| BEN |
| BOTANICAL ELECTRONIC NEWS |
|---|
| ISSN 1188-603X |
| No. 248 April 11, 2000 | aceska@freenet.victoria.tc.ca | Victoria, B.C. |
|---|
We would like to repeat our appeal (cf. BEN # 95, May 16, 1995) to field botanists in the western North America to help us with the study of Luzula sect. Luzula. In our area, this section of the genus Luzula is a mixture of introduced species ("L. campestris-multiflora group") and native species (such as L. subsessilis, L. comosa and several subspecies of L. multiflora). Plants of the genus Luzula exhibit chromosome fragmentation ("agmatoploidy") and relatively simple cytoxonomic techniques can answer many essential questions related to the taxonomy of this group (Kirschner, 1992b). Karyotypes of western members of Luzula have been studied in only a few collections (e.g., Nordenskiold 1951) and more examinations are needed to solve our taxonomical problems. Jan Kirschner and the Botanical Institute in Pruhonice near Prague (Czech Republic) would like to help with cytotaxonomical investigations.
The best time to collect Luzula specimens is when plants are in full bloom. Flowering specimens are easy to identify. The identification of specimens with ripe fruit is more difficult and requires some experience. On the other hand, the identification of specimens that are out-of-flower and don't have ripe fruits is very difficult and often almost impossible (Kirschner 1982). When collecting herbarium specimens, collect plants with underground parts and take notes of possible rhizomes & stolons. More than one plant from a locality should be sampled; in southern Europe, for instance, four species and three hybrids were found at a single locality (Kirschner 1992a).
WE ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING RIPE SEEDS FOR CYTOTAXONOMIC STUDIES! If you can, visit each locality twice and collect both flowering and fruiting specimens. When collecting ripe, fruiting plants, shake out seeds from capsules into small envelopes (each plant into a separate envelope because several taxa can coexist at one locality and, rarely, a hybridization may take place). Without this precaution seeds of different collections can get mixed up in the herbarium. Specimens should be dried in low heat (30-40 deg. C). Do not freeze dry specimens!
We would greatly appreciate your co-operation. Please, send the specimens and seeds to:
References
The following taxa of Luzula section Luzula may occur on the Pacific Coast:
and introduced
Some taxa remain unclear.
The lupine article was quite interesting. Fender's Blue, Icaricia icariodes fenderi, does not occur north of Oregon. However, the Vancouver Island subspecies Icaricia icariodes blackmorei is present. It has been virtually eliminated from low elevations, due to the lack of patches of lupines of any size. The butterfly is still known from a few subalpine habitats, such as Mt. Brenton near Ladysmith, where increased lupine populations due to clearing and soil disturbance resulting from logging (especially roads) had resulted in strong butterfly populations. The butterfly subspecies is provincially "blue-listed" (S3).
The herbivory on the herbarium specimens may have been due to the larvae of the Blue, however it was more likely caused by beetles that commonly feed on lupine leaves. If anyone knows of low elevation southern Vancouver Island populations of lupines of any species greater than (at a guess) 100 plants, it would be worth looking for Icaricia icariodes blackmorei adults in May and early June. Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus) adults may also be present, with a faint possibility of the probably extinct Vancouver Island subspecies of Greenish Blue (Plebejus saepiolus insulanus) also being present. The Greenish Blue probably only fed on native clovers, but low elevation lupines are a possible alternative.
Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Council is organizing a workshop on non-timber forest products, May 23 and 24, 2000 in Creston, B.C. (Lower Kootenay Band Gymnasium).
British Columbia's interior forests are a rich storehouse of food, medicinal, industrial, aesthetic and spiritual resources. Commercial interest in non-timber forest products (NTFP's) is growing rapidly, but these many of these same products have always been used by First Nations people. Commercial harvesting of NTFP's is coming in conflict with traditional First Nations' use in many parts of British Columbia. By bringing people together to talk about these issues, future conflicts may be avoided.
This informal, interactive Workshop is designed for First Nations people, wildcrafters, industry, consultants and researchers in NTFP.
NTFP is an industry in its infancy, so we have a chance to "get things right," striking a respectful balance between traditional First Nations use and sustainable commercial exploitation. Finding that balance is the objective of this Workshop.
As a participant, you will hear dynamic speakers presenting many points of view, and be able to put forward your own ideas and questions. Display tables will demonstrate sustainable NTFP products and projects. The rich cultural and ecological heritage of the Lower Kootenay Band will provide a fascinating backdrop for the Workshop. Participants may wish to come early for the yakan nukiy Pow Wow, at the same location.
Directions to Lower Kootenay Band Gymnasium: from downtown Creston, head south on Highway 21, following signs to US Border, for approximately 3km. Turn left at yakan nuqiy Band sign and proceed 300m to Gymnasium. Accommodations: several motels are available in Creston. Camping spots near the site may be arranged by contacting Wilfred Jacobs at (250) 428-2719. For Pow Wow information contact Lower Kootenay Band Office at (250) 428 4428.
Cost:
For registration questions, contact: Kathy Tompkins, College of the Rockies-Creston (250) 428-5332
For all other questions, contact Mike Keefer, Ktunaxa Kinbasket Treaty Council, (250) 489-2464 or mkeefer@cyberlink.bc.ca
Abstract: The vascular flora of the Arctic was surveyed by specialists from eight arctic countries to: (1) identify rare taxa endemic to the region; (2) establish an annotated list of these taxa; and (3) determine the level of protection currently afforded these plants. "Arctic" is defined as those lands beyond latitudinal tree line. Ninety-six rare endemic taxa were identified. Information was compiled for each included taxonomy, geographic distribution, habitat preferences, biological characteristics, estimates of endangerment, and citations of supporting literature. Gap analysis determined the relation of rare taxa to areas of protected habitats. Taxa were grouped into three categories: (1) unprotected (no occurrences are within protected areas); (2) partially protected (some occurrences are within protected areas); and (3) protected (all occurrences are within protected areas). Results indicate that 47% of the rare endemics are unprotected, 23% partially protected, and 30% protected. According to IUCN Red List threat categories, 19% of the taxa are vulnerable, 29% near threatened lower risk, 26% least concern lower risk, 1% endangered, and 24% data deficient. The majority of rare endemic taxa, 61%, occur outside IUCN protected areas (categories I-V); 25% occur within strict nature/scientific reserves (IUCN category I); 12% in managed nature reserves/wildlife sanctuaries (IUCN category IV); and 1.6% in national parks (IUCN category II).
We would like to announce the availability of an online version of Weber and Wittmann, Catalog of the Colorado Flora: A Biodiversity Baseline, at
The Catalog is intended to account for all names used for Colorado vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens since 1874. An exhaustive bibliography is included.
This is a revised electronic version of the book published in 1992 by the University Press of Colorado (still available c/o University of Oklahoma Press, 4100 28th Ave. NW, Norman, OK 73069-8218, 1-800-627-7377).
We plan to update this material frequently, and would much appreciate comments and corrections: