Beechdrops - Revision history

Saigemat: /* Description and Characteristics */

2022-05-04T20:25:22Z

Description and Characteristics

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:25, 4 May 2022
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	[[File:Epifagus virginiana.jpg\|thumb\|Brown beechdrop plant with woody appearance.\|left]]		[[File:Epifagus virginiana.jpg\|thumb\|Brown beechdrop plant with woody appearance.\|left]]

	~~Beechdrops~~ averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. ~~generally~~ brown in coloration, these plants are commonly mistaken to be woody or dying. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].		Beechdrop plants averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. Generally brown in coloration, these plants are commonly mistaken to be woody or dying. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].

	The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in the late summer, between July and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.		The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in the late summer, between July and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.

Saigemat: /* Description and Characteristics */

2022-04-30T20:15:42Z

Description and Characteristics

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:15, 30 April 2022
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	Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. generally brown in coloration, these plants are commonly mistaken to be woody or dying. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].		Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. generally brown in coloration, these plants are commonly mistaken to be woody or dying. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].

	The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in ~~early autumn~~, between July and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.		The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in the late summer, between July and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.

	[[File:Epifagus - Épifage de Virginie - Beechdrops (6139587346).jpg\|thumb\|Blooming chasmogamous flowers on a Beechdrop plant.]]		[[File:Epifagus - Épifage de Virginie - Beechdrops (6139587346).jpg\|thumb\|Blooming chasmogamous flowers on a Beechdrop plant.]]

Saigemat: /* Description and Characteristics */

2022-04-30T20:15:21Z

Description and Characteristics

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:15, 30 April 2022
Line 33:		Line 33:
	Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. generally brown in coloration, these plants are commonly mistaken to be woody or dying. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].		Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. generally brown in coloration, these plants are commonly mistaken to be woody or dying. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].

	The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in early autumn, between ~~August~~ and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.		The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in early autumn, between July and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.

	[[File:Epifagus - Épifage de Virginie - Beechdrops (6139587346).jpg\|thumb\|Blooming chasmogamous flowers on a Beechdrop plant.]]		[[File:Epifagus - Épifage de Virginie - Beechdrops (6139587346).jpg\|thumb\|Blooming chasmogamous flowers on a Beechdrop plant.]]

Saigemat: /* Habitats and Environment */

2022-04-30T08:20:46Z

Habitats and Environment

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:20, 30 April 2022
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	This parasitic plant is native to North America and can most often be found along the edges of temperate forests and woodlands, as well as rocky wooded slopes where the American Beech and Sugar Maple trees are commonly codominant [2]. Beechdrops primarily inhabit wooded habitats across Eastern Canada and throughout the Midwestern region of the United States. They have been documented significantly in the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Though, these plants have also been observed along the East Coast from Maine to South Carolina, and even as far down as Texas.		This parasitic plant is native to North America and can most often be found along the edges of temperate forests and woodlands, as well as rocky wooded slopes where the American Beech and Sugar Maple trees are commonly codominant [2]. Beechdrops primarily inhabit wooded habitats across Eastern Canada and throughout the Midwestern region of the United States. They have been documented significantly in the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Though, these plants have also been observed along the East Coast from Maine to South Carolina, and even as far down as Texas.

	~~Beechdrops are used to monitor forest health because~~ of their ~~dependence on~~ their host and ~~the~~ sensitivity to ~~its~~ environment~~. E. virginiana’s host~~, ~~beech trees, can advance in a~~ forest ~~faster than E. virginiana is able to. The presence of F. grandifolia is used to predict when E. virginiana will arrive in an area.~~[12] E. ~~virginiana is~~ not a tree health ~~concern~~ but the lack of its presence is a sign that forest health is declining.		Because of their complete reliance of their host and general sensitivity to environment, beechdrops are utilized as indicators of forest health [3]. These parasitic plants are not considered to be a concern to tree health, but rather the lack of its presence is a potential sign that forest health is declining.

