Plant TriviaPlant Trivia

SteviaStevia is a genus of about 240 species of herbs and is a genus of about 240 species of herbs and shrubs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to shrubs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to

the neotropics. The species the neotropics. The species Stevia rebaudianaStevia rebaudiana Bertoni, Bertoni, commonly known as commonly known as sweetleafsweetleaf, , sweet leafsweet leaf, , sugarleafsugarleaf, , or simply or simply steviastevia, is widely grown for its sweet leaves. , is widely grown for its sweet leaves.

As a sugar substitute, stevia's taste has a slower onset As a sugar substitute, stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, although some and longer duration than that of sugar, although some

of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations.aftertaste at high concentrations.

With its extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness With its extracts having up to 300 times the sweetness of sugar, stevia has garnered attention with the rise in of sugar, stevia has garnered attention with the rise in

demand for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar, thus low demand for low-carbohydrate, low-sugar, thus low calorie food alternatives. calorie food alternatives.

Plant FamiliesPlant Families

PoaceaePoaceae

LiliaceaeLiliaceae

OrchidaceaeOrchidaceae

Monocots and dicotsMonocots and dicots

The flowering plants (angiosperms) have The flowering plants (angiosperms) have for many years been divided into two for many years been divided into two

main categories of plants, the monocots main categories of plants, the monocots and the dicots.and the dicots.

MonocotyledonsMonocotyledons

In general, monocots can be recognized by In general, monocots can be recognized by their parallel-veined leaves and three-part their parallel-veined leaves and three-part

flowers. Their roots have disorganized vascular flowers. Their roots have disorganized vascular bundles, and if they are treelike (yuccas, aloes, bundles, and if they are treelike (yuccas, aloes, dracaenas) their wood is unusually structured. dracaenas) their wood is unusually structured. Among the important monocots are grasses Among the important monocots are grasses

(including corn, rice, and wheat), lilies, orchids, (including corn, rice, and wheat), lilies, orchids, palms, and sedges. palms, and sedges.

DicotyledonsDicotyledons

Dicotyledons have two seedling leaves Dicotyledons have two seedling leaves as opposed to the single one in most as opposed to the single one in most

monocotyledons. monocotyledons.

Recent DevelopmentsRecent Developments

Several deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Several deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence studies subsequently sequence studies subsequently

demonstrated that there are still two demonstrated that there are still two groups of angiosperms, but these groups of angiosperms, but these

correspond not to the number of seed correspond not to the number of seed leaves but to leaves but to two major pollen typestwo major pollen types. .

Two Pollen TypesTwo Pollen Types

Pollen with a single aperturePollen with a single aperture Pollen with three (and often more) Pollen with three (and often more)

aperturesapertures

MonocotyledonsMonocotyledons

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) studies of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) studies of the monocot group of flowering plants the monocot group of flowering plants

(angiosperms with one seed leaf,) have (angiosperms with one seed leaf,) have revealed that, although monocots do revealed that, although monocots do constitute a group of closely related constitute a group of closely related

families, they are also closely related and families, they are also closely related and now grouped into a classification called now grouped into a classification called magnoliidsmagnoliids, with which they share a , with which they share a pollen type with a single aperture. pollen type with a single aperture.

MagnoliidsMagnoliids

In addition to the monocotyledons, In addition to the monocotyledons, Magnoliids also include a group of former Magnoliids also include a group of former

dicotyledons, which have pollen with a dicotyledons, which have pollen with a single aperture, including magnolia, single aperture, including magnolia,

avocado, black pepper, and pipeworts.avocado, black pepper, and pipeworts.

DicotyledonsDicotyledons

The term “dicotyledon” is no longer as The term “dicotyledon” is no longer as meaningful because some plants of this meaningful because some plants of this

type are more closely related to type are more closely related to monocotyledons and are now grouped monocotyledons and are now grouped with the monocots in the classification with the monocots in the classification

Magnoliids.Magnoliids.

ThusThus

The group of former dicotyledons which have The group of former dicotyledons which have pollen with a single aperture, are more closely pollen with a single aperture, are more closely

related to the monocots and are now classified related to the monocots and are now classified along with monocots as Magnoliids. along with monocots as Magnoliids.

The other group of former dicotyledons, those The other group of former dicotyledons, those with three (and often more) apertures in their with three (and often more) apertures in their

pollen, are called eudicotyledons (true pollen, are called eudicotyledons (true dicotyledons). The eudicots are much more dicotyledons). The eudicots are much more

distantly related to the monocots.distantly related to the monocots.

Magnoliids and EudicotsMagnoliids and Eudicots

MagnoliidsMagnoliids include some plants which include some plants which have two seedling leaves and all of the have two seedling leaves and all of the monocots (one seedling leaf). Pollen of monocots (one seedling leaf). Pollen of

Magnoliids has one single apperture.Magnoliids has one single apperture. EudicotsEudicots (aka ‘true’ dicots) have pollen (aka ‘true’ dicots) have pollen

with three (or more) appertures. All with three (or more) appertures. All eudicots have two seedling leaves. eudicots have two seedling leaves.

PoaceaePoaceae

PoaceaePoaceae or or GramineaeGramineae is a family in the is a family in the angiosperms (flowering plants). Plants of angiosperms (flowering plants). Plants of this family are usually called this family are usually called grassesgrasses. . There are about 650 genera and 9700 There are about 650 genera and 9700 species of grasses making it one of the species of grasses making it one of the largest plant families.largest plant families.

PoaceaePoaceae

Herbs, often rhizomatous, but trees in Herbs, often rhizomatous, but trees in tropical bamboos. Cosmopolitan in tropical bamboos. Cosmopolitan in

distribution, from deserts to freshwater distribution, from deserts to freshwater and marine habitats. Grasses (and and marine habitats. Grasses (and

grasslands) account for about 24% of the grasslands) account for about 24% of the world’s vegetation. This family is the world’s vegetation. This family is the most important of all plant families to most important of all plant families to

human economies human economies

PoaceaePoaceae

The economic importance of grasses lies The economic importance of grasses lies in their paramount role as food. in their paramount role as food.

According to our text, 70% of the world’s According to our text, 70% of the world’s farmland is planted in crop grasses such farmland is planted in crop grasses such

as corn, wheat, and barley, and over as corn, wheat, and barley, and over 50% of human’s calorie intake comes 50% of human’s calorie intake comes

from grasses. from grasses.

PoaceaePoaceae

Grasses are also used for livestock food, Grasses are also used for livestock food,

animal grazing, erosion control, turf animal grazing, erosion control, turf production and sugar production. production and sugar production.

Bamboos are economically important in Bamboos are economically important in many tropical areas for their edible young many tropical areas for their edible young

shoots, fiber for paper, pulp for rayon, shoots, fiber for paper, pulp for rayon, and strong stems for construction.and strong stems for construction.

PoaceaePoaceae

PoaceaePoaceae ranks behind ranks behind Asteraceae, Asteraceae, Orchidaceae, Orchidaceae, and and FabaceaeFabaceae in number in number

of species but ranks first in global of species but ranks first in global economic importance.economic importance.

PoaceaePoaceae is unsurpassed among is unsurpassed among angiosperms in land surface area angiosperms in land surface area

dominated.dominated.

PoaceaePoaceae

Dorn 1984 lists approximately sixty Dorn 1984 lists approximately sixty genera of Poaceae occurring in Montana.genera of Poaceae occurring in Montana.

Famous GrasslandsFamous Grasslands

The North American prairie and plainsThe North American prairie and plains The South American pampasThe South American pampas

