits of
their range; many will remain rare even once they do become
established.
These phenomena are by no means peculiar to the conifer forests
of western North America. Similar patterns have already been
amply documented in Britain by lichenologist Francis Rose
(1976).
In mid-'70s, Rose conducted inventories of the lichens of 102
oak and beech woodlands in different parts of the British Isles.
When later he compared his species lists against existing land
use records, he found a definite positive correlation between
lichen diversity and forest age. This led him to conclude that
some lichens may be regarded as "historical indicators of lack
of environmental change, within certain critical limits, over
long periods of time."
British forests undisturbed for many hundreds of years typically
support between 120 and 150 lichen species per square kilometre.
The richest forest for lichens by far is the New Forest which
ironically, is anything but new, having apparently escaped
woodcutter's axe since at least the Middle Ages. It was found to
contain an astonishing 259 species of lichens. By contrast,
British woodlans dating from less than 200 years ago tend to
support fewer than 50 lichens per square kilometre.
In the British Isles, as in British Columbia, a 150-year-old
forest will not acquire its full complement of epiphytic lichens
for at least another century or two. The fact obliges us to
think again about what we mean when we speak of "old growth."
Should an old-growth woodland 1000 years old be lumped, for the
purposes of conservation, with one that is "only" 200 years old?
Both forests may appear identical to the untrained eye. But they
clearly are not identical - whether as living archives of
British Columbia's past, or as repositories of biological tradi-
tion.
"Antique forests," as I define them, are simply the oldest of
the old: forests that have been around long enough to accumu-
late, among other things, a rich assemblage of old-growth
epiphytes. Such forests seem invariably to be more than 300 to
350 years old, and many, in many cases, have been in existence
much longer than the most ancient trees within them. The last
point is important. A 150-year-old tree in a 500-year-old forest
may well support more old-growth indicators than a 250-year-old
tree in a forest dating from a fire of equivalent vintage.
Goward, T. 1994. Living antiquities. Nature Canada, Summer 1994:
14-21.
Goward, T. 1994. Notes on oldgrowth-dependent epiphytic macro-
lichens in inland British Columbia, Canada. Acta Botanica
Fennica 150: 31-38.
Rose, F. 1976. Lichenological indicators of age and environmen-
tal continuity in woodlands. Pp. 279-307 in: Brown, D.H. et
al. [eds.] Lichenology: progress and problems. Academic
Press, London.
(BEN # 144 17-September-1996)
------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST ALASKA'S ROCKY SHORES: SEAWEEDS & LICHENS
Rita M. O'Clair, R. M., S. C. Lindstrom, & I. R. Brodo. 1996.
Southeast Alaska's rocky shores: seaweeds & lichens.
Plant Press, Auke Bay, Alaska. 152 p.
This guide to the abundant and diverse organisms living between
tidelines on the rocky shores of Southeast Alaska is useful from
the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, to Oregon because the complete
ranges of all species are given.
The book provides detailed descriptions of 83 species of algae,
30 species of lichens, 1 moss and 2 seagrasses. A chapter is
devoted to favorite seaweed recipes.
Each species description includes the common names, current and
former scientific names, geographic distribution and bathymetry,
as well as comprehensive anatomical, physiological and ecologi-
cal information. Almost every species is illustrated by an
exquisite grayscale b&w drawing. A complete species list, bibli-
ography and index are included, while a glossary is integrated
with the text.
Together, these three biologists, whose careers span a total of
80 years, have written a treasure for all who love west coast
rocky shorelines, including:
--students and teachers of marine biology
--subsistence users of intertidal resources
--managers of aquaculture projects
--scientists concerned with shoreline protection
--tour guides and visitors
--beachcombers, boaters, SCUBA divers
--birdwatchers, naturalists, and
--anyone who walks on rocky beaches!
To order a copy of this book, please send $22.95 in US funds for
orders with the US (residents of the City and Borough of Juneau,
Alaska, add $.80 sales tax), or $25 in US funds for orders from
Canada or Mexico. For other foreign orders, please enquire. Send
funds together with your complete name and address (including
zip code or postal code) directly to the publisher:
Plant Press,
PO Box 210094,
Auke Bay, AK 99821-0094
(BEN # 144 17-September-1996)
------------------------------------------
DR. TADEUS REICHSTEIN (1897-1996)
From: Mary Gibby <M.Gibby@nhm.ac.uk>
Tadeus Reichstein was born on 20th July 1897 in Wloclawek, at
that time in Russian Poland. The family moved to Switzerland in
1906. During the 1920s he worked on the isolation of the
volatile constituents of the flavour of roasted coffee, and in
the 1930s he developed a method for the commercial synthesis of
Vitamin C. For his work on adrenal cortical hormones he was
awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology in 1950,
together with E.C. Kendall and Philippe Hench. Since being made
Emeritus Professor in 1967 he has worked full-time on ferns. His
interests were wide-ranging and global. He was in correspondence
with pteridologists from many parts of the world. His fascina-
tion was for polyploid fern complexes, but he also has spent
many years working on the pteridophytes for Flora Iranica. He
continued to use his expertise in organic chemistry in the
investigation of phloroglucinols in Dryopteris. In all his fern
work he was a great collaborator, and practically all his fern
papers have been multi-authored. An exception is a favourite
subject, his 1981 paper on "Hybrids in European Aspleniaceae
(Pteridophyta)", Bot. Helv. 91: 89-139.
He died on 1st August 1996 at the age of 99.
(BEN # 145 3-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
MYCORRHIZAL LANDSCAPES (BOTANY BC LECTURE)
From: "Hugues B. Massicotte" <hugues@unbc.edu>
The botanical landscape can be seen as a mycorrhizal landscape,
a landscape where the roots of most plant species form interac-
tive and beneficial partners with a variety of fungal species.
In my talk I explored the astonishing structural complexity and
hinted at the ecological significance of a variety of mycor-
rhizal symbioses found in B.C. and, indeed, worldwide. With the
aid of a variety of microscopy techniques and numerous floristic
examples, I explored and compared the significant features which
make vesicular-arbuscular, ecto-, ectendo-, arbutoid, ericoid,
monotropoid and orchid mycorrhizae.
Fungi involved in mycorrhizal relationships range from being
very specific to their host (usually one plant genus), to being
generalists, associating with an immense array of hosts, perhaps
a clue to their numerous ecological contributions.
For example, several important genera of trees in B.C., such as
Pinus, Picea, Pseudotsuga, but also smaller plants, such as
Dryas and Kobresia, form ectomycorrhizae with their respective
fungal symbionts (mostly basidiomycetes and ascomycetes). These
ectomycorrhizae have a Hartig net (the functional interface
between the fungus and the root cell) where presumably exchanges
of metabolites take place, and a fungal sheath (or mantle) which
surrounds the root and interfaces with the soil matrix,
facilitating the uptake of nutrients and water by the plant.
Worldwide, it is estimated that over 5000 species of ectomycor-
rhizal fungi has been described.
Ectendomycorrhizae, monotropoid and arbutoid mycorrhizae, repre-
sent variations in some aspects of the ectomycorrhizal theme!
Like ectomycorrhizae, ectendomycorrhizae have a Hartig net and a
mantle, but also have intracellular coils, fungal hyphae that
exist inside the root cells. The functional significance of
these coils is unclear (after all, a Hartig net is already
present). However, species, such as the genus Wilcoxina, is a
fungus presumably involved worldwide with pine species. Arbutoid
mycorrhizae are very similar to ectendo structurally, except
that all fungal structures are restricted to the outer layer of
root epidermal cells, as in other ericaceous plants (see below).
The fungi involved with arbutoid plants are the same as those
forming ectomycorrhizae, a phenomenon that could theoretically
open the doors for "linkages" between hosts involved in these 2
classes. Demonstration of these ecological linkages will occupy
the researcher well into the 21st century!
In the case of vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizae, found on
hundred of species in B.C., (from herbs to woody perennials,
Liliaceae, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Juglandaceae to name a few) ,
it is the "haustoria-like" arbuscule (i.e. a tree-like fungal
structure), which develop within root cells, that act as the
functional interface for exchange between the plant and the
fungus. The vesicles (i.e. intracellular flask-like fungal
structures) act as the "warehouses" where the fungus can store
lipids. The fungi involved in VA relationships are not diverse,
perhaps 200 species worldwide, and exhibit low specificity for
their hosts in general...one fungus can interact with most VA
hosts. To date, no one has succeeded in growing these VA fungi
in pure culture, emphasizing the obligate nature of these sym-
biotic fungi.
The ericoid mycorrhizae involve numerous ericaceous hosts (Gaul-
theria, Rhododendron, Vaccinium, Calluna, etc.) and usually a
"select" group of septate ascomycete fungi. They appear to be
broad host ranging among ericaceous hosts but are restricted to
them. Ericaceous host roots are very minute and the fungus
usually interacts with the root epidermis, forming coils within
each colonized cell. The mutual transfer of metabolites happens
there!
The most curious mycorrhizae, which has intrigued plant
physiologists for decades, involve monotropoid hosts (Monotropa,
Pterospora, etc.) and possibly a subset of the vast ectomycor-
rhizal fungi pool. These plants are heterotrophic, obtaining
carbohydrates from other sources, therefore it is hard to under-
stand how fungi benefit by forming mycorrhiza with these plants.
It seems the fungi are involved in a tripartite "contract", in
which they first derive carbohydrates from a true autotrophic
host (typically Picea, Pinus, etc.) and then transfer some to
the monotropoid plant, apparently an "altruistic" transfer?!. It
is unclear what the fungus gets in return but speculation
abounds!
The last intriguing class, the orchid mycorrhizae, are even
lesser known. With a worldwide diversity of orchid species
exceeding the 20 thousands, and with a select group of
basidiomycetes interacting with orchid tissues, either at the
time of seed germination or at the time of symbiotic root forma-
tion, we find ourselves in the infancy of orchid mycorrhizae
research! Here too, fungal coils invading cells are the presumed
site of metabolite exchanges.
Our understanding of these complex mutualistic associations is
still limited when one considers the vast undescribed diversity
of fungi actually inhabiting the soil with their plant hosts!
The living soil is truly one of our last frontiers...
Dr. Hugues B. Massicotte
University of Northern British Columbia
Prince George, B.C.
Canada
(BEN # 145 3-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
WILD MUSHROOM SHOW - VICTORIA, SUNDAY OCTOBER 20, 1996
The South Vancouver Island Mycological Society will have its
annual Wild Mushroom Show on Sunday, October 20, 1996 at the
Swan Lake Nature Centre from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission free,
but donations appreciated.
(BEN # 146 11-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
BIOCONTROL OF WEEDS AT THE PACIFIC FORESTRY CENTRE
From: Charles Dorworth <CDORWORTH@A1.PFC.Forestry.CA>
Mr. Ross MacDonald, former Director of the Pacific Forestry
Centre in Victoria, had a particular interest in biological
control as an alternative to pesticide application and as part
of overall plans for integrated pest management systems. On that
note, he initiated the Microbial Biological Control of Forests
Weeds Program in March, 1986, and assigned Charles Dorworth to
investigate the matter.
By March 1996 the Program had expanded to seven researchers,
four graduate students and supported approximately five B.C.
university summer students annually. Federal Government
"downsizing" has reduced the Program staff since that time.
The "product" of the Program is arranged in two categories for
convenience:
1. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH: The so-called "discovery" phase of the
research required that candidate biocontrol organisms be
found and identified. This resulted in the description
recently of a new genus of fungi, Quasiphloeospora based
upon Q. saximontanensis comb. nov. (Mycol. Res. 100:979-983,
1996), based in part on collections of fungi from Ribes spp.
by PFC Scientist Simon Shamoun and colleagues. Prof. Thomas
Sieber (E.T.H.-Zurich, Switzerland), who worked at the PFC
for 1.5 years as a visiting scientist, and Charles Dorworth
will describe a new species of Grovesiella from Ribes within
the next year. Additional records of first-occurrence in
British Columbia of other fungi were recorded as well.
Ron Wall (ret.) Donna Macey and Elaine Sela (ret.) will soon
have a publication which presents the results of mating
tests among isolates of Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers.:Fr.)
Pouzar (Virulence and Infertility of Chondrostereum pur-
pureum Isolates). Tod Ramsfield has had marked success in
purification of mitochondrial DNA from C. purpureum and will
complete his thesis on (among other things) population
structure of the organism as elucidated from DNA com-
parisons. Carmen Oleskevich recently published a monograph
on Ribes spp. and has developed a library of cultures of
Fusarium spp. from Ribes spp. This work will forms the basis
of her thesis.
The research of Drs. Thomas and Francesca Sieber-Canavesi
was centered on endophytic fungi and their relationships to
B.C. trees. This effort produced results which permitted the
elaboration of a new philosophical assessment of the role of
endophytes either as quiescent inhabitants or as potential
plant pathogens and produced a number of excellent published
works. The collaboration between Switzerland and Canada
continues to produce scientific contributions.
A notable collection of soil bacteria (rhizobacteria) has
been accumulated by Donna Macey of the PFC. Donna adapted
the methods and the gas-chromatographic software developed
in Rhode Island by MIDI Corp. to identify some 500 isolates
of bacteria. Several of these have not been described and
new records will appear in due course. The same
chromatographic method (fatty-acid methyl ester chromatog-
raphy) in combination with sterol analysis can be applied to
fungi.
Dr. Richard Winder has described the ecological interaction
between various fungi and northern reedgrass (Calamagrostis
canadensis [Michaux] Beauv.) as affected by exudates from
fallen litter (Can. Jour. Bot-in press) . He has also inves-
tigated the physiology of Fusarium avenaceum (Fr.) Sacc. and
F. poae (Peck) Wollenweber. In addition, Leslie Manning, who
operates the electron microscope laboratory and associated
facilities, prepared specimens which reveal the mode of
cell-wall penetration of Nectria ditissima Tul. and Melan-
conis marginalis (Peck) Wehmeyer.
2. APPLIED RESEARCH: The distinction between fundamental and
applied research is moot, certainly, but among applications
might appear:
Three U.S. patents have been issued and trademarks protected
to permit commercialization of developments and inventions
generated by the Program. A synopsis of those can be found
in INFORMATION FORESTRY, August 1996, available from Pacific
forestry Centre (Joanne Stone, 604-363-0600). One of those
developments (Chondrostereum purpureum) has been funded for
transcontinental testing. An attempt is being made to
register this organism with Agriculture and Agri-Foods
Canada as a commercial bioagent.
A justification for employing taxpayer dollars for mycological
research may seem superfluous. Good fundamental research is, for
many of us, its own justification. Forest vegetation management
is necessary, however, as weeds are responsible for the loss of
millions of dollars worth of forest replant operations nation-
wide. Pesticides are no longer an acceptable tool for weed
management in many instances. Money spent for biocontrol re-
search pays dividends to the taxpayers who contributed to the
effort, and the point must be made from time to time. The PFC
will be pleased to supply further information and copies of the
many scientific and technical publications which have emanated
from this work during the past 10 years.
Charles Dorworth, Ph.D., Microbiologist
Pacific Forestry Centre
Victoria, B.C., Canada
(BEN # 146 11-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
NEW SPECIES OF LESQUERELLA DESCRIBED FROM THE WASHINGTON STATE
Rollins, R.C., K.A. Beck & F.E. Caplow. 1996. An undescribed
species of Lesquerella (Cruciferae) from the State of
Washington. Rhodora 97 ("1995"): 201-207.
During the course of a survey of plants within the Hanford
Nuclear Reservation in south-central Washington, Kathryn Beck
and Florence Caplow discovered a new, undescribed species of
Lesquerella. In this article the new species is named L.
tuplashensis and it is compared with L. douglasii, its nearest
relative. The new species was first collected in 1883 but the
specimens from that gathering are incomplete. Lesquerelle
tuplashensis grows on the upper edge and upper face of the White
Bluffs adjacent to the Columbia River. The only known population
is found on the upper zone and top of near vertical exposure of
cemented, highly alkaline calcium carbonate paleosol (a
"caliche" soil). The population is approximately two to seven
meters wide and extends for 17 km along the upper edge of the
bluffs. - Congratulations, Kathy & Florence !