	== Sources ==		== Sources ==

Saigemat: /* Life Cycle */

2022-04-30T08:15:45Z

Life Cycle

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:15, 30 April 2022
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	== Life Cycle ==		== Life Cycle ==

	Within the roots of American Beech trees, a chemical signal is released that is thought to trigger the germination of beechdrop plants. Older host trees have been linked with producing and releasing higher amounts of this chemical. In the beginning stages of development, beechdrop plants rely on nutrients from within the seed, temporarily independent from its host tree. Before emerging from the [[soil]] to form an above ground structure, the freshly germinated plants are yellow and only a few millimeters in size. The parasitic beechdrops then develop haustorium structures and stabilize themselves to the roots of the host. As a plant reaches maturity, this haustorium will degrade as a tuber develops.		Within the roots of American Beech trees, a chemical signal is released that is thought to trigger the germination of beechdrop plants. Older host trees have been linked with producing and releasing higher amounts of this chemical. In the beginning stages of development, beechdrop plants rely on nutrients from within the seed, temporarily independent from its host tree [3]. Before emerging from the [[soil]] to form an above ground structure, the freshly germinated plants are yellow and only a few millimeters in size. The parasitic beechdrops then develop haustorium structures and stabilize themselves to the roots of the host. As a plant reaches maturity, this haustorium will degrade as a tuber develops.

	Beechdrop plants flower throughout late summer months and into autumn. Along with self-fertilized seeds, insect pollination of the chasmogamous flower produces cross pollinated seeds. [[insects]] have not been observed pollinating the self-fertile cleistogamous flowers. The seeds of a beechdrop plant are very small, and are dispersed by ~~rainwater. Between dispersal and germination, seeds experience a cellular change,~~ the ~~embryo changes colors~~ and ~~its cells develop granules~~.		Beechdrop plants flower throughout late summer months and into autumn. Along with self-fertilized seeds, insect pollination of the chasmogamous flower produces cross pollinated seeds. [[insects]] have not been observed pollinating the self-fertile cleistogamous flowers [4]. The seeds of a beechdrop plant are very small and are commonly dispersed by the wind and rainwater.

	== Habitats and Environment ==		== Habitats and Environment ==

Saigemat: /* Description and Characteristics */

2022-04-30T08:13:30Z

Description and Characteristics

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:13, 30 April 2022
Line 31:		Line 31:
	[[File:Epifagus virginiana.jpg\|thumb\|Brown beechdrop plant with woody appearance.\|left]]		[[File:Epifagus virginiana.jpg\|thumb\|Brown beechdrop plant with woody appearance.\|left]]

	Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. ~~The plants are~~ generally brown in coloration, commonly ~~being~~ mistaken as woody or dying ~~plants~~. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].		Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. generally brown in coloration, these plants are commonly mistaken to be woody or dying. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].

	The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in early autumn, between August and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.		The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in early autumn, between August and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.

Saigemat: /* Description and Characteristics */

2022-04-30T08:12:04Z

Description and Characteristics

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:12, 30 April 2022
Line 31:		Line 31:
	[[File:Epifagus virginiana.jpg\|thumb\|Brown beechdrop plant with woody appearance.\|left]]		[[File:Epifagus virginiana.jpg\|thumb\|Brown beechdrop plant with woody appearance.\|left]]

	Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. The plants are generally brown in coloration, commonly being mistaken as woody plants. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].		Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. The plants are generally brown in coloration, commonly being mistaken as woody or dying plants. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].

	The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in early autumn, between August and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.		The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in early autumn, between August and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.

