1a. A member of the Asteraceae with an explanation of the characters that you used to determine the family identification.
The inflorescence of Asteraceae is distinctive. Has a prominent head, a cluster of flowers that appear to be a single flower.
Specimen: Goldenrod (Solidago sp.)
Location of specimen: Mt. Sterling, OH
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1b. A member of the Poaceae with an explanation of the characters that you used to determine the family identification.
Field Corn (Zea sp.) is a member of the Poaceae family because the fruit is a caryopsis (the seed coat of a corn kernel is fused to the fruit wall). This family has leaves with entire margins and parallel venation. Other characters include: hollow stems, and open leaf sheaths. Location of specimen: Mt. Sterling, OH
2a. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora)
Shrub. Compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets and feathered stipules. Other ID characters include reddish/purple hips and stout prickles. Location of specimen: Waterman Farm, OSU.
2b. Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans)
The base of the leaf has a “rabbit ears” structure. Leaves with entire margins and parallel venation. Other ID characters include: hollow stems, and open leaf sheaths. Location of specimen: OSU
3a. A plant with ovate leaves:
Ovate: a leaf with the shape of an egg.
Specmien: Tri colored beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Roseo-marginata’)
Location of specimen: Upper Arlington, OH
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3b. A plant with a gynoecium composed of five carpels
Gynoceium: The female structures of a flower, collectively.
Carpel: The innermost whorl of a flower
Specimen: Geranium (Geranium sp.)
Location of specimen: Upper Arlington, OH
I like your picture of the ovate leaf. You can also tell that leaves have acute apices.
The pictures of the corn are quite mesmerizing. They really take into account the transition from bright, flowery summer to cold, stagnant autumn. Great work! I was previously unaware of any shrubs that had prickles on them. Next time I’m clearing out shrub from my garden I’ll be aware!