(BEN # 146 11-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
SELECTION OF SPHAGNUM FOR DIAPERS BY INDIGENOUS NORTH AMERICANS
From: /S=T.SPRIBILLE/OU1=R01F14D03A@mhs-fswa.attmail.com
Johnson Gottesfeld, L.M., & D. H. Vitt. 1996. The selection of
Sphagnum for diapers by indigenous North Americans. Evansia
13(3): 103-108.
Abstract: Consultation with the elders from the Wet'suwet'en and
Gitksan peoples of northwestern British Columbia revealed that
morphological attributes of Sphagnum are used to select proper
moss material for use as diapers. Long, pink (non-red) material
of S. magellanicum was considered as correct for diapers while
several other mosses, as well as the short, yellow-green and red
Sphagna were considered inappropriate. A review of the litera-
ture suggests that red Sphagna are avoided by several indigenous
groups for diapering needs.
(BEN # 146 11-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
A NEW START FOR AN OVERVIEW OF PLANT COMMUNITIES OF EUROPE
From: /S=T.SPRIBILLE/OU1=R01F14D03A@mhs-fswa.attmail.com
Dierschke, H. (1992): European Vegetation Survey - ein neuer
Anlauf fur eine Ubersicht der Pflanzengesellschaften Europas.
- Tuexenia 12: 381-383. Gottingen
Considerations to work up a syntaxonomic overview (prodromus) of
the plant communities of Europe have been around since the 20s
already, in other words almost since the beginning of
phytosociology. With the establishment of a private research
institute by Braun-Blanquet in Montpellier (1929), the Station
Internationale de Geobotanique Mediterraneenne et Alpine
(SIGMA), an international commission was put in place which was
to work on the prodromus. Only four years later the first over-
view of coastal communities of the Mediterranean area appeared
(Braun-Blanquet 1933) after which six parts appeared in addi-
tion, concluding with the Class Cisto-Lavanduletea (Braun-
Blanquet et al. 1940).
After the second World War began an intensive phase of field
work, vegetation analysis and synthesis. The number of publica-
tions multiplied almost exponentially, many international sym-
posia and excursions expanded the knowledge and led to the
refinement and unification of phytosociological methods. A new
international centre developed at Stolzenau, later at
Todenmann/Rinteln under the direction of R. Tuxen. With this new
plans were soon discussed for a European prodromus of plant
communities. A first resolution to this end was at the Symposium
on Phytosociological Systematics in Stolzenau in 1964. A two-day
colloquium in 1968 in Todenmann led to a provisional overview of
the state of work in the European countries, and to concrete
work proposals (cf. Dierschke 1971, Tuxen 1972). Also a list of
possible editors of individual classes was put forward (Tuxen
1971). At the Prodromus-Colloquium of 1972 in Todenmann the
first results were presented for discussion.
The first concrete result was a very complete syntaxonomical
bibliography as basis for finding and working up the
phytosociological data which were widely scattered in the
literature. The first paper appeared already in 1971 (Tuxen et
al.); up to the present 39 papers on many classes of vegetation
have been completed. Two years later the first paper on the
prodromus was published (Beeftink & Gehu 1973). The second
initiative ended with a fourth paper, on the Lemnetea (Schwabe-
Braun & Tuxen 1981). With the exception of a few, mostly
species- and community-poor classes (in the mean time also
Littorelletea and Violetea calaminariae) the actual work had not
even begun, or only partially. The reason for this was primarily
the absence of professional, paid specialists. There was cer-
tainly enough expertise, but it was with phytosociologists whose
time was taken up with other projects.
Today there are both positive and negative signs for a new
start. We have available not only considerably better informa-
tion out of regions which were considered little researched only
20 years ago (e.g., France, Italy), but also the beginnings of
syntaxonomical work especially in eastern Europe. At the same
time the number of vegetation releves has gone into the in-
numerable (an estimated 100,000). However it appears that a
synthesis today with help of EDV would be more promising than
the routine handwork of 20 years ago. Nonetheless, the number of
published syntaxa on all different levels, often in regional or
national solo efforts, is scarcely viewable. A European synopsis
must not only examine and bring together a giant data set, but
must at the same time lead to a strongly reduced, viewable
number of syntaxa which are applicable to the widest area and
more strongly abstracted from regional idiosyncracies. Already
the agreement on these basic issues must be viewed with skep-
ticism.
Despite these difficulties and misgivings a new beginning had to
be attempted. Under the encouragement and direction of S. PIG-
NATTI (following earlier discussion in 1988 in Frascati) a
meeting of interested phytosociologists took place during the
Symposium for International Unification of Vegetation Science in
Warsaw in 1990, followed by another in 1991 in Eger. At this
time it was agreed that a preparatory meeting of representatives
from the most countries possible should be held at Rome at the
beginning of 1992, the results of which are reported here in
brief. The entire project received the name "European Vegetation
Survey".
A workshop with several keynote presentations as well as na-
tional reports on the syntaxonomic state of work was held at the
Botanical Garden at Rome, led by S. Pignatti and L. Mucina.
Vegetation scientists from the following countries were repre-
sented: Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Finland, Great
Britain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Rus-
sia, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland.
Out of the reports from the individual countries the following
deserve mention:
Great Britain (J.S. RODWELL/J.J. HOPKINS)
For a long time there has scarcely been any connection to the
European phytosociology. Recently the interest has become
greater, in part because of the translation of Ellenberg's
central Europe book into English. The urgent need for a
vegetation-scientific reference system especially for natural
conservation questions led to a longer research project with
numerous fully paid scientists. A five-year phase of systematic
(relatively schematic) vegetation sampling began in 1975. Ap-
proximately 35,000 releves were then interpreted on a national
computer database, and ultimately ca. 350 vegetation types,
roughly equating associations, were differentiated (without
syntaxonomic hierarchy). Detailed descriptions with synoptic
tables are summarized in five volumes which are currently in
preparation (Rodwell 1991).
Netherlands (J.H.J. SCHAMINEE)
Since 1988 a state-funded project has been underway with two
fully-paid scientists. 20,000 of the estimated 50,000 releves
have been entered into a database. The data are worked up class
by class and presented in preliminary publications (e.g.,
Schaminee 1988). The final results should appear in five volumes
from 1993.
Austria (L. MUCINA)
Here, too is a research project established with state funding.
In 3 years the encompassing literature was worked through,
though without immediate evaluation of vegetation releves and
tables. A description in text should be published in 1993 in
four volumes.
In other countries (e.g., Germany, France, Poland, Spain,
Czechoslovakia) there is more encompassing syntaxonomical work
in progress [taking place] in various working groups. Since no
paid specialists are available, it is proceeding at a crawl.
Mostly lacking are generally accepted methodical basics and a
national database.
The discussion of organizational and financial questions took
much time. L. Mucina presented a detailed organizational plan
with actual syntaxonomical working groups and more central
groups for coordination and control as well as for basic deci-
sions and representation to the outside. The possibilities of
funding were particularly strongly debated. There was agreement
that, at least for the central assignments, including an inter-
national database, only fully paid assistance could be con-
sidered. 10-20 years have to be allowed for the entire project.
In the test phase several widely distributed, not too species-
poor communities should be worked over. The complex Koelerio-
Corynophoretea/Sedo-Scleranthetea/Tuberarietea was proposed for
this.
In conclusion assignments were distributed to smaller groups,
which are to be taken care of within a year:
- working up an overall scientific concept and work programme
with emphasis on usability of results;
- compilation of general syntaxonomical basics (Grundlagen);
- rules for working up tables, text, etc.;
- establishment of a list of the vegetation classes of
Europe;
- investigation of financial possibilities for a firm work
platform;
- checking around in all countries about the present state of
syntaxonomical work.
In order to expand the data base, current national programmes
should be supported and encouraged. Lately they have laid the
decisive groundwork for an overview in the framework of Europe.
Literature
Beeftink, W.G., Gehu, J.-M. (1973): Prodromus der europaischen
Pflanzengesellschaften. 1: Spartinetea maritimae. - Cramer,
Lehre: 48 p.
Braun-Blanquet, J. (1933): Prodrome des groupements vegetaux. 1:
Ammophiletalia et Salicornietalia medit. - Montpellier: 23 p.
Braun-Blanquet, J., Molinier, R., Wagner, H. (1940): Prodrome
des groupements vegetaux. 7: Classe Cisto-Lavanduletea. -
Montpellier: 53 p.
Dierschke, H. (1971): Stand und Aufgaben der pflanzensoziolo-
gischen Systematik in Europa. - Vegetatio 22 (4-5): 255-
264. The Hague.
Dierschke, H. (1972): Bericht uber das Prodromus-Kolloquium in
Todenmann am 26. Marz 1972. Vegetatio 25 (5-6): 406-408. The
Hague.
Pignatti, S. (1990): Towards a prodrome of plant communities. -
Journ. Veg. Sci. 1 (3): 425-426. Uppsala.
Rodwell, J.S. (ed.) (1991): British plant communities. Vol. I:
Woodlands and scrub. - Cambridge Univ. Press: 395 p.
Schaminee, J.H.J. (1988): Plantengemeenschappen van Nederland.
2. Lemnetea. - Intern. rapport Rijksinst. Natuurbeheer 88/75.
Leersum: 20 p.
Schwabe-Braun, A., Tuxen, R. (1981): Prodromus der europaischen
Pflanzengesellschaften. 4: Lemnetea minoris. - Cramer,
Vaduz: 141 p.
Tuxen, R. (1971): Vorlaufige Liste von Mitarbeitern am Prodromus
der Europaischen Pflanzengesellschaften. - Vegetatio 24 (1-
3): 23-29. The Hague.
Tuxen, R. (1972): Richtlinien fur die Aufstellung eines
Prodromus der Europaischen Pflanzengesellschaften. -
Vegetatio 24 (1-3): 23-29. The Hague.
Tuxen, R., Bottcher, H., Dierssen, K. (1971): Bibliographia
Phytosociologica Syntaxonomica. 1:Bolboschoenetea maritimi. -
Cramer, Lehre: 25 p.
(BEN # 147 29-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
GRADE 3 PROJECT: WHY DOES MOSS ONLY GROW ON ONE SIDE OF A TREE?
Several weeks ago, Rachel Rayman posted this message on
bryophyte discussion list bryonet-l:
"Hi, My grade 3 teacher asked me to research this ques-
tion. Sites on the web are too complicated. Can anyone
answer the question or point me to a resource? Thx. - R."
Rachel got over twenty answers and did her own observations and
experiments. Results of her project are summarized at the fol-
lowing web page: http://www.interlog.com//moss.htm
(BEN # 147 29-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
POSITION OPEN: SYSTEMATIC BOTANIST / ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
From: ECOLOG-L <ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU>
Department of Biology, Southern Oregon State College seeks
applicants for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor to
teach systematic botany and environmental education. For posi-
tion description, requirements, salary, and other particulars,
contact http://www.sosc.osshe.edu/biology/jobs.htm or write
SBEE, Department of Biology, Southern Oregon State College,
Ashland, OR 97520 or phone 541-552-6341. SOSC is a four-year
college in the Oregon State System of Higher Education. SOSC is
an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to
the development of an inclusive multi-cultural community.
(BEN # 147 29-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
ETHNOBOTANY RESEARCH - PIT COOKING
From: Mary Ellen Grant <ma_grant@cariboo.bc.ca>
I am a Biology student based out of the University College of
the Cariboo under the supervision of R. David Williams (UCC),
Dr. Gary Bradfield (UBC) and Dr. Nancy Turner (UVIC).
The title of my Directed Studies is "An Ethnobotanical Study:
Utilization and management of plant species by Indigenous
peoples, a local to global view of pit cooking." The objectives
of this study is to compile data from local to global sources.
I would greatly appreciate the support of the readers to guide
me to resources which might be available.
(BEN # 147 29-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
PROVINCIAL MUSEUM OF ALBERTA - WORLD WIDE WEB PRESENTATION
From: Alwynne Beaudoin <abeaudoi@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca>
Sponsored by the Friends of the Provincial Museum of Alberta
Society, the Provincial Museum of Alberta World Wide Web presen-
tation is now "on the air" and can be accessed at:
http://www.pma.edmonton.ab.ca
This site contains over 325 pages of information about the
Museum, including an introduction to the twelve curatorial areas
and the educational programs, information on galleries and
exhibits, and a visit to the Museum Shop. It also contains
general visitor information (dates and times of opening, admis-
sion prices etc.), details of volunteer opportunities, and a
calendar of events.
(BEN # 147 29-October-1996)
------------------------------------------
TWO PLANTS NEW TO THE FLORA OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
From: Hans Roemer <hroemer@galaxy.gov.bc.ca>
During field work for the BC Conservation Data Centre this past
summer I had the privilege to record occurrences of two vascular
species that were new to me and are apparently new to the BC
Flora.
TRICHOSTEMA OBLONGUM (Labiatae-Lamiaceae) has up to now remained
unmentioned in the provincial botanical literature. Hitchcock
and Cronquist (1973) give the range of this plant as "Wn and
adj Ida to Cal and W Nev".
Trichostema oblongum Benth. is a small, annual member of the
mint family (Lamiaceae) with strongly aromatic, oval leaves
and small blue flowers in the leaf axils. Distinctive fea-
tures of the plant are the odd upward bend of the flower and
the bundled style and filaments arching over the corolla from
the back. Our plants were only 2.5 to 5 cm tall at flowering
time. Collections and photographs of this species were ob-
tained by Ron Walker and myself on July 12, 1996, ca. 10 km
west of Castlegar. The habitat was a vernally moist site
within a large, south-facing forest opening caused by shallow
soils over bedrock. Trichostema grew in a carpet of moss
(Aulacomnium androgynum) together with scattered Cystopteris
fragilis, Juncus cf. bufonius, Perideridia gairdneri,
Dodecatheon pulchellum, Deschampsia danthonioides, Mimulus
guttatus, Orobanche uniflora, Lomatium spp., etc. Other rare
species in the same opening, but not directly associated with
Trichostema were Heterocodon rariflorum, Mimulus breweri,
Botrychium simplex and an as yet unidentified terrestrial
Isoetes.
ERIGERON OCHROLEUCUS VAR. SCRIBNERI (Compositae-Asteraceae) was
reported by Henry (1915) to occur in British Columbia.
However, "no collections are known to date" (Douglas, 1989).
Douglas included this taxon in his treatment of the As-
teraceae of BC as "yet to be collected in British Columbia",
as it is known from several stations just east of the
BC/Alberta border (Douglas, 1995).
Erigeron ochroleucus Nutt. is a linear-leaved, smallish
fleabane (our specimens ca. 8 cm tall) with short, grayish
foliage, a single, large head, and woolly involucral bracts.
The short ray flowers are variably light coloured (in our
specimens light blue). Our plants belong to var. scribneri
(Rydb.) Cronq. Jenifer Penny and I collected this plant in
the Rocky Mountains on the south- and southeast-facing slopes
of Mt. Gass between 2300 and 2500 m elevation. The plants
were consistently found on wind-exposed, stony limestone
slopes bearing only a short, discontinuous cover of vegeta-
tion. Associated species on these dry sites were primarily
Dryas octopetala and Kobresia myosuroides, sometimes also
Erigeron grandiflorus, Townsendia parryi, Oxytropis sericea,
and Antennaria alpina.
Any information on these two species from British Columbia would
be appreciated by the author <HROEMER@galaxy.gov.bc.ca> or the
BC Conservation Data Centre <GWDOUGLAS@fwhdept.env.gov.bc.ca>.
(BEN # 148 2-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
NOVEMBER 1 -- TODAY IN THE HISTORICAL SCIENCES
From: DARWIN@iris.uncg.edu Reply to: darwin-l@raven.cc.ukans.edu
1793: JOHANN FRIEDRICH ESCHSCHOLTZ is born at Dorpat, now Tartu,
Estonia. Following education at Dorpat University, now Tartu
University, Eschscholtz will serve as naturalist and physician
on Kotzebue's voyages around the world from 1815 to 1818. His
specimens from the voyage will be given to Dorpat University,
and he will become curator of the Dorpat zoological collections
in 1822.