The African veldtThe African veldt The Eurasian steppesThe Eurasian steppes

North American Prairie North American Prairie and Plainsand Plains

The term prairie derives from the French The term prairie derives from the French and was the word French trappers and and was the word French trappers and explorers gave to the sea of grass they explorers gave to the sea of grass they

encountered in the center of North encountered in the center of North America. As a vegetation type, the prairie America. As a vegetation type, the prairie

is divided into three formations: is divided into three formations: Tall-grass, mid-grass, and short-grass Tall-grass, mid-grass, and short-grass

systemssystems

North American Praire North American Praire GrasslandsGrasslands

Red – tall grass Orange – mid grass Dark Grey – short grass

Tall-grass PrairieTall-grass Prairie

The easternmost section of the North American The easternmost section of the North American grasslands, the tall grass prairie extends into grasslands, the tall grass prairie extends into

regions of humid climate, both continental and regions of humid climate, both continental and subtropical. These humid grasslands represent subtropical. These humid grasslands represent

a fire or fire and grazing subclimax. With the a fire or fire and grazing subclimax. With the extermination of the bison and the suppression extermination of the bison and the suppression of prairie fires in the late 1800s, that part of the of prairie fires in the late 1800s, that part of the

prairie that had not been put under the plow prairie that had not been put under the plow reverted to oak-hickory forest in the US and to reverted to oak-hickory forest in the US and to

aspen woodland in the north, in Canada. Today aspen woodland in the north, in Canada. Today prairie preserves are managed with controlled prairie preserves are managed with controlled

burns. burns.

Controlled BurningControlled Burning

Controlled BurningControlled Burning

Green UpGreen Up

Tall-grass PrairieTall-grass Prairie

The tall grass prairie gets its name from the The tall grass prairie gets its name from the upright bluestems (upright bluestems (AndropogonAndropogon spp.) that spp.) that

reach heights of 6 feet or more by late summer. reach heights of 6 feet or more by late summer. Their roots may extend to depths of 9 feet or Their roots may extend to depths of 9 feet or more, binding the soil and enriching it with more, binding the soil and enriching it with

organic matter as roots die back at the end of organic matter as roots die back at the end of the growing season. The above-ground parts the growing season. The above-ground parts of the plants also die down in winter and are of the plants also die down in winter and are converted to abundant humus when bacterial converted to abundant humus when bacterial

action begins in the spring. action begins in the spring.

Andropogon scopariusAndropogon scopariusFamily: PoaceaeFamily: Poaceae

syn syn Schizachyrium scopariumSchizachyrium scoparium

Litlle bluestem

Andropogon gerardiiAndropogon gerardiiFamily: PoaceaeFamily: Poaceae

Big bluestem aka turkeyfoot

Tall-grass PrairieTall-grass Prairie

Three herb layers are apparent in the tall Three herb layers are apparent in the tall grass prairie, each characterized by grass prairie, each characterized by relatively high species diversity. Both relatively high species diversity. Both sod-forming and bunch grasses are sod-forming and bunch grasses are

present. Perennial forbs are abundant present. Perennial forbs are abundant and varied; different species bloom at and varied; different species bloom at

different times during the growing season different times during the growing season contributing to an ever-changing palette contributing to an ever-changing palette

of colors. of colors.

Nature’s Flower GardenNature’s Flower Garden

Tall-grass PrairieTall-grass Prairie

Bluestems comprise the uppermost herb layer. Bluestems comprise the uppermost herb layer. Other, shorter upright grasses and forbs form Other, shorter upright grasses and forbs form

an intermediate layer. Recumbent species an intermediate layer. Recumbent species such as the grama grasses (such as the grama grasses (BoutelouaBouteloua spp.) spp.)

make up the lowest, ground-hugging layer. It is make up the lowest, ground-hugging layer. It is this formation that is associated with the this formation that is associated with the

darkest of the mollisols, the chernozems. Much darkest of the mollisols, the chernozems. Much of it today has been converted to corn of it today has been converted to corn

production. production.

Mid-grass PrairieMid-grass Prairie

The mid-grass (aka mixed) prairieThe mid-grass (aka mixed) prairie is centrally is centrally positioned between the tall grass and short positioned between the tall grass and short

grass prairies; the mixed prairie is grass prairies; the mixed prairie is intermediate. It has two layers of grasses and, intermediate. It has two layers of grasses and,

one reaching about 12 inches above the one reaching about 12 inches above the ground surface, the other, more open, about 48 ground surface, the other, more open, about 48

inches. Both bunch and sod-forming grasses inches. Both bunch and sod-forming grasses are present, as well as many forbs. Roots are present, as well as many forbs. Roots

extend to depths of about 5 feet. The soils are extend to depths of about 5 feet. The soils are dark brown, but lighter than chernozem of the dark brown, but lighter than chernozem of the

tall-grass prairie. tall-grass prairie.

Short-grass PrairieShort-grass Prairie

Short-grass prairie (aka Steppe) Short-grass prairie (aka Steppe) is the is the westernmost and driest part of the North westernmost and driest part of the North

American grasslands. The short grass prairie American grasslands. The short grass prairie occupies regions with 10 to 12 inches of occupies regions with 10 to 12 inches of

precipitation a year primarily in the rain shadow precipitation a year primarily in the rain shadow of the Rocky Mountains and includes the high of the Rocky Mountains and includes the high plains of Montana. A single herb layer exists plains of Montana. A single herb layer exists

and consists primarily of bunch grasses some and consists primarily of bunch grasses some 12 to 18 inches high. They have relatively 12 to 18 inches high. They have relatively

shallow root systems. shallow root systems.

Short-grass PrairieShort-grass Prairie

Soils are lighter brown than those under the Soils are lighter brown than those under the mid and tall grass prairies and the calcium mid and tall grass prairies and the calcium

carbonate layer is closer to the surface. These carbonate layer is closer to the surface. These grasslands are used today as rangeland for grasslands are used today as rangeland for cattle. Due to excellent game management cattle. Due to excellent game management

practices some states like Montana and practices some states like Montana and Wyoming with short grass prairie still have Wyoming with short grass prairie still have

large populations of pronghorn, elk, deer, and large populations of pronghorn, elk, deer, and in some instances, bison. in some instances, bison.

Flint Hills and Konza Flint Hills and Konza Prairie of KansasPrairie of Kansas

Research OpportunitiesResearch Opportunities

Bison bisonBison bisonA tautonymA tautonym

LiliaceaeLiliaceae

The Liliaceae are monocotyledons, that The Liliaceae are monocotyledons, that is, they have only one seed leaf. Being is, they have only one seed leaf. Being monocots, they are now classified into monocots, they are now classified into

the Magnoliid group and have pollen with the Magnoliid group and have pollen with a single apperture.a single apperture.

LiliaceaeLiliaceae

Members of this Family usually have: Members of this Family usually have: Bulbs or other storage organs Bulbs or other storage organs

Long, thin leavesLong, thin leaves Six petals or tepalsSix petals or tepals

Six stamensSix stamens Superior ovarySuperior ovary

LiliaceaeLiliaceae

Many groups of plants once in the Family Liliaceae Many groups of plants once in the Family Liliaceae have now been given their own Family status BUT have now been given their own Family status BUT

taxonomic disagreements seem to be widespread in taxonomic disagreements seem to be widespread in the literature. These include Alliaceae, the literature. These include Alliaceae,

Alstroemeriaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Asparagaceae, Alstroemeriaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Asparagaceae, Asphodelaceae, Aspidistraceae, Calochortaceae, Asphodelaceae, Aspidistraceae, Calochortaceae,

Colchicaceae, Convallariaceae, Fritillariaceae, Colchicaceae, Convallariaceae, Fritillariaceae, Hemerocallidaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Trilliaceae, and Hemerocallidaceae, Hyacinthaceae, Trilliaceae, and

Zephyranthaceae. Some of these families may or may Zephyranthaceae. Some of these families may or may not exist at the present time. not exist at the present time.