1880: ALFRED LOTHAR WEGENER is born in Berlin. In 1912 he will
read a paper titled "Die Herausbildung der Grossformen der
Erdrinde (Kontinente und Ozeane) auf geophysikalischer
Grundlage" ["The geophysical basis of the evolution of large-
scale features of the earth's crust"] before the Geological
Association of Frankfurt am Main. It will be expanded in 1915
into "Die Entstehung der Kontinente und Ozeane" ["The Origin of
Continents and Oceans"], the first comprehensive account of the
theory of continental drift. On this day in 1930, his fiftieth
birthday, while on an expedition to Greenland, Wegener will
leave his base camp for the western coast and will not be seen
again.
Today in the Historical Sciences is a feature of Darwin-L, an
international network discussion group on the history and theory
of the historical sciences. Send the message INFO DARWIN-L to
listserv@raven.cc.ukans.edu or connect to the Darwin-L Web
Server (http://rjohara.uncg.edu) for more information.
(BEN # 148 2-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
UPROAR ON THE LICHENS-L DISCUSSION LIST AND REQUEST FOR SUPPORT
From: "Professor David Richardson, Dean of Science"
<DRICHARD@Science.stmarys.ca>
I received a note from Sylvia Sharnoff thanking me and others in
the lichen discussion group for help on her National Geographic
article. She asked me whether we could give her some more and
urgent help. As many of you know Steve and Sylvia Sharnoff are
collaborating with Ernie Brodo to produce a richly colour-
illustrated book on Lichens of North America.
Sylvia writes:
The Middle Management of the Canadian Museum of Nature
have declared that guidebooks must be fully funded from
outside sources and have forbidden Ernie to finish it
except on his own time. They have also cut contract nego-
tiations with Yale University Press. Ernie will be meeting
the Interim President of the museum Mr Colin Eades on
November 7th. Between now and then we need to generate as
much support as possible.
If you are willing, Please E mail or send a letter of
support to:
Mr Colin Eades <ceades@mus-nature.ca>
fax 613-354-4020
From: "Brodo, Irwin" <IBRODO@MUS-NATURE.CA>
Request for funding for "Lichens of North America"
For the past three and a half years, Irwin M. Brodo of the
Canadian Museum of Nature (CMN) has been working with California
photographer/lichenologists Steve and Sylvia Sharnoff on a
popular, illustrated guide to the lichens of North America. The
plan is to produce a treatment of 790 illustrated macro- and
microlichens, with comparative notes on many others. Descrip-
tions, keys and distribution maps would be provided for each
illustrated species. Introductory chapters would cover morphol-
ogy, chemistry, phytogeography, uses, methods for lichen study,
and basic classification.
The CMN policy regarding the production of guidebooks, requires
researchers to completely fund such projects from outside
sources to cover all operational and labour costs (i.e., includ-
ing salaries of all staff working on the book). In the case of
the "Lichens of North America" project, the remaining work is
estimated to cost CAN$53,540 (ca. US$40,000). Work on the book
may not proceed until the complete funding is in place.
At this point, all the photography has been completed and the
photographs selected. The introductory chapters are in 1st draft
stage (130 pages). Species treatments are complete for 219
species, and the writing of keys has begun. Data for almost all
the distribution maps have been gathered, and final maps have
been drawn for ca. 260 species. It is estimated that about nine
months of additional work is needed to complete the manuscript.
Donors or supporters will, of course, be acknowledged in the
book. Anyone knowing of potential sources of funding is urged to
contact the museum's Grants Officer, Ms. Martha Johnson,
Canadian Museum of Nature, P.O. Box 3443, Station 'D', Ottawa,
Ontario K1P 6P4, with a copy to Irwin Brodo, Research Division,
at the same address.
From: Darrell Wright <dwright@emf.net>
Lichen students the world over are groaning at the decision of
the Canadian Museum of Nature to withdraw support for Dr.
Brodo's efforts to bring The Lichens of North America book to
publication. It is particularly needed at this time as a tool
for conservationists who, with the help of excellent materials
like this, will eventually be able to obtain regulatory protec-
tion for these remarkable organisms. It would be a first class
tribute to the Canadian Museum of Nature to help with its publi-
cation. Please ensure that the Museum supports this effort.
Darrell Wright
Bulletin of the California Lichen Society
(BEN # 148 2-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
THE OLDEST LIVING PLANT INDIVIDUAL
From: Rene Vaillancourt <R.Vaillancourt@plant.utas.edu.au>
[Several people forwarded me a Reuter article "Australian
Shrub Could be Oldest Life" and asked me to post it on
BEN. I found that this newspaper article was based on a
presentation given by Dr. Rene Vaillancourt et al. (1996)
at the Proteaceae Symposium in Melbourne, Australia. Dr.
Vaillancourt kindly sent me the following note for posting
on BEN. - AC]
A team of scientist working at the Plant Science Department,
University of Tasmania and Parks and Wildlife Service, Depart-
ment of Environment and Land Management, Tasmania (Jasmyn Lynch,
Jayne Balmer, Dr. Greg Jordan, Dr. Jocelyne Cambecedes, Richard
Barnes, and Dr. Rene Vaillancourt) have discovered the oldest
living plant individual known to date.
Lomatia tasmanica (common name King's Holly), which is a member
of the Proteaceae family, is known by only one population which
is located in the World Heritage area of South west Tasmania,
Australia. It grows along creek gullies in remnant rain-forest.
An isozyme analysis found that it possessed zero genetic diver-
sity (all living plants of the species are exactly the same). On
the other hand, a closely related species (Lomatia tinctoria)
which also propagates vegetatively had a normal level of genetic
diversity. Chromosome counts revealed that Lomatia tasmanica had
a triploid chromosome number and this genetic information ex-
plains the observations that L. tasmanica appears to be sterile
(it flowers but never forms mature fruits), and shows little
morphological variability. This evidence strongly suggests that
the entire species is a single clone that propagates vegeta-
tively.
The L. tasmanica clone (spanning 1.2 km) is the second longest
in the world after the box-huckleberry clone (Gaylussacia
brachycera) in North America (Pennsylvania) which is reported to
be 2 km in length. A clone of this size must be very old.
Indeed, under the cold climate of South-west Tasmania, vegeta-
tive propagation is likely to be very slow.
Fortunately, fossil leaf fragments, identical to living L.
tasmanica were found in a fossil deposit 8.5 km of the extant
population. These permit a more precise age estimate. These
fossils have a 14C age of 43,600 years. The oldest reported
plant clone is the box-huckleberry which was aged at 13,000
years (Wherry 1972). The oldest living tree is believed to be a
bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) in Arizona which has been
dated using dendrochronology at 4,700 years. Lomatia tasmanica
appears to be the oldest living plant individual known to date.
A manuscript that details all the analysis has been submitted to
the Australian Journal of Botany.
Literature cited and further reading:
Cook, R. E. (1983). Clonal plant populations. American Scientist
71, 244-253.
Vaillancourt, R.E., G. Jordan, J. Cambacedes and A. J. J. Lynch.
1996. Is Lomatia tasmanica a 43,000 year old clone? Presented
at the Royal Botanical Gardens Commemorative Conference,
Proteaceae Symposium, Sept. 29-Oct. 5. Melbourne, Vic.
Wherry, E. T. (1972). Box-huckleberry as the oldest living
protoplasm. Castanea 37, 94-95.
(BEN # 149 8-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
RE: UPROAR ON THE LICHENS-L DISCUSSION LIST - FAX NO. CORRECTION
From: Sylvia Duran Sharnoff <sylvia@idiom.com> on
lichens-l@hawaii.edu
Many people have been having trouble getting through to Colin
Eades' fax number at the Canadian Museum of Nature. There seems
to have been something wrong with the phone line. As of today,
Tuesday, Nov. 5, there is a working number:
(613) 364-4022
Irwin Brodo's meeting with Colin Eades has been postponed until
Nov. 18, so there is more time to get messages to Eades. Please
keep more coming!
(BEN # 149 8-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
NEW PUBLICATIONS
Coe, Sophie D. & Michael D. Coe. 1996. THE TRUE HISTORY OF
CHOCOLATE. Thames & Hudson, Inc., New York. 280 p. ISBN 0-
500-01693-3 [hard cover] Price US$27.50
Dr. Sophie Dobzhansky Coe (daughter of the well-known
geneticist Theodosius Dobzhansky) started to work on this
history of chocolate and cacao in about 1988, spent numerous
hours in various libraries, and collected a lot of original
material. After her death of cancer in May 1994, her husband
Prof. Michael Coe, an anthropologist specializing in
Mesoamerican research, finished the book and prepared it for
publication. Following a thread of Cacao Tree through history
you will learn about Maya and Aztec culture, go through the
Spanish conquest of Central America, and explore the choco-
late conquest of Europe. This book is a work of love, not
only the love of chocolate, but primarily the love of his-
tory, life, and of a deceased spouse. Even if you don't like
chocolate, this book is a feast. I could not find any mention
of Carob, although the authors listed other substances (such
as ground bricks) as cacao substitutes. Address of the pub-
lisher: Thames and Hudson, 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY
10110.
Brayshaw, T.C. 1996. TREES AND SHRUBS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA. Royal
British Columbia Museum Handbook. University of British
Columbia Press & Royal B.C. Museum, Vancouver - Victoria. 374
p. ISBN 0-7748-0564-1 [soft cover] Price CND $24.95
This book deals with about 300 species of trees and shrubs
both native and escaped from cultivation that occur in
British Columbia. All the species are illustrated with
author's own excellent line drawings of branches (or whole
plants) with leaves, flowers and fruits. Important iden-
tification characters are also illustrated in detail, and
this, together with good (indented) keys helps to reliably
identify the plants. There are 76 plates of plants together
with 3 plates explaining morphological terms. The arrangement
of plants on plates, however, dictated the order of genera
within families and the order of species within genera.
Descriptions of closely related species are sometime far
apart, if their illustrations fell to two different plates
(e.g., Vaccinium ovalifolium and V. alaskaense). Once you
know this, you can get through the book faster, but it took
me a while before I understood the strange sequence (neither
alphabetic, nor phylogenetic). You can order the book
directly from the UBC Press (phone 604-822-3259, Fax 1-800-
668-0821, e-mail orders@ubcpress.ubc.ca), and of course, in
Victoria, you can get it from the Royal B.C. Museum gift shop
or from The Field-Naturalist.
Cannings, R. & S. Cannings. 1996. BRITISH COLUMBIA: A NATURAL
HISTORY. Graystone Books, Vancouver. 310 p. ISBN 1-55054-497-
7 [hard cover] Price CND$45.00
Some time ago I admired a book on natural history of Alberta
and I wished British Columbia would have a similar treatment.
Richard and Syd Cannings came with this fine summary. The
first chapters deal with geology, oceanography, glaciation,
and post-glacial history of the Province, and establish a
framework for description of its major ecological regions.
The book is richly illustrated with great photographs and
line drawings, the text is well balanced (you will recognize,
but forget that the Cannings brothers are zoologists!) and
the general text is accompanied with numerous "boxes"
describing and illustrating various interesting special
aspects of our natural history. Address of the publisher:
Graystone Books, Division of Douglas & McIntyre Ltd., 1615
Venables Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5L 2H1
Davis, Wade. 1996. ONE RIVER: EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES IN
THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST. Simon & Schuster, New York. 537 p.
ISBN 0-684-80886-2 [hard cover] Price US$27.50
This book is a fascinating account of ethnobotanical studies
done in South America by Prof. Richard E. Schultes and his
students (namely the late Tim Plowman). ONLY IN VICTORIA:
Wade Davis will talk here on November 25, in the Crystal
Garden at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($5.00 or no charge if you buy a
book) in the Munro Books and possibly some other bookstores.
Adams, Scott. 1996. THE DILBERT PRINCIPLE. HarperCollins Pub-
lishers, Inc. New York. 336 p. ISBN 0-88730-787-6 [hard
cover] Price $20.00
Scott Adams is the creator of "Dilbert" - a cartoon serial
that is syndicated in many North American newspapers and
highly valued for its true reflections of corporate America.
Compared with the Parkinson's Law or Peter Principle, Adams
does not try to find how the corporations and similar systems
work; he is a passive observer of modern management
processes, such as downsizing, rightsizing, flattening, and
creating quality teams. He does not analyze their functions,
but only shows the reader what is the accepted norm in the
modern management (or managerial?) practices. It's not
without interest that shortly after the publication of "Dil-
bert Principle" the Government of British Columbia launched
its Blitz reorganization in order to get even closer to the
norms described in the book.
(BEN # 149 8-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
J.E. (TED) UNDERHILL - CHANGING OF THE GUARD
From: Kerry Joy <kjoy@galaxy.gov.bc.ca>
J.E. (Ted) Underhill died at the beginning of November in Vic-
toria at age 77. Ted worked in British Columbia Parks as the
first park's naturalist from 1958 to 1982. He researched and
built many of the fine displays presented to park visitors in
nature houses throughout the park system. Many of those displays
live on in concept form and are still on display today. His
seemingly unlimited enthusiasm, innovation, and energy inspired
many others to provide British Columbia Parks with fresh ideas
for interpretation programs, signs, and brochures. In his spare
time, Ted wrote many popular books on natural history,
wildflower and mushroom identification, and wine making. These
were illustrated with his own photos, drawings and paintings.
Many of the interpretation pamphlets B.C. Parks produces for
public use today were originally written and illustrated by Ted.
(BEN # 150 22-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
GRADE 3 PROJECT: MOSS ON TREES - CORRECTION [BEN # 147]
From: Rachel c/o Robyn Ryman <ryman@interlog.com>
I am amazed to see that I am part of your Newsletter. The prin-
cipal of my school and my teacher thought it was very cool too!
My Mummy said to tell you that the URL is not quite correct as
you missed out our school's name. Here is the correct one:
http://www.interlog.com/~rosedale/moss.htm
(BEN # 150 22-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
BRITISH COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT WORRIED ABOUT OUR FORESTS IN 1937
From: Official Bulletin of the Society for Preservation of
Native Plants of British Columbia, 5(1937): 4-5.
(The following segment is selected from statements made by the
Chief Forester to the Forestry Committee, XIXth Session of the
British Columbia Legislature, November 3, 1937)
Present conditions are a definite menace to the future of:
(1) Our recreational interests
(2) Our forest industries
1. The TOURIST TRADE is important, and to maintain it satisfac-
torily, forest cover must be maintained to meet the requirements
of the HUNTER, the FISHERMAN and the man who delights merely to
CAMP and regain his health in God's great outdoors.
"When the land along the banks of the stream is denuded of
timber, the moisture is not held in the ground and in the
streams throughout the year, which condition causes many
of the valuable fisheries' streams to dry up in the hot
summer months." (Major Motherwell, Chief Supervisor of
Fisheries)
"It is a well-known fact that where an area has been
logged off and no suitable cover is provided for the game,
there is very little possibility of obtaining or seeing
game in such logged-off areas until the second growth
appears." (Mr. R.F. Butler, Game Commission)
2. FOREST INDUSTRIES: Today the South Coast region of B.C.
supplies 55% of the total lumber production in Canada; last year
the lumber was worth 36 million dollars.
With only 3% of the area of British Columbia tillable; with her
small population; with her greatest manufacturing industry
dependent upon forest products, - will she realize before it is
too late that there is only one course open to her? She has no
other choice than to manage her forests.
Our Economic Council finds that out of every dollar now circu-
lated in the Province by our primary industries, including all
our manufacturing, 37 cents is derived from forest resources.
Note:
(a) Our great Douglas fir lumber industry will be definitely on
the down grade within fifteen years at the present rate of
cutting.
(b) There are 1.5 million acres of logged-over land in the Coast
District, at least half of which are leaving to our children
in a barren or only semi-productive condition.
(c) Probably 60% of the areas being logged under present condi-
tions will remain barren or unsatisfactorily stocked for a
long time. If we permit this piling up of barren areas, the
province is going to suffer serious economic and social
damage.
(d) We are now losing a million dollars a year in labour on logs
exported, over which we have no control.
Forest policy:
In 1910 the Royal Commission of Forestry found that "there must
be exercised a firm control over methods under which the present
crop is removed."
To date, little control has been exercised over logging on the
coast. The application of this finding to present day logging
operations means that British Columbia must make up her mind
where private privileges end and obligations commence.
The question at issue is simply this: where the public interest
is so greatly involved, has the logger the right to remove his
timber in such a manner as to destroy the chances of the new
crop on the land for decades to come?
Mr. H.R. MacMillan, first Chief Forester of this Province, now
one of the Province's leading lumbermen, said in public this
year:
"We have not yet taken steps to ensue the permanency of
our forest industries ..."
"The adoption of forest policies adequate to maintain
employment is as important as the setting up of social
services ..."
"We should have a forest policy and put it quickly before
the public, clearly, forcibly, constantly."
(BEN # 150 22-November-1996)
------------------------------------------
NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA [BEN # 144]
From: Diane Gertzen <dlgertze@mfor01.for.gov.bc.ca>
A membership meeting of the NPSBC Native Plant Society of
British Columbia was held in Kamloops on Saturday, November 23,
1996. In spite of weather warnings and road conditions, 140
persons attended the meeting at the University College of the
Cariboo. Participants represented a cross section of those
interested in Native Plants from amateur botanists to profes-
sionals in various aspects of plant endeavours. This year of
note was the attendance of students from the University College
of the Cariboo, University of Victoria and Institute of Urban
Ecology at Douglas College in New Westminster.
Presentations in the morning included: Biodiversity & native
grasslands by Don Gayton, Food for Thought by Mary Thomas,
Amateur Botanists in BC by Adolf Ceska, Native Plants as Or-
namentals by Wilf Nicholls, Revegetation by Tom Wells and Urban
Landscaping by Ross Waddell. The program was varied and well
received by the audience.
The afternoon break-out sessions were biodiversity and research,
ethical use guidelines, communication and education and First
Nations perspective. Each group had active participation from
the membership and an outline of future objectives and initia-
tives were presented to the assembled group after coffee.
The group decided that the First Annual General Meeting of NPSBC
Native Plant Society of British Columbia would be held in con-
junction with the Native Vegetation Symposium in Victoria on
Sunday, March 9, 1997.
New members are welcome at any time and follow up committees
of the break-out sessions will continue to provide input to
the Society. For more information on the NPSBC Native Plant
Society of BC please contact: Wilf Nicholls 1-604-822- 4188,
Tom Wells 1-604-528-7897, Carolyn Jones 1-604-257-8659 or Adolf
Ceska 1-250-356-7855.
Diane Gertzen
Nursery Extension Services
14275-96 Ave.
Surrey, B.C. V3V- 7Z2
Ph. 1-604-930-3309, Fax 1-604-775-1288
Membership (December 5, 1996)
Individual members 126
Associate members 29
Corporate members 8
(BEN # 151 13-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
CLASSIFICATION OF NATURAL FORESTS OF COASTAL BRITISH COLUMBIA
Klinka, K., H. Qian, J. Pojar & D.V. Meidinger. 1996.
Classification of natural forest communities of coastal
British Columbia. Vegetatio 125: 149-168.
Abstract. In comparison to countries with a tradition of vegeta-
tion studies, a comprehensive, hierarchical classification of
plant communities in the province of British Columbis has not
yet been developed. Such a classification is needed for sys-
tematic ecological studies and coordinated conservation of
vegetation. As the culmination of fifty years of detailed sur-
veys, tabular and multivariate analyses of 3779 releves of
natural, old-growth, submontane, montane and subalpine forest
communities in coastal British Columbia were used to developed a
hierarchy of vegetation units according to the Braun-Blanquet
approach. At the highest level, we distinguished seven orders:
Quercus garryana, Pseudotsuga menziesii-Mahonia nervosa, Tsuga
heterophylla-Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Tsuga mertensiana, Tsuga
plicata-Tiarella trifoliata, Populus trichocarpa, and Pinus
contorta-Sphagnum. Diagnostic table, ordination, and climatic
and edaphic regimes were used to show floristic affinities among
the orders and to interpret their relationships to regional
environmental gradients. Plant communities of each order were
briefly characterized by their floristic composition, physiog-
nomy, succession, and environment. The synopsis for all
delineated vegetation units (order, suborder, alliance, and
association) of coastal British Columbia is included.
(BEN # 151 13-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
TREE DECLINE AND LEAF COLOR CHANGE IN JAPAN
From: Hisao Fujii <fujiihi@ffpri.affrc.go.jp>
[This note was originally published in Transactions of the
Japanese Forestry Society, No.105, 417-422,423-428, No.106,389-
390 (in Japanese with no English abstract) and kindly submitted
to BEN by Dr. Fujii. - AC]
In Japan, the health of tree foliage has been decreasing for
more than 20 years. In conifers, major leaf color changes have
become even more obvious in last several years.
The foliage decrease (tree-top dieback or leaf loss of the
overall foliage) of conifers and others have been observed in
lowlands on Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese red cedar),
Chamaecyparis obtusa (hinoki cypress), Chamaecyparis pisifera
(sawara cypress) and many other species, which are important
silvicultural species of Japan. The decline is also observed in
the montane and sub-alpine zones on Abies firma, Abies mariesii,
Tsuga diversifolia. Deciduous tress, such as Fagus crenata or
Betula ermanii, sometimes die due to defoliation.
In the lowlands, the leaf color changes have been also observed,
mainly in conifers such as Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis
obtusa, Chamaecyparis pisifera, etc. In Cryptomeria japonica, it
is the stomatal zone of old leaves and its adjacent zone that is
usually damaged, and turns brown. In Chamaecyparis, a yellowing
of the old leaves is observed, and in some cases, a grey fungus
colonizes old leaves. Some parts of new leaves are also par-
tially damaged. Mites and scales can also accelerate the damage.
In 1993, about 60% of Cryptomeria's previous year's leaf area,
on the average (max almost 100%), was damaged in the Kanto area.
Old needles and some new needles of pines (Pinus densiflora and
P. thunbergii) are also damaged. Some evergreen broadleaved
species such as Pieris japonica show symptoms similar to the
conifers in some years.
I conducted a survey of the regional distribution of foliage
decrease in Cryptomeria japonica, and Chamaecyparis, mainly in
the lowland Kanto area (Tokyo and adjacent prefectures). About
30% of the foliage in these conifers was lost, on the average,
in stand-alone trees, and trees in the stands have also
declined. The decline occurred is areas with high concentration
of secondary pollutants (acid deposits), though the site-to-site
dispersion was very large and the correlation coefficients were
small. Shallow rooted species (such as Chamaecyparis) tend to
decline more and this may indicate that the main cause of the
decline is the accumulation of acid deposits in the soil.
My research on the regional distribution of the leaf damage,
mainly in the Kanto area, showed that the damage is correlated
with both primary pollutants (SO2, NO2, SPM) and secondary
pollutants (oxidants or acid substances of SO4, NO3). The leaf
damage also becomes heavier near the roads, and is less
pronounced in sheltered areas. From these observations I con-
clude that the damage is caused by air pollutants and acid
deposits.
I suppose the main cause of the foliage damage in lowland Japan
is the acidification of soils with the consequent release of
phytotoxic aluminium and I have started to study the fate of
mobile toxic aluminium in soils.
Hisao Fujii <fujiihi@ffpri.affrc.go.jp>
Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute
Ibaraki, Japan TEL 0298-73-3211(ext475)
[Dr. Josef Rusek reported his observations of a dramatic drop in
pH of soils in the High Tatra Mountains, Slovakia: Rusek, J.
1993. Air-pollution-mediated changes in alpine ecosystems and
ecotones. Ecological Applications, 3(3): 409-416. - AC]
(BEN # 151 13-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT - GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT IN OREGON
From: Mark Sytsma <MARK@sbii.sb2.pdx.edu> originally posted on
pacific-biosnet@listproc.wsu.edu
Potential graduate student support for aquatic vegetation re-
search and management is available at Portland State University.
Students interested in the biology and management of aquatic
plants may contact Dr. Mark Sytsma (systmam@pdx.edu). For infor-
mation on graduate programs at PSU see the following homepages:
http://www.clas.pdx.edu/biology/index.html
http://www.esr.pdx.edu/environ/index.html
Dr. Mark Sytsma
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207
503-725-3833; 503-725-3888 (fax)
(BEN # 151 13-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
KOELTZ SCIENTIFIC BOOKS - WEB HOMEPAGE
From: Adolf Ceska <aceska@freenet.victoria.bc.ca>
The North American branch of the Koeltz Scientific Books has
been closed because of disagreement between their main office in
Germany and the North American partner, Dr. Pamela Burns-Balogh.
In October 1996 the Koeltz Scientific Books, Koenigstein, Ger-
many established their own web site at the following address:
http://www.koeltz.com
All the book data are available on line and on-line ordering has
been made quite easy. Any catalogue can be selected and
downloaded to the customer's own computer. Customers may pay
with credit cards (VISA, American Express, Access, Mastercard,
Eurocard, but not Diners).
The Koeltz Scientific Books have an agreement with
Lubrecht & Cramer, Booksellers & Publishers
P.O.Box 3110, Port Jervis, NY 12771/USA
Fax 914-856- 5990
to sell books published by the Koeltz Scientific Books. The
Lubrecht & Cramer Booksellers stock all recent IAPT (Interna-
tional Association for Plant Taxonomy) publications, and they
will also allow the IAPT discount to IAPT-members, which is 20%
for private members.
The address of the Koeltz Scientifc Books in Germany is
Koeltz Scientific Books
P.O.Box 1360
D - 61453 Koenigstein / Germany
Fax: (+49) 6174 937240 / Phone: (+49) 6174 93720
E-mail: koeltz@ibm.net
WWW: http://www.koeltz.com
P.S. The former partner of the Koeltz Scientific Books in North
America, Dr. Pamela Burns-Balogh is continuing her own booksel-
ler business, Balogh Scientific Books. Their address is:
Dr. Pamela Burns-Balogh <balogh@balogh.com>
Balogh Scientific Books http://www.balogh.com//
phone: +1 217 355 9331 fax: +1 217 355 9413
(BEN # 151 13-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Many thanks to all of you who contributed to BEN with your
articles in 1996. I browsed through all thirty (or so) issues of
BEN 1996 and was surprised how many different topics were
covered. Thank you, Alwynne, Art, Bruce, Bill, Charles, Craig,
Diane, Frank, Hans, Hisao, Hugues, Ingolf, Jan, Jenifer, Jim,
Kathy, Kerry, Mary, Rachel, Rene, Suspa, Tara (still married, I
hope), Thor, Toby, Tom, Trevor, Wilf, etc., for your contribu-
tions. I was glad that in most cases I acted as a moderator, not
as an editor. I would like to thank all of you who read BEN
regularly, and I think it is now too late to thank all of those
who delete BEN as soon as they get it. I would like to wish all
of you happy and successful new year 1997.
(BEN # 152 26-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
WHO WAS CASSANDRA ?
The following message sneaked through my BEN mailing system:
> Could someone please tell me the name of the Greek mythical
> character who displeased Zeus and whose consequent punishment
> was that s/he would always predict future events correctly,
> but no one would believe him/her?
> ...
> Sizwe Cawe [South Africa]
The first correct answer came from Roger Whitehead, Director,
Office Futures, Oxted, UK:
Cassandra, daughter of King Priam of Troy. It was Apollo, in the
guise of Loxias, the god of prophecy, whom she upset. He gave
her the gift of prophecy to win her over but she spurned him
(she obviously didn't see a tall, handsome stranger in _her_
future!), so he arranged for her always to be disbelieved.
Such good losers those Greek gods. 8-)
Roger
[Cassandra had a bad luck in botany too: the name Cassandra
seems to be a mere synonym of the genus Chamaedaphne
(Ericaceae/Vacciniaceae). - AC]
(BEN # 152 26-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
WESTERN AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT SOCIETY CONFERENCE
From: Hamel, Kathy <KHAM461@ecy.wa.gov> originally on
pacific-biosnet@listproc.wsu.edu
The conference will be held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in
downtown Seattle on March 27 and 28th. The morning of the 27
(Thursday), we will be holding a Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa)
symposium. The afternoon of the 27th and the morning of the
28th, we'll have our regular paper session. Papers are short--15
minutes with 5 minutes for questions. Anything having to do with
aquatic plants and their management are accepted.
Registration costs are low $35-$40. We have a reception with
"finger food" on Thursday evening and I have found that this
makes a good dinner and gives everybody a chance to meet and
talk. Conferences usually end about 2:00 so that people can make
plane connections or drive home.
If you would like more information, or "call for papers" an-
nouncement, please reply to this E-mail or call me at (360) 407-
6562. Thanks Kathy
(BEN # 152 26-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
ALASKA RARE PLANT WORKING GROUP MEETING - APRIL 1997
From: Mary Stensvold / Don Muller <ping@ptialaska.net>
The Alaska Rare Plant Working Group will hold its annual spring
meeting from April 2 through 4 at the Chugach National Forest
3rd floor Conference room in Anchorage.
The Alaska Rare Plant Working Group is soliciting agenda items.
Agenda items could include the results of your 1996 field work,
descriptions of your 1996 field trips, proposals for 1997 field
work, presentations describing ongoing plant work, or any topic
that would be of interest to the group. If you would like to
give a presentation, please send a general description of your
presentation and its approximate length to Debbie Blank - Dis-
trict Botanist, Bureau of Land Management; 6881 Abbott Loop
Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99502 (phone, 907-267-1227, fax 907-267-
1267, e-mail DBlank@AK.Blm.Gov). The final agenda will be sent
out during the middle of March.
(BEN # 152 26-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
WILDNET RESURRECTED!
From: "Woodsworth,Eric [Sas]" <Eric.Woodsworth@EC.GC.CA>
Believe it or not, it has happened! Wildnet is back on line
after taking a rest for a year. A lot has happened on the Inter-
net in a year, and mailing lists are quickly being overtaken by
other vehicles like web sites. However I don't mind providing
this forum and contributing to it, for the original purposes.
The Wildnet electronic mailing list was established in 1987 for
the exchange of ideas, questions, and solutions in the area of
fisheries and wildlife computing and statistics. Possibilities
include reviews of literature, reports on conferences, questions
on experimental design and analysis, field techniques, relevant
hardware, software, databases, discussions on geographic infor-
mation systems, biological information management, and so on.
To subscribe WILDNET, send
subscribe WILDNET
to
majordomo@desoto.wxe.sk.ec.gc.ca
(BEN # 152 26-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
BIODIVERSITY AND COFFEE IN LATIN AMERICA
From: Bart Sbeghen (Originally in the Biological Conservation
Newsletter, No. 161, Nov. 1996, distributed on CONSLINK and
edited by Jane Villa-Lobos <mnhbo019@sivm.si.edu>)
Fall is upon us and fair weather birds of the United States are
leaving in droves for Mexico and Central America in search of a
patch of forest in which to sit out the harsh winter until the
next breeding season. Unfortunately less and less forest awaits
them every year due to clearing. As little as ten percent of the
original forest cover remains in some Latin American countries,
so many birds have sought refuge in the next best thing: coffee
farms. Traditional coffee farms to be more exact.
In traditional coffee farms the shade-tolerant coffee shrubs are
grown beneath a canopy of native forest trees intermingled with
fruit trees (tangerines, avocados, bananas, plantains, lemons)
and other plants. A wide range of migratory birds such as
tanagers, orioles, warblers, and vireos as well as year-round
residents such as parrots, toucans, trogons and woodpeckers (few
of which actually eat coffee berries) find this environment
attractive. And little wonder as the multilayered ecosystems
that result resemble pseudo-forests with coffee shrubs as the
understory, fruit trees at the middle level and native hardwoods
such as Mexican cedar as the canopy. This structural diversity
is linked, as it often is, to species diversity in animals such
as birds, invertebrates and mammals. The number of bird species
supported by traditional coffee farms is sometimes only exceeded
in undisturbed tropical forests.
The ecologically diverse coffee farms also benefit farmers
economically by providing a variety of products for local con-
sumption and for sale, plus some insurance if coffee prices are
low. Costs for the farmers are reduced too as the virtually
self-sustaining ecosystems require little or no pesticides,
fungicides, irrigation or fertilizers. These are supplanted by
such phenomena as natural predation of insects by the diverse
animal life, a mulching leaf litter that reduces evaporation,
erosion and weed growth and a protective canopy that buffers
against drying winds and eroding rain.
Despite these advantages these seemingly safe havens are becom-
ing scarce as many farmers convert to modernized coffee farms.
This process started in the early 1970s as coffee farmers began
to adopt modern methods that relied on new, high yield, densely
packed coffee plants. These dwarf plants are usually grown in
evenly spaced rows in full sun, nurtured with fertilizers and
protected against attack by an array of insecticides, herbicides
and fungicides. The higher density of plantings and use of
fertilizers results in up to four times the production per land
area of traditional farms.
Seduced by the higher yields and, initially at least, protection
against a fungal pest known as leaf rust, many farmers willingly
dismantled their traditional farms along with the overstory and
replanted modern, full sun coffee plant varieties. At the same
time they exposed bare soils to rain, sun and wind. The results
have been increased erosion, polluted run-off, a substantial
reduction in wildlife habitat, and increased exposure of workers
to hazardous chemicals. These modern "technified" farms repor-
tedly suffer significantly more soil erosion than farms with
shade trees, especially on steep slopes where coffee is commonly
grown in Latin America.
Overall, the conversion from shade to full sun coffee renders
coffee farms as useless for wildlife as other tropical monocul-
tures and mimics the agricultural transformation that has oc-
curred in the production of other crops such as corn, rice and
wheat.
Perhaps one way to assure the prosperity of traditional coffee
farms and the biodiversity they support is to develop a market
for the type of coffee they produce. If shade or bird- friendly
coffee could be distinguished from coffee from technified non-
shade farms (and this is easier said than done as there is a
continuous graduation of degrees of shade) then consumers may be
willing to pay a premium for it. This could negate the impetus
for farmers to switch to full sun coffee with its higher produc-
tion levels.
Several advocates of shade and organic coffee production methods
such as the Organic Crop Improvement Association Inc. and the
Rainforest Alliance are attempting to provide some type of
classification system to allow this to happen. They were among
the co-sponsors of the first Sustainable Coffee Congress or-
ganized by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center held in
Washington, D.C. in September. The hope is that one day buying
"shade coffee" will be like buying dolphin-free tuna.
For more information on the Congress or the Migratory Bird
Center, contact: Russell Greenberg, Director, Smithsonian
Migratory Bird Center, National Zoological Park, 3000 Block of
Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008; Tel.: (202) 673-
4908; Fax: (202) 673-4916.
(BEN # 152 26-December-1996)
------------------------------------------
DR. WEBER WAS ORDERED TO MOVE OUT OF THE HERBARIUM HE BUILT
From: Adolf Ceska <aceska@freenet.victoria.bc.ca>
I learned a very disturbing news that Dr. Bill Weber was ordered
to move out from the Herbarium of the University of Colorado
Museum in Boulder, Colorado. Today, January 9, 1997, was the
deadline given to him by the Herbarium Curator Dr. Tom Ranker.
BEN readers know Dr. Weber from his "diatribe" (his own words!)
on vernacular names in botany [BEN # 109], historical notes, and
they read his ideas on voucher collections and databases in
herbaria. He was and is a botanical giant, equally good in
vascular plants as in bryophytes or lichens. I wonder how many
of us have turned to him with questions, problems and discus-
sions; we always got a clear, nice, and very professional
answer. His Flora of Colorado [BEN # 134] is a landmark in
botany of western North America. If you meet Dr. Weber you are
overwhelmed by his encyclopedic knowledge.
It would be a great honour for any botanical institution to have
Dr. Bill Weber working there as a volunteer. The University of
Colorado Herbarium in Boulder (COLO) is a very special place to
him: he built it and has worked there for more than fifty years.
Recently, Dr. Weber is working on several manuscripts on the
history of Colorado botany, as well as on treatments of two
genera of bryophytes, and three genera of vascular plants for
the Flora of North America. The expulsion is quite a setback to
him. After he leaves the herbarium, he will be able to enter the
herbarium only during the working hours (no work on weekends or
holidays as he used to do), and won't be able to use the copy
machine or the phone.
This decision came in the worst possible time: Dr. Weber's wife
of 56 years died on November 17, 1996.
Is there any way to wake up the institution and tell them that
they are doing a grave mistake? I don't know, but try to write
to the Director of the University of Colorado Museum. The ad-
dress is:
Dr. Linda S. Cordell, Director, University of Colorado Museum
Campus Box 218, Boulder, CO 80309
e-mail: Linda.Cordell@Colorado.EDU phone: (303) 492-0666.
I know that BEN readers appreciated Dr. Weber's contributions
and I wish for many more to come. - Adolf Ceska
(BEN # 153 9-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
BIODIVERSITY MEASUREMENT - 1ST ANNUAL MEETING - VANCOUVER, B.C.
From: johnbro@raven.bc.ca
A Strategy for Measuring Biodiversity in British Columbia's
Forests
We have: habitat fragmentation and loss; species extirpation and
extinction; genetic erosion and loss of flexibility to cope with
future change; and ethical, aesthetic, moral and economic
reasons for concern.
We need measures of biodiversity to quantify the extent of
change. The objective is to hold a workshop bringing together
practitioners and theoreticians working on biodiversity measure-
ment. A strategy document will be produced from the proceedings
of the workshop which can guide biodiversity assessment initia-
tives.
Who: Dr. Gene Namkoong, Chair of Department of Forest Science at
UBC is Project Leader. Other Principal Investigators at UBC
are Drs. Geoff Scudder, Jamie Smith and Fred Bunnell.
Why: There is a need for development of a common understanding
on optimal measures of biodiversity, identification of the
institutions engaged in biodiversity assessment, and iden-
tification of institution strengthening (training, facility
development and recurrent budgets) necessary to enable ap-
propriate measurement of biodiversity of British Columbia
forests.
When: A two day workshop will be held Wednesday and Thursday 19
& 20 February 1997
Where: The meeting will be held at the University of British
Columbia in Vancouver B.C.
Who should attend: Those in the province who are measuring
biodiversity and those who are contemplating doing so.
Contact: Drs. Jean Brouard and Sally John, Isabella Point
Forestry Consultants, 670 Isabella Point Road, Salt Spring
Island, B.C. V8K 1V2 Phone: (250) 653-2335, Fax: (250) 653-
2338, e-mail: johnbro@raven.bc.ca
(BEN # 153 9-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
SISKIYOU ECOLOGY CONFERENCE
From: Erik Jules <ejules@biology.lsa.umich.edu> originally
posted on ECOLOG-L <ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU>
The First Conference on Siskiyou Ecology will be held on May 30
- June 1, 1997 in Cave Junction, Oregon. The conference will
include presentations on a broad spectrum of topics, including
past and current research on regional flora and fauna, the
botanical significance of the area, unique geological features,
and historical changes influencing the integrity of the region.
Keynote speakers will include Dr. Art Kruckeberg of the Univer-
sity of Washington, and Dr. Frank Lang of Southern Oregon State
College. We encourage anyone interested in presenting talks or
posters at the conference to send an abstract of 300 words or
less by March 1, 1997. Send abstracts and/or requests for
registration information to: attn: Jennifer Beigel and Erik
Jules, Conference on Siskiyou Ecology, c/o SREP, P.O. Box 220,
Cave Junction, OR 97523, or e-mail: ejules@umich.edu. The con-
ference is sponsored by the Siskiyou Regional Education Project,
Southern Oregon State College Biology Department, and the Oregon
Caves National Monument.
(BEN # 153 9-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
COLORADO UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATION RE: PROF. W. A. WEBER
In order to resolve the conflicts in the CU Herbarium (which I
have determined actually predate the present curator, and go
beyond individual personality disputes), and to underline the
authority of the Curator of the Herbarium, the CU administration
has agreed to move the office of Emeritus Prof. William Weber to
another Museum facility. The Director of the Museum has made
alternative accommodations, including a computer hook-up, and
assistance of University personnel to move Prof. Weber's office
materials and personal belongings. He retains the same access to
the Herbarium as would be afforded to any other visiting
scholar, and the use of a modest Univesity research account to
support his ongoing scholarship. These space and research
priviledges have been extended to Prof. Weber in recognition not
only of his professional reputation and many contributions to
botany in Colorado, but also because we value his continued
productivity and collaborations.
Carol B. Lynch
Associate Vice Chancellor for Research
and Dean of the Graduate School
Campus Box 26
University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado 80309-0026
(303)492-2890, (303)492-5777(FAX)
(BEN # 154 23-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
NEW BOOK: FLORA OF THE YUKON TERRITORY
Cody, W.J. 1996. Flora of the Yukon Territory. NRC Research
Press, Ottawa. xvii + 643 p. ISBN 0-660-16406-X [Hardcover],
0-660-15898-1 [Softcover]. Cost [CND$ in Canada, US$
elsewhere]: $79.95 [Hardcover], $49.95 [Softcover]. Canadian
customers add 7% GST.
Order from: Subscription Office, NRC Research Press, M-55,
National Research Council Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6
Phone: 613-993-9084, Fax: 613-952-7656
e-mail: research.journals@nrc.ca
web: http://www.nrc.ca/cisti/journals/mgraphs.html
A vast area of the Canadian North has a new Flora. The Yukon
Territory covers about 482.7 square km (about 1+1/3 of Califor-
nia, almost as big as France) and hosts over 1,100 vascular
plant species. W.J. (Bill) Cody, a former Curator of the Vas-
cular Plant Herbarium of the Department of Agriculture in Ottawa
(DAO), started his field work in the Yukon Territory in 1960's
and since 1980 he concentrated his efforts in compiling and
writing this Flora.
This is an important book, and a thorough treatment of Yukon's
flora. It gives keys for identification, and for each species it
provides a detailed description, information on habitat and
distribution. Each species is illustrated and each species is
accompanied with a Yukon distribution map. The layout and typog-
raphy is superb.
The taxonomy employed in this book is conservative in the best
sense of the word. D.F. Murray contributed the treatment of the
genus Papaver, R.J. Bayer the genus Antennaria. The Arabis
treatment follows that of G.A. Mulligan. The author used the
wealth of the largest botanical library in Canada and the book
has an extensive bibliography. Cody recognized several new taxa
previously either not reported from North America or reported
only in footnotes on general distribution in the Russian Arctic
Flora. As an example I would like to point out Potentilla vil-
losula Yurtzev (alpine plants of "Potentilla villosa") that
occurs from Yukon throughout British Columbia to Washington.
The major problem that I had with this Flora was that the author
only rarely refers to the taxonomical works cited in the Bibli-
ography. I would have liked to have had a short note on the
taxonomy or nomenclature of some species or genera. The
references to "further reading" in appropriate places would have
improved the book. Some of the discussion published by W.J. Cody
in his earlier paper (Canadian Field-Naturalist 108: 428-476.
1994) should have been repeated in this book.
In several cases the author avoided the taxonomical discussion
by putting "s.l." behind the species name. This abbreviation
means "sensu lato" (= "in a broad sense") and indicates that
this "species" is a taxonomical complex that needs further
study. If you are a young ambitious botanist, pick up an "s.l."
taxon for your thesis, if you are not so ambitious, dig into the
literature and keep collecting more specimens (in Yukon, though,
you need a collecting permit - see below).
This Flora is a magnificent edition to the North American
botanical literature. Congratulations to Bill Cody, the Canadian
Department of Agriculture (what used to be the Biosystematics
Research Institute), and to the NRC Research Publications
Program!
(BEN # 154 23-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
YUKON COLLECTING PERMITS
From: Bruce Bennett <Bruce.Bennett@ec.gc.ca>
To legally collect within the Yukon you require a Yukon Scien-
tist and Explorer License which can be obtained at no charge
from the Yukon Ministry of Tourism Heritage Branch 211 Hawkins
Street, Whitehorse, Y1A 1X3 attention Jeff Hunston, Director
(403) 668-5363. Anyone from Outside the Territory should apply.
[Erratum posted on BEN # 158:
BEN # 154 - YUKON COLLECTING PERMITS -I made a mistake in phone
number for the collecting permits. It was given as 668-5363
it should be 667-5363. I hope you can distribute the change
with my apology. - Bruce Bennett
End of the Erratum - inserted in the archived file.]
There are no species that have any protection, so anything can
be collected however the license would be passed to Catherine
Kennedy and it the collecting would be occurring on native
lands, the local band councils would also be contacted.
Voucher specimens should be sent to:
Bill Cody
Agriculture Canada
Centre for Land and Biological Resources Branch
Edifice Wm. Saunders Bldg.
C.E.F. Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6
and/or to
Catherine Kennedy
Renewable Resources, YTG
#10 Burns Road
Whitehorse, YT Y1A 4Y9
(403) 668-5407
(BEN # 154 23-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
UNCOVER REVEAL ENHANCEMENT
From: UnCover Reveal <reveal@carl.org>
On January 20, 1997, an enhancement to the UnCover Reveal serv-
ice was released: Books-in-Reveal. This enhancement was created
in partnership with Academic Book Center (AcBC).
Each week, the Books-in-Reveal feature will automatically run
the search terms (both words and names) that you currently have
stored for new articles against new book titles as well. AcBC
will typically be supplying UnCover an average of 600 new titles
each week. E-mail Reveal book alerts will be sent to you for any
matches.
After reviewing the e-mailed book alerts, Reveal users can order
the book(s) by replying to the book alert message. All book
order requests will be forwarded on to Academic Book Center for
fulfillment.
The Books-in-Reveal feature will be made available to Reveal
users at no additional cost. If one of your searches matches,
you will get an e-mail. If no matches are found, no e-mail
messages will be sent.
You may wish to modify or add new search strategies to your
profile to utilize this new feature. If you have any questions,
please contact UnCover by phone (800-787-7979 or 303-758-3030
for callers outside the U.S. and Canada), or by email
(uncover@carl.org).
[To connect with CARL and use the UnCover features, make a
telnet connection to 192.54.81.76 - and follow the menue. You
will be asked to identify your terminal: VT100 works well for my
PC. See also BEN # 75 and # 95 for more on CARL and UnCover
Reveal. - AC]
(BEN # 154 23-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
U.S. NATIONAL LIST OF WETLAND PLANT SPECIES OPEN FOR REVISION
From: "Peter H. Pache" <ppache@zianet.com> originally
posted on ECOLOG-L <ECOLOG-L@UMDD.UMD.EDU> [abbrev.]
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public input and com-
ment on a revised National List of Plant Species That Occur in
Wetlands. A wetland indicator was assigned to each species that
expresses the fidelity to wetlands by region and sub-region.
Copies of the revised National list including its regional
subdivisions are available on February 15, 1997, from the Fish
and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory, Suite 101,
Monroe Building, 9720 Executive Center Drive, St. Petersburg, FL
33702-2440. Electronic copies of the above lists are available
for downloading from the World Wide Web at
http://www.nwi.fws.gov/ecology.htm.
Written comments may be submitted by April 30, 1997 to
Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory,
Suite 101, Monroe Building , 9720 Executive Center Drive,
St. Petersburg, FL 33702-2440
fax: (813) 570-5409
e-mail: ecology@wetlands.nwi.fws.gov
For further information contact: Mr. Porter B. Reed, Jr., Fish
and Wildlife Service, at (813) 570-5425, Dr. Russell Theriot,
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, at (601) 634-2733, Mr. William
Sipple, Environmental Protection Agency, at (202) 260-6066, or
Dr.Norman Melvin, Natural Resources Conservation Service, at
(301) 497-5933.