LiliaceaeLiliaceae

Even before these changes, it was difficult to know Even before these changes, it was difficult to know whether a plant belonged to the Lily Family, the Iris whether a plant belonged to the Lily Family, the Iris

Family, or the Amaryllis Family. Here are some points Family, or the Amaryllis Family. Here are some points of difference which might help: of difference which might help:

LiliaceaeLiliaceae - 6 stamens, superior ovary (inside the - 6 stamens, superior ovary (inside the flower) flower)

IridaceaeIridaceae - 3 stamens, inferior ovary (behind the - 3 stamens, inferior ovary (behind the flower) flower)

AmaryllidaceaeAmaryllidaceae - 6 stamens, inferior ovary (behind the - 6 stamens, inferior ovary (behind the flower) flower)

LiliaceaeLiliaceae

Before being divided, this was one of the Before being divided, this was one of the largest plant families, but now contains largest plant families, but now contains

16 genera and 635 species. Widely 16 genera and 635 species. Widely distributed, mainly in the temperate distributed, mainly in the temperate

regions of the Northern Hemisphere. regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Most are spring-blooming perennial Most are spring-blooming perennial

plants of prairies and mountain plants of prairies and mountain meadows.meadows.

LiliaceaeLiliaceae

TulipsLily

Fritillaria pudicaFritillaria pudicaFamily: Liliaceae or Fritillaceae???Family: Liliaceae or Fritillaceae???

Yellow fritillary of Montana

LiliaceaeLiliaceae

Dorn 1984 lists 23 genera of the family Dorn 1984 lists 23 genera of the family occurring in Montana, but his groupings occurring in Montana, but his groupings are in conflict with other information on are in conflict with other information on families.families.

Lilium philadelphicumLilium philadelphicum L. L.Family: LiliaceaeFamily: Liliaceae

Wood lily of Montana

OrchidaceaeOrchidaceae

OrchidaceaeOrchidaceae (or (or Orchid familyOrchid family) is the second ) is the second largest family of the flowering plants. Its name largest family of the flowering plants. Its name

is derived from the genus is derived from the genus OrchisOrchis.. Our text lists 788 genera and 19,500 species, Our text lists 788 genera and 19,500 species,

but the exact number is unknown (perhaps as but the exact number is unknown (perhaps as many as 25,000 because of taxonomic many as 25,000 because of taxonomic

disputes. The number of orchid species equals disputes. The number of orchid species equals about four times the number of mammal about four times the number of mammal

species, and more than twice the number of species, and more than twice the number of bird species. It also encompasses about 6–bird species. It also encompasses about 6–

11% of all seed plants.11% of all seed plants.

OrchidaceaeOrchidaceae

The many different genera of orchids, and the The many different genera of orchids, and the thousands of species throughout the family thousands of species throughout the family

hybridize quite easily with each other. hybridize quite easily with each other. Therefore, horticulturists and hobbyists have Therefore, horticulturists and hobbyists have

created thousands of cultivars of various created thousands of cultivars of various names.names.

Two fictional books worth reading on orchid Two fictional books worth reading on orchid passion are:passion are:

The Orchid ThiefThe Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean 2000 by Susan Orlean 2000 The Gentle Kingdom of GiacomoThe Gentle Kingdom of Giacomo by Evelyn by Evelyn

Wells 1953Wells 1953

OrchidaceaeOrchidaceae

Widely distributed, Widely distributed, the family is most the family is most diverse in tropical diverse in tropical regions where it is regions where it is frequently epiphytic frequently epiphytic (lives above ground (lives above ground in trees).in trees).

OrchidaceaeOrchidaceae

Terrestrial or epiphytic herbs, or Terrestrial or epiphytic herbs, or occasionally vines, with rhizomes, corms, occasionally vines, with rhizomes, corms,

or root-tubers. or root-tubers. Vanilla flavoring is extracted from the fruits Vanilla flavoring is extracted from the fruits

of of Vanilla planifloliaVanilla planiflolia.. Many orchids are collected and intensively Many orchids are collected and intensively

hybridized as ornamentals for gardeners hybridized as ornamentals for gardeners and hobbyists around the world.and hobbyists around the world.

OrchidaceaeOrchidaceae

Orchidaceae are well known for the many Orchidaceae are well known for the many structural variations in their flowers.structural variations in their flowers.