(BEN # 154 23-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
BOTANY BC, A ROLE MODEL FOR WASHINGTON STATE BOTANISTS
From: AR Kruckeberg <ark@u.washington.edu> originally
printed in Douglasia Winter 1997
A novel botanical gathering occurs annually over the border in
Canada. Novel, indeed, in the waning years of this century, when
botanists now most often gather to share their findings and
techniques from laboratories equipped to probe the mysteries of
DNA molecules and proteins. Rather, Botany BC harks back to the
days when field botany (read, Natural History!) was a common and
respected pursuit. Especially in the study and appreciation of
regional floras is the "gel jock" botanist supplanting the field
botanist. Yet Botany BC is hardly an anachronism; it thrives
each year on the premise that total immersion in one's regional
flora can be fun and an unforgettable learning experience.
From my attendance this summer at a 3-4 day excursion in north
central British Columbia with about thirty women and men of
Botany BC, I learned that its diverse clientele all leave their
appointed tasks in land management, recreation, forestry and
rehabilitation ecology to renew their contact with the real
world of BC's biodiversity. Most attendees work for the BC
government: Ministries of Forestry, Environment, the Endangered
Species program and the like; academics are in the minority. The
annual gathering of self-motivated BC naturalists is hardly a
conference; much more it is: "Botany BC, a very informal group
whose sole purpose is to put together an interesting, informa-
tive, fun-filled trip each year. It brings together interested
botanists from throughout BC and adjacent areas from many dif-
ferent fields (forestry, mine reclamation, etc.)" [Craig De
Long, the 1996 convener]. Besides fascinating habitats visited
during the day, evenings combine an informal botanical talk with
social activities.
This year Botany BC focused on unusual habitats within the
Prince George area. We visited a serpentine outcrop (Murray
Ridge) and a limestone habitat (Pope Mountain), both located
near Fort St James and the scenic Stuart Lake. With the aid of
botanists familiar with the local flora, we put together
creditable check lists for these two, and other, edaphic sites.
I had given a talk the night before on Pacific Northwest serpen-
tine ecology, so all were primed to encounter a unique vegeta-
tion. And it was! On Murray Ridge we witnessed the serpentine
form of maidenhair fern (Adiantum aleuticum) in a subalpine fir
(Abies lasiocarpa) forest. Then at the summit a sparsely
vegetated serpentine outcrop with a number of exceptional herbs
and shrubs. The uniqueness of the flora was repeated on the
limestone of Pope Mountain. No endemics, but a peculiar mix of
wide-ranging species. Then back to Prince George for a fine
catered dinner, followed by an evening talk on forest mycor-
rhizae (Hugues Massicotte). And the night before, it was Canad-
ian folk singing by Andy McKinnon around the campfire at Lake
Stuart.
The next day again focused on unique habitats: wetlands, dunes,
and the like, in the Rocky Mountain Trench east of Prince
George. I saw my first tamarack (Larix laricina) in a bog set-
ting; it was the dominant tree, mostly dwarfed by the bog
habitat.
In yet another bog, we saw a rich wetland flora: club mosses,
ericaceous shrubs and sedges. After bog-slogging in the morning,
we entered a remarkable habitat that could have been on the west
side of the Olympic Peninsula: the West Twin Creek old-growth
cedar-hemlock forest, and here we were, almost to the Rocky
Mountains! Notable absentee in this mesic western hemlock -
western red cedar forest was vine maple. At this stop we had
Trevor Goward, lichenologist, regale us with a novel notion that
lichens serve as indicators of stages in forest succession.
Goward claims that some lichens are only found in very old
growth forests, what he calls "antique forests". The last stop
of the day was just west of Valemont, where the highway, BC
Route 16, borders a thinly forested duneland along the upper
Fraser River. Scattered lodgepole pine grows here with kinnikin-
nik and Juniperus communis in the pine understory, as well as
herbs (including a rare sedge and locoweed - Astragalus sp.).
So the three days of rich botanical fare in the field and in the
informal lecture- discussion sessions came to an end; it was an
exciting experience for me to be with Canadian companions who,
freed from their appointed daily chores, reveled in the devotion
to fun with botany. An added thrill for me was an all-day BC
Rail trip from North Vancouver to Prince George. It gave a
kaleidoscopic view of BC vegetation and scenery from wet coastal
forest up into the dry interior (ponderosa pine and sagebrush at
Lillooet), then on east to the Cariboo Plateau for a taste of
the subboreal spruce forest. There is "method" in my relating
this delightful event. I believe it can be matched below the
border. Washington state has the flora, the requisite amenities
for hostelry, and above all a potential clientele. We could pull
it off here, just as well as the Canadians do it! Our potential
clientele: botanists, ecologists, and wildlife specialists with
the federal and state agencies (USFS, BLM, NPS, DNR, etc.), as
well as junior college and high school botany/biology teachers,
graduate students - yes, and even academics from the four-year
colleges and universities.
Botany BC's organization is simple, especially as it is divorced
from any government agency. One host convener per year at a
given meeting area; their own bank account, and modest registra-
tion fees to cover housing, meals and transport. I could envi-
sion our version of Botany BC holding annual outings in the
Columbia Gorge, the Hanford Reach, the Columbia Plateau country,
the Okanogan Highlands, the North Cascades, and the Olympic
Peninsula, and elsewhere, well into the future. So let us in-
itiate a "Botany Washington" field tour some time before the
century plays out. We have the botanists and the botany to make
it work! I am willing to be the "point - person" to get it
started.
Art Kruckeberg, University of Washington, Botany, Box 351330,
Seattle, WA 98195.
Phone: (206) 543-1976. E-mail: ark@u.washington.edu
(BEN # 155 31-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
HYBRID LARCH FOR REFORESTATION OF DISASTER AREAS - NW BOHEMIA
From: Jiri Sindelar & Josef Frydl c/o <FORINST@MS.ANET.CZ>
Forests cover 34.4% or 4 626 million hectares of the former
Czechoslovakia, with 33.4 and 39.9%, respectively, in the Czech
Republic and Slovakia. Development of these forests has been
influenced by human activity.
The health of forests in the Czech Republic forests is declining
quickly, mainly due to air pollution. For example, 54.5% of the
forests in 1986 were affected by air pollution while only 6
years later about 58.3% were affected (Domes, 1992). Air pollu-
tion results in the acidification of soils and depositions of
harmful substances including compounds of sulphur, nitrogen,
fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals.
The damage is most severe in Northern Bohemia. For example in
the Ore Mountains (Krusne hory Mountains) and Orlicke hory
Mountains, soil pH can be as low as 2.2 ( Materna, 1978). Norway
spruce, the predominant tree species in these areas, is quite
susceptible to air pollution.
To alleviate the problem in forests in the Czech Republic
forests, it is necessary to reduce the effects of air pollution
and then to regenerate forest stands using tree species which
are genetically and economically suitable for the sites. Good
tending of young stands, especially on an ecological-sound
basis, is also very important for re-establishing productive
forests in the regions affected by air pollution. Our results
with larch inter-specific hybrids progenies in the Ore Mountains
region indicate that they are good candidates for regenerating
the forest stands in air pollution damaged areas.
For more than 50 years, intensive provenance testing of European
larch (Larix decidua Mill.) and Japanese larch (L. leptolepis
Gord.) has provided basic information on the natural variability
of these species (Paques, 1992). In the Ore Mountains, two
research plots with larch inter-specific hybrids were estab-
lished in 1970 as a part of a program to determine the
feasibility of using such trees for reforestation in areas which
have been heavily damaged by air pollution.
Observation made on 18-year old trees show that growth was slow
on sites heavily affected by air pollution, but that the trees
were otherwise healthy. Our results indicate the possibility
that using inter-specific hybrids of larch for reforestating
disaster areas will be successful in the Ore Mountains. Compared
to European larch progenies, hybrids grow more quickly, avoiding
the detrimental effect of ground frosts, competition from weeds,
and animal damage. We propose the establishment of larch hybrid
seed orchards to provide seed for reforesting these areas.
Literature
Domes, Z. 1994. Forestry of the Czech Republic. Workshop Country
Report, FAO, Rome, 1994, 25 p.
Materna, J. 1978. The effect of industrial pollutants on forest
trees: Physiological and ecological aspects. UVTIZ Praha,
Lesnictvi, 5, 76 p. [In Czech]
Paques, L. 1992. Current status of inter- and intra- specific
hybridization. Pp. 108-122 In: Results and future trends in
Larch breeding on the basis of provenance research. Proc.
IUFRO Centennial Meeting of the IUFRO Working Party S2.02-07.
Berlin.
Sindelar, J. 1987. State of health and growth of Larch (Larix
sp.) progenies from open pollination and controlled cross-
breeding in the Ore Mountains. race VULHM, 70(1987): 37 - 69.
[In Czech]
Authors' address:
Ing. Jiri Sindelar, C.Sc. and Ing. Josef Frydl, C.Sc.
Forestry and Game Management Research Institute
Jiloviste - Strnady
156 04 Praha 5 - Zbraslav nad Vltavou
The Czech Republic
(BEN # 155 31-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
RESOURCE ECONOMIST/SOCIOLOGIST FACULTY POSITION - BAMFIELD
From: Emily L. MacQuarrie c/o <sfshome@igc.apc.org>
At The School for Field Studies' Center for Coastal Studies
located in Bamfield British Columbia.
Experienced in: Cost benefit analysis, Sustainable development,
Extensive experience developing survey tools, Experience with
First Nations peoples, Knowledge of local politics in a social
and cultural context, Assessment and evaluation methodology, The
Social Science of natural resources, The human dimensions of
wildlife and conservation biology. All faculty positions are
residential and require faculty to live on site with students.
Programs are offered to 32 college students for semester and
summer programs. Faculty will teach the equivalent of one and
one half courses per semester, oversee students directed re-
search projects and participate in all daily living at the
center. Room and board are provided by SFS. Salary is $25,000
American, and health insurance is provided.
Requirements: Ph.D or Masters degree with at least 4 years of
applied experience. Relevant work/living experience in British
Columbia or similar ecosystem. At least 2 years at the under-
graduate level with full course responsibility (writing and
grading exams, lecturing, etc.), a demonstrated commitment to
conservation and experience working with applied conservation
and management issues.
To apply: Send cv and a detailed letter explaining skills and
experience to:
SFS BC Search, 16 Broadway, Beverly, MA 01915
Fax: (508) 927-5127, Phone: (508) 922-7200 ext. 304
E-mail: sfshome@igc.apc.org
(BEN # 155 31-January-1997)
------------------------------------------
LECTURE ON KAMTCHATKA IN VICTORIA, FEBRUARY 16, 1997
Dr. Vojtech Holubec, the Czech botanist and expert alpine gar-
dener, will speak on Sunday, February 16, 1997, at 2:30 p.m., in
room A240 of the Human & Social Resources Building at UVIC. His
topic will be
Kamtchatka - A land of fire, ice, beautiful alpines and
fantastic dwarf willows.
Admission is $5.00 and tickets are available at the door, at
Ivy's Books and at all Dig This stores.
(BEN # 156 10-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
TALL BUGBANE (CIMICIFUGA ELATA) IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
From: Adolf Ceska <aceska@freenet.victoria.bc.ca> &
the CDC Newsletter No. 5 - December 1996
Seek and ye shall find! On September 18, 1996, Jane Wentworth
(Washington Natural Heritage Program) took botanists George
Douglas and Jenifer Penny (both from the B.C. Conservation Data
Centre [CDC]) to a site of tall bugbane (Cimicifuga elata -
Ranunculaceae) on Vedder Mountain in Washington, in order to
survey the plant's habit and habitat. This paid off nicely next
day, when Jane, George, and Jenifer discovered over 50 plants
growing in a 6-hectare area of a 70-100-year-old western red-
cedar (Thuja plicata) stand in the British Columbia part of
Vedder Mountain near Cultus Lake. Tall bugbane was considered
extinct in British Columbia since the last collection came from
the late 1950's, and the plant has not been seen lately [cf. BEN
# 10]. The plant is on the rare plant lists over its entire
range in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
There was initial concern for the viability of the new Cultus
Lake site, since it fell partly within a small business logging
sale area in the Chilliwack Forest District. This concern was
quickly alleviated when Ian Blackburn and Greg George (from the
B.C. Ministry of Environment) took immediate action. Within
days, a site inspection by the logging company and CDC staff
resulted in alteration of the sale area boundaries and the
establishment of a Wildlife Tree Patch for the Cimicifuga
population.
After this find was published in the British Columbia CDC
Newsletter (No. 5 - December 1996), Rob Scagel (Pacific
Phytometric Consultants) reported to the CDC another population
of Cimicifuga elata in the cut blocks on the north side of
Vedder Mountain, in experimental plots established by the B.C.
Ministry of Forests. He also mentioned the occurrence of the
species near the junction of the Tamihi Creek with the Chil-
liwack River, and along the ridge top trail from Chipmunk Creek
to Mt. Cheam. (The early botanist J.R. Anderson collected the
plant from "Mt. Cheam" in 1899.)
Both Rob Scagel and George Douglas urge botanists to look for
new sites of this plant. Mt. Liumchen of the B.C. Cascade Range
is another area where the plant has been seen in the past and
not collected since 1957. Please contact Dr. George Douglas
(phone 250-256-5019, e-mail gwdouglas@fwhdept.env.gov.bc.ca) for
more information on how to gather data needed for the CDC
database of rare and endangered plant species. For more informa-
tion on the ecology and conservation of Cimicifuga elata see BEN
# 121.
(BEN # 156 10-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
CULTIVATION OF CASTILLEJA
From: Art Guppy, P.O.Box 7216, Stn. "D", Victoria, B.C. V9B 4Z3
[Adolf asked me to write a short note on the cultivation of
Castilleja levisecta. That is a difficult assignment. In fact it
is impossible for me to do it as a short note.]
Castillejas are hemi-parasites which attach to the roots of
other plants. Identifying host plants is difficult. I have in my
garden 8 Castilleja species that have reached flowering size,
and another 4 are coming along, but are still quite small. Of
these 12 species I found in the literature only one host plant
identified. Castilleja linariifolia (the state flower of Wyom-
ing) can sometimes be seen growing with Artemisia tridentata
(sagebrush) with no other plants nearby, so identifying that
parasite-host pair was not difficult. By doing a little
plantwatching, I have been able to identify common hosts of two
castillejas frequently seen at low altitudes on southern Van-
couver Island. Castilleja miniata commonly grows on Alnus rubra,
and C. hispida is often on Symphoricarpus albus or on Holodiscus
discolor. Frequently these castillejas are found where rock and
hard clay keeps the roots of the trees or shrubs near the sur-
face. I have grown these castillejas in pots with their hosts
and observed them to thrive and flower very well. I have ob-
served that at the edges of subalpine meadows C. miniata is
often associated with willows, but have not yet tested that
pairing.
When I have not known the natural host for a castilleja, I have
tried a substitute host and often these are successful, but
sometimes there are problems that probably would not arise with
the natural host. Castillejas on substitute hosts seem prone to
wilting on warm days as if unable to get sufficient water from
their hosts.
This brings me to the problem that I have writing about Castil-
leja levisecta. I don't know its natural host. I do have a C.
levisecta thriving in a pot on Symphoricarpos albus, but I don't
suppose anyone would want Symphoricarpos albus in a garden as it
is a very invasive weed. In my garden I have two plants of C.
levisecta growing on a dwarf form of Spiraea japonica, and last
May one produced 13 inflorescences, though these were not as
plump as they are in nature, likely because the plant was not
getting enough water from its unnatural host.
[In the Beacon Hill Park, where Castilleja levisecta used to
grow, and on Trial Island, two plants that regularly accompanied
Castilleja levisecta were Eriophyllum lanatum and the coastal
variety of Festuca rubra. - AC]
Recently I have been trying Symphoricarpos mollis as a host
plant for several castillejas, and the first results are excel-
lent. I doubt this is ever a host plant in nature as its choice
of habitat probably would not suit castillejas. I have a very
showy, semi-dwarf form of C. hispida from the Oregon Cascades
growing on this host, and it is doing extremely well. Unlike
Symphoricarpus albus, S. mollis seems not to be invasive provide
one cuts back the long runners. I have great hopes for success
using this host with C. levisecta. When I have the sunshine
yellow of C. levisecta next to the blinding red of Oregon C.
hispida, you will need sunglasses to view them.
All of the 12 species of castilleja growing in my garden and in
pots have been raised from seed. I do not recommend collecting
castilleja plants from the wild as the combination of the shock
of being moved to a new host would almost certainly kill the
castilleja. Certainly growing from seed is much quicker and
easier. Twice I have had a castilleja in a bloom within less
than 6 months of the germinating of the seed.
There are several ways of growing castillejas from seed, but I
can only describe the two I have used. Several books recommend
what I call the "sow and pray method"; that is one takes a
handful of seed, goes out in the garden, and scatters it about.
That might succeed if you are good with prayer.
I have used what I call the "improved sow and pray method." This
requires some preparation. You must propagate a number of pos-
sibly suitable host plants (strong growing perennials). These
should be young seedlings and rooted cuttings, quite small, and
with roots near the surface. Tastefully space these prospective
hosts about where you hope to have castillejas, and then sow the
castillejas seeds close to the host roots. Choosing the time for
sowing requires luck and judgment; it must be early enough in
the winter to allow the seeds a sufficient period of cold, but
the earlier you sow, the more time the rain has to wash away the
seeds. With an easy species such as Castilleja miniata, provided
you use plenty of seed, your chances of success are very good.
I no longer need to sow seeds of Castilleja miniata because the
plants self-sow prolifically, and I frequently pull up seedlings
as weeds. With other species I generally do not have much seed
to spare, and I use the more painstaking method which follows.
You will need clean, sterilized sand, a suitable container such
as 500 gram yogourt container and, as a cover, a piece of thin
plastic cut from a plastic bag. Put about 2 cm of moist sand in
the bottom of the container, level it, and sow the seed evenly
over the surface. Sprinkle on enough dry sand to almost cover
the seeds. (The dry sand will immediately take up moisture from
the moist sand.) Place the covered container in a fridge at
about 5 degrees C.
Germination will usually take place in the fridge after about 1
to 4 months. If there has been no germination after 3 to 5
months, depending on what seems a reasonable period of cold for
the species, bring the container out of the fridge and place it
in a window or in a green house. Some castillejas seem to ger-
minate best in the cold; others need warmth. Castilleja
levisecta seeds will germinate in the fridge within about 2
months.
While the seeds are in the fridge, you need to get host plants
ready. Fairly young seedling host plants or small rooting cut-
tings are best as their roots are near the surface and they
won't cut off light to the tiny castilleja seedlings. Pot the
hosts in a well-drained, light, sandy soil. Deep clay pots of
about 14 cm diameter are suitable. The potted hosts can be
plunged in the garden until the castillejas need them. At that
time submerge the pots in water for at least 24 hours to drown
any unwelcome guests; then allow them to drain for some hours.
When the seedlings castillejas have unfolded their seed leaves,
they are ready to plant, but they can be left in the fridge for
some time after that without suffering harm. Make several small
hollows in the soil near the host roots. Use a spoon to scoop
out the tiny castillejas with their roots enclosed in moist sand
and place them in the hollows. Dry sand can be used to fill in
around them, and this should immediately be moistened. Place the
pot in a clear plastic bag, and close the bag above the pot to
form a tent. If the host is tall it may protrude from the bag.
Place the pot where it will get plenty of light but little
direct sun. After the seedlings are growing you can gradually
open the bag and then roll it down. Thin the seedlings down to
no more than three in a pot. When the castillejas are sturdy
young plants, they and their host can be removed together from
the pot and planted in the garden.
(BEN # 156 10-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
INTERACTIVE KEYS
From: M. J. Dallwitz, T. A. Paine, and E. J. Zurcher
<delta@ento.csiro.au>
Computer-based multi-access keys, also known as interactive
keys, can offer several advantages over conventional keys:
A correct identification can be made in spite of errors by
the user or in the data.
Characters can be used, and their values changed, in any
order.
Numeric characters can be used directly, without being
divided into ranges.
The user can express uncertainty by entering more than one
state value, or a range of numerical values.
Other desirable features include:
Advice on the most suitable characters to use at any stage
of an identification.
Character dependencies: certain character values making
other characters inapplicable.
Provision for gaps in the values recorded for integer
numeric characters.
Storing, searching, and displaying free-text information.
Locating errors which were circumvented by the
error-tolerance mechanism.
Use of probabilities.
Provision for restricting any operations to subsets of the
characters and taxa.
Glossaries and notes on interpretation of characters.
Illustrations of characters and taxa.
Provision for information retrieval.
Finding the differences and similarities between taxa.
Finding diagnostic descriptions.
The ability to handle large data sets efficiently.
Data sharing with other description-based applications:
description writing, generation of conventional keys, and
phenetic and cladistic analysis.
It is an inevitable consequence of the flexibility of interac-
tive keys that much of the strategy involved in carrying out an
identification is left to the user. Good strategies must be
learnt if the keys are to be used to the best advantage.
M. J. Dallwitz, T. A. Paine, and E. J. Zurcher
Division of Entomology, CSIRO, GPO Box 1700, Canberra, ACT 2601,
Australia. Fax +61 6 246 4000. Email delta@ento.csiro.au.
Home Page http://www.keil.ukans.edu/delta/
(BEN # 157 15-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
RANDOM ACCESS PLANT IDENTIFICATION (RAPID)
From: Alex Inselberg <aei@junction.net>
[This is an abbreviated abstract of the Forest Renewal of
British Columbia funding proposal.]
RAPID will be an interactive plant identification computer
program which will greatly accelerate the process of identifying
vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens within B.C. The program
and its database will continue to grow and evolve, and will
possibly become our most valuable and readily accessible
resource for plant identification. Images and line drawings will
be an integral part of RAPID. In addition to the program's
primary function, it will also be a useful teaching aid.
The random access approach to plant identification is dynamic
compared with the restrictive dichotomous key approach used in
traditional paper-based methods. This will allow greater ex-
ploration of the rich descriptive attributes of plants, in
addition to their ecological characteristics. RAPID will be
constructed as a relational database, which is a sophisticated
and efficient way to store and quickly retrieve information.
Plant identification will begin with the selection of any of a
variety of characteristics from an introductory menu. For ex-
ample, identification will involve decisions on the following:
location in the province, type of site, plant life form, physi-
cal size features, and a variety of properties associated with
stems, leaves, inflorescence types, flowers, fruits, and roots.
If you have an idea of the plant family or genus, you will be
able to begin your search from that point. With each selection
of a characteristic feature the list of likely candidate species
is potentially shortened. The program will also advise on those
characters most likely to discriminate amongst the species
remaining. For example, if the type of leaf margin is able to
discriminate amongst the remaining species in your candidate
list, it will automatically move to the top of your list of
"best" characters.
In the event a given plant characteristic cannot be clearly
defined, e.g. a leaf is pubescent or possibly tomentose, you can
ask the program to include all species with either description.
Likewise if you are unsure your sample is considered a tree or a
shrub, you can include both trees and shrubs in your selection.
For those species which may be indistinguishable without exper-
tise and access to materials such as a microscope or special
chemicals, the user will be notified with a warning message.
Likewise if a crucial plant component must be present in order
to make a positive identification, the user will be notified.
Plant names may be displayed in either common or scientific
names, along with the correct Latin code used to enter species
names on field data forms. Explanation of any of the terminology
used in the menus and keys will also be readily available in the
form of text, diagrams and images.
Approach: Efforts are being made to learn about similar systems
and initiatives in other parts of the world. RAPID's features
will be carefully selected to ensure it meets the needs of field
personnel here in B.C., as well as the broader goals and stand-
ards of international data exchange. RAPID will ultimately be
the property of the B.C. Government. Wherever possible, RAPID
will be a cooperative effort with other developers of similar
initiatives and databases within and outside of the province.
When this project goes ahead, a web page will be constructed for
the purpose of information exchange and updates.
For more information on interactive plant identification see the
following:
http://www2.euronet.nl/users/mbleeker/prog/swtaxlst.html#ch210
[For interactive identification programs see also BEN # 96,
March 25, 1995.]
(BEN # 157 15-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
INTERNET ACCESS TO DELTA PROGRAMS AND DATA
From: Mike Dallwitz <miked@ento.csiro.au>
The DELTA programs, and several data sets, are available via
anonymous ftp from
ftp.keil.ukans.edu (directory: /pub/delta) and via WWW from
http://www.keil.ukans.edu/delta/
The file Index.txt (note the upper-case I) contains a list of
the available programs and data. Most of the subdirectories of
delta contain text files *.1st which contain information about
downloading and installing the programs or data in that sub-
directory. When using ftp, always enter the command `binary' at
the start of the session.
When downloading the program distribution files, place them in a
directory \DELTA. To install the programs, follow the instruc-
tions in Delta.1st.
The programs are supplied with documentation files, sample data,
and a list of references. The conditions of use are in a file
delta.use, and the prices in delta.reg. These files are within
both of the self-extracting archive files delta1@.exe (MS-DOS
INTKEY) and deltaw@.exe (MS-Windows INTKEY).
There is a mailing list, DELTA-L, for discussion of DELTA and
announcements of updates. To subscribe, send the message
SUBSCRIBE DELTA-L your-first-name your-last-name by email to
LISTSERV@NIC.SURFNET.NL
(BEN # 157 15-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
SAPROPHYTES AND PARASITES - ODDBALLS SENSU POJAR & MACKENZIE
From: Mann, H.E. & M.V.S. Raju (1996) - Blue Jay 54(4): 192.
[abbreviated introduction to the paper cited bellow]
Parasites, in general, are organisms that live on or in other
individuals and draw their nourishment from their hosts. Most
plants, on the other hand, are autotrophic, and can manufacture
their own complex nutrients independently from simple naturally
occurring substances. But even here in the green (with
chlorophyll), self-sustaining plant kingdom, evolution has
perhaps been diverted several times to produce a small number of
saprophytes and parasites.
The saprophytes are those that survive on a wide variety of
complex organic substances without depending on other plants.
Their aerial parts are non-green (lacking chlorophyll) and the
underground roots become variously modified by showing very
irregular branching. Often these irregularly branched roots
morphologically resemble corals, and hence they are called
coralloid roots, as in some plants such as Pine Sap or Indian-
pipe (Monotropa) of the family Monotropaceae, or Coralroot
Orchid (Corallorhiza) of the family Orchidaceae. Their roots are
usually associated externally and/or internally with fungi, and
such an association is called mycorrhiza.
Unlike the saprophytes, parasites depend directly on other
plants for their growth, development and reproduction. The
parasites can be classified into two types - a) complete or
holo-parasites and b) semi- or hemi-parasites. The complete
parasites are those that depend on autotrophic plants for their
living. They are non-green and cannot photosynthesize. [Broom-
rapes (Orobanchaceae), Dodders (Cuscutaceae), and Mistletoes
(Loranthaceae) can be given as an example.]
The semiparasites do contain chlorophyll but depend on other
living plants for water and other simple nutrients. [A large
group of genera in the Scroph family (Scrophulariaceae), includ-
ing Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja), some member of the Santal-
wood family (Santalaceae) such as Bastard Toadflax (Comandra),
can be given as an example.] Some semiparasites in nature may or
may not depend on hosts for their living. The former are called
obligate semiparasites; the latter, facultative or circumstan-
tial semiparasites. In all parasites the roots, usually the
lateral roots, become modified to form haustoria (the part of
the root that penetrate the host), which facilitate the uptake
of water and other nutrients from the host plant. The faculta-
tive semiparasites, under favourable growth conditions, may not
produce haustoria. (In some instances, haustoria of the parasite
become attached to its own root, causing some destruction. This
phenomenon is called self-parasitism, which is not uncommon in
parasites, especially in semiparasites.)
Mann, H.E. & M.V.S. Raju. 1996. Some parasitic plants of Sas-
katchewan. Blue Jay 54 (No. 4 - December 1996): 192-198.
(BEN # 158 22-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
RE: CULTIVATION OF CASTILLEJA [BEN # 156]
From: Mary Barkworth <stipoid@cc.usu.edu>
My advisor - Marion Ownbey commented that he had simply planted
Poa pratensis in the plots where he was growing Castilleja. At
least, that is what I think he said - it was a long time ago ...
But the experimental garden did not have shrubs in it. Has Art
Guppy tried grass (as a host)?
(BEN # 158 22-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
COMMENTS ON ARTICLE "CASTILLEJA IN CULTIVATION" [BEN # 156]
From: Loren Russell, Corvallis, Oregon <loren@peak.org>
In my experience, Castillejas do not have restricted host
ranges, nor are the hosts necessarily woody plants. I have grown
C.levisecta on for about 6 years, from a seed population given
me by Mrs. Florence Free, of Seattle Washington. Mrs. Free had
obtained seed of this species on Whidbey Island Washington, and
had maintained it in the garden for about 20 years when she gave
me the seed. She has since had to give up her garden.
Mrs. Free had started both Castilleja levisecta and C. miniata
in her garden by rubbing seed directly into mats of the New
Zealand composite Raoulia levisecta, growing in her rock garden.
Both Castillejas had become self-seeding in this rock garden,
among a great variety of exotic and native plants.
I sow Castilleja levisecta in 4-inch pots in mid-winter, and
germination is usually complete by mid-March; seed sown outside
after the end of February will not germinate. (This and other
observations indicate that this is a D-40 germinator in Norman
Deno's terminology.) The seed of C.levisecta, and probably of
most Castillejas is very long-lived in dry storage. Some of the
original batch of seed from Mrs. Free's garden germinated last
winter, about 6 1/2 years after harvest. The seed had been
stored dry in a basement room at about 15-20 C, without desic-
cants.
Castilleja levisecta grows on very well to about the 6-leaf
stage, after which it is necessary to transfer the seedlings to
a host. Acceptable hosts have included Raoulia tenuicaulis,
Festuca ovina, Aster alpinus, Potentilla megalantha. While all
of these are exotic species, it is clear that C.levisecta can
successfully establish root connections with a great range of
host plants of diverse taxonomic groups.
(BEN # 158 22-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
PAINTBRUSH - CASTILLEJA CAN GROW WITHOUT A HOST
From: Jon Splane <jons@EFN.ORG> originally posted to
Alpine-L the Electronic Rock Garden Society
<ALPINE-L@NIC.SURFNET.NL>
I have grown and bloomed for a couple of years several clones of
what I identified as C. hispida. These were grown from seed in
pots of a soilless mix based on composted fir bark with a sub-
stantial amount of pumice added. No "host" plants were present,
although weeds frequently appeared. Weeds were removed whenever
noticed. Moss also colonized the pots and was pretty much a
permanent fixture. I doubt the Castillejas were able to use the
moss as a host.
The seedlings made very slow growth for most of their first
season, but appeared healthy. The pots were constantly moist and
fed with slow release fertilizer and an occasional shot of
soluble. They were well, but not extravagantly fertilized. The
second season they got the same culture and grew moderately well
and bloomed in mid summer.
The following spring a took some cuttings from these plants.
When the new shoots were just poking up through the ground I
removed half a dozen of these right were they were attached to
the crown. These rooted easily under cover in a mix similar to
the one growing the mature plants but with more pumice and no
fertilizer. Most grew on after being potted up and eventually
bloomed.
These Castillejas were around a couple more years and bloomed
but never looked like they were happy. They might have done
better in the ground. When I've seen this species in the wild it
has been growing in a fairly clayey loam with good drainage and
little organic material in the soil. I don't think their even-
tual demise was due to lack of a host.
[Similar observations were reported by L.R. Heckard in 1962, in
the article on "Root parasitism in Castilleja" published in the
Botanical Gazette, 124: 21-29.]
(BEN # 158 22-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
ERRATA
BEN # 154 - YUKON COLLECTING PERMITS -I made a mistake in phone
number for the collecting permits. It was given as 668-5363
it should be 667-5363. I hope you can distribute the change
with my apology. - Bruce Bennett
BEN # 156 - Apologies for the German spelling of Kamchatka. - AC
(BEN # 158 22-February-1997)
------------------------------------------
NPSBC - NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
The first Annual General Meeting of the NPSBC - Native Plant
Society of British Columbia was held in Victoria on March 9th,
1997 and ellected the first board of directors:
President: Douglas Justice
Vice President: Tom Wells
Treasurer: Sylvia Mosterman
Secretary: Ross Waddell
The remaining directors are:
Adolf Ceska, Theresa Duynstee, Pam Meneguzzi, Verna Miller, Wilf
Nichols, John Olafson, Bruce Peel, Giles Stevenson, Paulus
Vrijmoed, Josette Wier, and David Williams.