Some orchids have single flowers but most Some orchids have single flowers but most have a racemose inflorescence, sometimes have a racemose inflorescence, sometimes

with a large number of flowers. The flowering with a large number of flowers. The flowering stem can be stem can be basalbasal, that is produced from the , that is produced from the base of the tuber, like in base of the tuber, like in CymbidiumCymbidium, , apicalapical, , meaning it grows from the apex of the main meaning it grows from the apex of the main

stem, like in stem, like in CattleyaCattleya, or , or axillaryaxillary, from the leaf , from the leaf axil, as in axil, as in VandaVanda..

Basal inflorescence Basal inflorescence

Cymbidium x Phalaenopsis x

Apical inflorescenceApical inflorescence

Cattleya x Dendrobium x

Axillary inflorescenceAxillary inflorescence

Vanda x

Mark’s OrchidMark’s Orchid

Phalaenopsis x “Costco Special”

Mark’s OrchidMark’s Orchid

Dwayne’s OrchidDwayne’s Orchid

Oncidium x ‘Sharry Baby’

Dwayne’s OrchidDwayne’s Orchid

Indoor Cultivation of Indoor Cultivation of OrchidsOrchids

Some orchids require cool greenhouses, Some orchids require cool greenhouses, some which actually have to be kept some which actually have to be kept

quite chilly both day and night.quite chilly both day and night. Some orchids thrive in standard indoor Some orchids thrive in standard indoor

house temperatures; cool at night, house temperatures; cool at night, warmer during the day.warmer during the day.

Some orchids need to have very warm Some orchids need to have very warm temperatures both day and night.temperatures both day and night.

Jewel OrchidsJewel Orchids

Jewel orchids are so called because of their Jewel orchids are so called because of their extraordinarily beautiful foliage which comes in a extraordinarily beautiful foliage which comes in a variety of colors. They are not a specific genus of variety of colors. They are not a specific genus of

orchids, but rather a grouping based on their intriguing orchids, but rather a grouping based on their intriguing leaf coloration. The leaves are often velvety which leaf coloration. The leaves are often velvety which

increases the visual effect of the colors and sometimes increases the visual effect of the colors and sometimes provides a different coloration when viewed from provides a different coloration when viewed from

different angles. Most are terrestrial or ground growing different angles. Most are terrestrial or ground growing plants. The various species are found around the plants. The various species are found around the

world, some even in the northern US where they are world, some even in the northern US where they are known as "Rattlesnake Plantain." Most species are known as "Rattlesnake Plantain." Most species are

native to India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Malaysia, and native to India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Indonesia.

Jewel Orchid FoliageJewel Orchid Foliage

OrchidaceaeOrchidaceae

Dorn 1984 lists nine genera in Montana Dorn 1984 lists nine genera in Montana with 28 total species:with 28 total species:

CalypsoCalypso (1), (1), CorallorhizaCorallorhiza (5), (5), CypripediumCypripedium (4), (4), EpipactisEpipactis (2), (2), GoodyeraGoodyera (2), (2), HabenariaHabenaria (8), (8), ListeraListera (4), (4), OrchisOrchis (1), (1), SpiranthesSpiranthes (1) (1)

Calypso bulbosaCalypso bulbosaFamily: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Fairy slipper of conifer forests of Montana

Corallorhiza striataCorallorhiza striata Lindl. Lindl.Family: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Coral root orchid of Montana woodlands

Cypripedium calceolusCypripedium calceolus L. L.Family: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Lady Slipper of bogs and damp woodsof Montana.

Epipactis giganteaEpipactis giganteaFamily: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Stream orchid of wet areas in Montana.

Goodyera repensGoodyera repensFamily: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Lesser rattlesnake plantain of Flathead Lake area

Jewel orchid example (foliage)

Habenaria elegansHabenaria elegansFamily: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Bog orchid of Montana woods

Listera borealisListera borealis Morong MorongFamily: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Twayblade of Montana woods.

Orchis rotundifoliaOrchis rotundifoliaFamily: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Spotted orchid of northern Montanawoods.

Spiranthes romanzoffianaSpiranthes romanzoffianaFamily: OrchidaceaeFamily: Orchidaceae

Ladies’ tresses of moist areas in Montana

It is great work to make things beautiful, and after your work is done, perhaps the thing you have made is too weak to stand alone. - Giacomo Daneri -