The aim of the Native Plant Society of British Columbia is to
encourage knowledge, responsible use and conservation of
British Columbia's native plants and habitats (cf. BEN # 144)
If you want to become a member, please, send your application
and the membership fee (Individual - $20.00, Associate - $15.00,
Corporate - $75.00) to
Ross Waddell, NPSBC Secretary
2012 William Street
Vancouver, B.C. V5L 2X6
Telephone: 604-255-5719
PLANTWATCH - SPECIAL BOTANY NIGHT - VICTORIA - APRIL 2, 1997
Special Botany Night: Wednesday, April 2, 1997, 7:30 p.m.,
Swan Lake Nature Centre. (Free admission)
Elisabeth Beaubien (Research Associate of the Devonian Botanic
Garden, University of Alberta in Edmonton) will talk about
"Plantwatch 97" - a phenology program launched by the Devonian
Garden.
(BEN # 159 17-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
EXHIBIT OF FRUITS (ACHENES AND PERIGYNIA) OF THE SEDGE FAMILY
Anna Roberts (Williams Lake, B.C.) was inspired by fruits of
Cyperaceae and created what she called the "biomorphic sculp-
tures" of various Cyperaceae achenes and Carex perigynia. Her
exhibit "SEDGES" will open in the Station House Gallery in
Williams Lake, B.C. on April 3rd, 1997, and will last till the
end of April. Don't miss it!
(BEN # 159 17-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
ORTHOCARPUS BARBATUS (SCROPHULARIACEAE) IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
From: Frank Lomer, Honourary Research Associate, UBC
Herbarium, Vancouver, B.C. c/o <ubc@unixg.ubc.ca>
Grand Coulee owl-clover, Orthocarpus barbatus Cotton, an attrac-
tive yellow-flowered species endemic to central Washington, was
collected on May 27, 1995 in low ground in Stipa-sagebrush hills
south of the golf course west of Highway 97 in Osoyoos. Many
hundreds of plants grew at this site in one small area at the
foot of 115th Street on the south side of a cattle fence ad-
jacent to a new and very destructive subdivision (Lomer 95-
198). In 1996 I revisited this site and the population seems to
have increased.
A second Canadian site for this species was found about 5 km due
east of the first site, on June 16,l996 in sagebrush flats south
of Highway 3, 49 0'25" N, 119 24'18" W (Lomer 96-079). This
population was considerably larger and covered a wide area near
an old cattle corral. Orthocarpus barbatus was collected earlier
at this same site by George Douglas and J.M. Illingworth on June
24, 1994 (Douglas # 12848).
(BEN # 159 17-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
BIOLOGY OF POPLARS
From: Adolf Ceska <aceska@freenet.victoria.bc.ca>
Stettler, R.F., H.D. Bradshaw, Jr., P.E. Heilman, & T.M.
Hinckley [eds.] 1996. Biology of Populus and its implication
for management and conservation. NRC Research Press, Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada. 539 p. ISBN 0-660-16506-6 [hard cover]
Price: CND$49.95 (in Canada), US$49.95 (other countries).
The study of poplars has been the focal theme of the University
of Washington/Washington State University Poplar Research
Program since 1978. This book offers a summary of the results of
these studies. The twenty chapters (authored by forty-seven
researchers) are divided into two principal parts: 1) chapters
dealing with systematics, evolution, molecular biology,
hybridization, ecology, fungal pathogens, and herbivore interac-
tions of poplars (Chapter 1 through 11), and 2) chapters dealing
with the physiology, growth, productivity, and stress response
of various poplar species and their hybrids (Chapter 12 through
20).
The book covers a wide range of topics with poplar as a common
denominator. Although this book is a valuable reference to
everything related to poplars, it also contains valuable infor-
mation on applications of molecular biology, hybridization, and
physiological assessments of deciduous tree species. Anyone
interested in these fields will find it as a valuable reference.
The book is reasonably priced and very well produced. A general
subject index and an index of authors would have improved the
book.
Order information:
The book can be ordered from
Monographs Orders
NRC Research Press, M-55
National Research Council of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0R6
Telephone: 613-993-0151 Fax: 613-952-7656
e-mail: research.journals@nrc.ca
Web site: http://www.nrc.ca/cisti/journals/mgraphs.html
Authorized distributor (USA)
Aubrey Books International Ltd.
Telephone: 301-587-3950
e-mail: aubrey@access.digex.com
(BEN # 159 17-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
FLORA OF THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC VOL. II: CYPERACEAE - ORCHIDACEAE
From: Adolf Ceska <aceska@freenet.victoria.bc.ca>
Flora of the Russian Arctic. Volume 2. Translated from the
original Russian "Arkticheskaya Flora SSSR" by G.C.D. Grif-
fiths, edited by J.G. Packer. University of Alberta Press,
Edmonton. 1996. 233 p. ISBN 0-88864-270-9 [hard cover] Price:
CDN$125.00
This volume of an English translation of the Russian "Flora of
the Soviet Arctic" contains original volumes III (Cyperaceae -
published in January 1966) and IV (remaining monocots - pub-
lished in April 1963). The most important parts of this volume
are the classical treatment of sedges (genus Carex) by T.V.
Egorova and Tolmachev's treatment of Juncaceae. Egorova's dis-
cussions of taxonomical problems of sedges growing in the Rus-
sian Arctic are relevant to Canadian and North American readers
and anybody with even only a slight interest in Carex will find
an important reference in this publication. The translator,
G.C.D Griffiths, and the English edition editor, J.G. Packer,
should be commended for their work on this volume.
The price of this volume is prohibitive and put this useful
publication out of reach of many students who should have it in
their reference library. According to the Acknowledgements and
according to the promotional note, only a part of this volume
was funded by the NSERC grant. As a result, this volume costs
almost twice as much as the first volume (cf. BEN # 132), and
yet it is only about two thirds the size of the first volume.
The University of Alberta Press did an excellent job in produc-
ing the first two volumes of this English edition. Compared with
the paperbacks printed on ugly newsprint paper of the Russian
edition, this English edition looks like a limited bibliophile
edition, but we have to pay comparably high price for it. Can
NSERC help again? (NSERC = Natural Science and Engineering
Research Council, the principle academic granting agency in
Canada)
Please send orders to:
UBC PRESS
6344 Memorial Drive
Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6G 1Z2
Tel.: (604) 822-5959
Fax: 1-800-668-0821 (toll-free within North America)
Fax: (604) 822-6083 (outside North America)
email: orders@ubcpress.ubc.ca
**Special Price for Two Volume Purchase**
Flora of the Russian Arctic, Vol. I & II $175.00
**Special Price for Complete Series**
Order the entire series now and save $200!
Flora of the Russian Arctic, Vols. I-VI $500.00
(If you already own Volume I, deduct $65.00)
ADD Shipping & Handling ($5.00 per book)
*Canadian orders only* add 7% GST
**Orders from outside Canada are payable in US dollars.**
MasterCard and VISA accepted. Please make cheques payable to UBC
Press. Orders from individuals must be prepaid.
For more information visit the following web site:
http://www.quasar.ualberta.ca/press
(BEN # 159 17-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
TWO BOTANICAL JOBS, SUMMER 1997, IN SMITHERS, B.C.
From: Phil or Carla Burton <symbios@mail.netshop.net>
Symbios Research and Restoration is looking for two field
botanists / ecologists to work on vegetation surveys.
Activities will involve transect and plot layout; recording
tree, snag and windthrow diameters and height; determining
seedling and sapling densities and recent leader growth; vegeta-
tion sampling using line intercept method; and lichen and
bryophyte surveys on rotting logs, tree bases, and (possibly) in
the canopy.
These positions are based in Smithers, B.C. You will be respon-
sible for your own accommodation and meals.
We are particularly looking for individuals with strong LICHEN
AND BRYOPHYTE IDENTIFICATION SKILLS. Work will start June 2 and
will continue to the end of August, 1997.
If interested in one of these positions, please contact me prior
to April 30:
Carla Burton, Symbios Research and Restoration
Box 3398, Smithers, B.C. V0J 2N0
Tel. 250-847-0247 Fax. 250-847-0278
e-mail: symbios@mail.netshop.net
(BEN # 159 17-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
BOTANY BC '97 - AUGUST 1ST TO 3RD, 1997, CATHEDRAL LAKES
The BC Conservation Data Centre is organizing this year's meet-
ing and we are excited to offer an opportunity to do some high
country botany at Cathedral Lakes Park. We have booked space at
Cathedral Lakes Lodge, and space is limited in the lodge,
chalets, and cabins. There are camping sites in the park, and
the lodge can accommodate limited numbers of campers for meals.
We are still working on the details, but the registration forms
will be mailed out early next week.
(BEN # 160 22-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
ACAULON - A NEW BRYOPHYTE GENUS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
From: "D. Ross Priddle" <yb396@freenet.victoria.bc.ca>
One Sunday afternoon in February of 1997 I went for a walk at
McNeil Bay, Victoria, B.C. I walked east and north along the
rocky shoreline. A ways along (before the point) and back from
the shore at the vegetation margin on the sandy soil beneath
small shrubs I discovered a tiny bulbiform moss which appeared
to have included sporophytes. I collected a small sample and
later identified it as Acaulon muticum var. rufescens (Jaeg.)
Crum. I sent the specimen to Dr. R.H. Zander at the Clinton
Herbarium in the Buffalo Museum of Science, New York (BUF) who
confirmed my identification and deposited the specimen there.
This moss has not been previously reported in British Columbia.
Crum & Anderson (1981) illustrate this taxon and give the range
as "Quebec to Michigan, Iowa, Kansas and south to Florida and
Texas; California and (according to Grout) Arizona." On the
Canadian Checklist (Ireland et al., 1987) the taxon is verified
only for Ontario, with literature reports from Quebec and Sas-
katchewan.
Dr. Zander is the recognized expert on Pottiaceae and is working
on the treatment of Acaulon for the forthcoming Flora of North
America. He offers this key:
1. Leaves awned; laminal cells papillose abaxially
............. 1. Acaulon schimperianum (Sull.) Sull. & Lesq.
1. Leaves cuspidate or blunt; laminal cells smooth.
2. Plant often three-angled, about 1.0 mm high; leaves
keeled; seta about as long as the diameter of the capsule;
spores about 30 um, finely papillose
..................... 2. Acaulon triquetrum (Spruce) C.M.
2. Plants flattened-globose or three-angled; leaves broadly
channeled; seta short, about 0.3 the diameter of the
capsule; spores 30-50 um, smooth or papillose
......................... 3. Acaulon muticum (Hedw.) C.M.
3. Spores shortly ellipsoidal, brown, densely papillose-
roughened
..................... 3a. Acaulon muticum var. muticum
3. Spores nearly spherical, yellow, smooth
...... 3b. Acaulon muticum var. rufescens (Jeag.) Crum
Acaulon muticum var. muticum seems to be rare in North America,
although it is more common in northern and central Europe.
Acaulon muticum var. rufescens seems to be common plant in parts
of North America (see above).
Crum, H.A. & L.E. Anderson. 1981. Mosses of eastern North
America. Columbia University Press, N.Y. 1328 p.
Ireland, R.R., G.R. Brassard, W.B. Schofield, & D.H. Vitt. 1987.
Checklist of the mosses of Canada II. Lindbergia 13: 1-62.
(BEN # 160 22-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
BRYOLOGICAL EXCURSION, 10 MAY 1997, SWAN VALLEY, MONTANA
Toby Spribille <Spribille_Toby/r1_kootenai@fs.fed.us>
A bryological excursion day is planned for 10 May 1997 near the
northwest Montana town of Bigfork, led by Drs. Dale Vitt
(University of Alberta, Edmonton) and Lars Soederstroem (Univer-
sity of Trondheim, Norway). The object of the field trip is to
bring together people with interest in mosses and liverworts to
meet and exchange ideas and information while inventorying the
bryoflora of the bottoms of the Porcupine Creek drainage just
southeast of the town of Bigfork in the beautiful Swan Valley.
This is an area with high species diversity and many unique
phytogeographic elements, including boreal and coastal. There
are several calcareous fens in the area. The excursion will
include guided visits to these unique habitats as well as sur-
rounding upland terrain.
Excursion participants will meet at the Forest Service Ranger
Station in Bigfork at 8:00 AM on the morning of the 10th of May
and will carpool to go to the field sites. The excursion is
planned to last until about 4:00 PM. Participants are advised to
bring raingear and rubber boots, a boxed lunch, collecting bags
and hand lenses.
Accommodations and restaurants are found in abundance in Bigfork
and nearby Kalispell.
Registration is free of charge. To register, please provide your
name, mailing address (incl. e-mail!) and phone/fax to
Toby Spribille
Fortine Ranger District
Kootenai Nat'l Forest
P.O. Box 116
Fortine, MT 59918
Phone: (406) 882 4451 Fax: (406) 882 4835
e-mail: Spribille_Toby/r1_kootenai@fs.fed.us
This will allow us to anticipate turnout and better plan
specific activities. In addition, this will allow us to mail
vicinity maps to registrants to help them plan their attendance.
(BEN # 160 22-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
NEW BOOK ON MOSS GARDENING
From: Marshall Crosby <crosby@mobot.org> originally posted to
bryonet-l@mtu.edu [abbrev.]
Schenk, G. 1997. Moss gardening, including lichens, liverworts,
and other miniatures. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis,
MO. 261 pages, 97 beautiful color plates. Hard cover. Prices,
postpaid: $38.50 U.S. addresses; $39.50, all other addresses.
At last, a comprehensive, up-to-date, sensible book on growing
mosses and similar things. The perfect answer to those frequent
queries from gardeners about how to grow mosses. Or for that
matter to those who want an introduction to mosses, including
what's not a moss. Sections include transplanting, propagating,
and growing mosses in containers, for bonsai, and as ground
covers.
See our web site, http://www.mobot.org, for additional bryophyte
(and other) titles.
Send order to:
Department Eleven Phone: (+1) 314-577-9534
Missouri Botanical Garden Fax: (+1) 314-577-9594
P.O. Box 299 E-mail: dept11@mobot.org
St. Louis, MO 63166-0299 Web: http://www.mobot.org
(BEN # 160 22-March-1997)
------------------------------------------
ORCHIDS OF THE OTTAWA DISTRICT, ONTARIO, CANADA
From: Marilyn Light <mlight@aix1.uottawa.ca>
Reddoch, Joyce M. & Allan H. Reddoch. 1997. The orchids in the
Ottawa District: Floristics, phytogeography, population
studies and historical review. Special Issue of The Canadian
Field-Naturalist, vol 111, no. 1: 1-186.
This 186-page work describes the 44 orchid species that have
been found within 50 km of Canada's National Parliament Build-
ings in Ottawa. It contains information on identification, past
abundance, population changes, development cycles and relative
stability of colonies. It is presented as a baseline study from
which to design further research and prepare effective planning
measures to protect wild orchid populations.
The Introduction describes the history of collecting and record-
ing since 1856, principal orchid habitats, local distribution
patterns, rare species, colour forms, capsules and seeds, bloom-
ing dates and other topics.
Each species account provides detailed information on the above
topics, as well as a brief description of the plant. A drawing
and a spot distribution map accompany each account. Correlations
of some species with the Canadian Shield or the St. Lawrence
Lowlands, or with calcareous rock, sandstone or sand deposits
are shown. Long-lived colonies of many species are described,
and population studies are included for Corallorhiza striata,
Goodyera pubescens, G. tesselata, Platanthera hookeri, P. or-
biculata and Spiranthes cernua.
To obtain copies of this journal issue, send CAN $10. plus $2.50
(postage and handling) for each copy to
The Canadian Field-Naturalist
P.O. Box 35069, Westgate P.O.
Ottawa, Canada K1Z 1A2
(BEN # 160 22-March-1997)
------------------------------------------