Saigemat: /* Life Cycle */

2022-04-30T08:11:37Z

Life Cycle

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:11, 30 April 2022
Line 46:		Line 46:
	Within the roots of American Beech trees, a chemical signal is released that is thought to trigger the germination of beechdrop plants. Older host trees have been linked with producing and releasing higher amounts of this chemical. In the beginning stages of development, beechdrop plants rely on nutrients from within the seed, temporarily independent from its host tree. Before emerging from the [[soil]] to form an above ground structure, the freshly germinated plants are yellow and only a few millimeters in size. The parasitic beechdrops then develop haustorium structures and stabilize themselves to the roots of the host. As a plant reaches maturity, this haustorium will degrade as a tuber develops.		Within the roots of American Beech trees, a chemical signal is released that is thought to trigger the germination of beechdrop plants. Older host trees have been linked with producing and releasing higher amounts of this chemical. In the beginning stages of development, beechdrop plants rely on nutrients from within the seed, temporarily independent from its host tree. Before emerging from the [[soil]] to form an above ground structure, the freshly germinated plants are yellow and only a few millimeters in size. The parasitic beechdrops then develop haustorium structures and stabilize themselves to the roots of the host. As a plant reaches maturity, this haustorium will degrade as a tuber develops.

	Beechdrop plants flower throughout late summer months and into autumn. Along with self-fertilized seeds, insect pollination of the chasmogamous flower produces cross pollinated seeds. ~~It is~~ not ~~believed that ants pollinate~~ the self-fertile cleistogamous flowers. ~~Seeds from E. virginiana~~ are small and are dispersed by rainwater. Between dispersal and germination, seeds experience a cellular change, the embryo changes colors and its cells develop granules.		Beechdrop plants flower throughout late summer months and into autumn. Along with self-fertilized seeds, insect pollination of the chasmogamous flower produces cross pollinated seeds. [[insects]] have not been observed pollinating the self-fertile cleistogamous flowers. The seeds of a beechdrop plant are very small, and are dispersed by rainwater. Between dispersal and germination, seeds experience a cellular change, the embryo changes colors and its cells develop granules.

	== Habitats and Environment ==		== Habitats and Environment ==

Saigemat: /* Description and Characteristics */

2022-04-30T08:07:31Z

Description and Characteristics

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:07, 30 April 2022
Line 33:		Line 33:
	Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. The plants are generally brown in coloration, commonly being mistaken as woody plants. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].		Beechdrops averagely reach heights of 6-20 inches (15-50 cm.) at maturity. The plants are generally brown in coloration, commonly being mistaken as woody plants. Beechdrops are herbaceous, however. The stems and branches are skinny; ranging in color from yellow to darker reddish shades of brown, with vertical purple stripes that may darken with age. The leaves are underdeveloped and difficult to distinguish, appearing similar to small scales [2].

	The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in early autumn, between August and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are ~~usually~~ sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.		The visible flowers are small and tubular, growing alternately along the stems. After blooming in early autumn, between August and October, the flowers are a mixture of deep burgundy and cream [3]. These upper flowers are labeled as chasmogamous, or showy flowers. They grow about one inch long, on average, and are sometimes sterile. Bumblebees and ants are believed to be the primary pollinators of these chasmogamous flowers. The flowers on the lower base of the stem, in contrast, are self-fertilizing and do not open [1]. They are much smaller and more inconspicuous than the showy flowers, also being referred to as secret or cleistogamous flowers.

	[[File:Epifagus - Épifage de Virginie - Beechdrops (6139587346).jpg\|thumb\|Blooming chasmogamous flowers on a Beechdrop plant.]]		[[File:Epifagus - Épifage de Virginie - Beechdrops (6139587346).jpg\|thumb\|Blooming chasmogamous flowers on a Beechdrop plant.]]

Saigemat: /* Life Cycle */

2022-04-30T08:06:56Z

Life Cycle

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:06, 30 April 2022
Line 44:		Line 44:
	== Life Cycle ==		== Life Cycle ==

	Within the roots of American Beech trees, a chemical signal is released that is ~~believed~~ to trigger the germination of beechdrop plants. Older host trees have been linked with producing and releasing higher amounts of this chemical. ~~During early~~ stages of development, ~~beechdrops lives independently from its host, instead relying~~ on nutrients from the seed. ~~It may take several years for~~ an above ground structure ~~to form. These early stages E. virginiana~~ are a few millimeters in size ~~and butter yellow~~.~~[9] Beechdrops~~ then ~~develops a~~ haustorium ~~that grows into~~ the ~~host’s~~ roots. At maturity ~~the~~ haustorium ~~degrades and~~ a tuber develops.		Within the roots of American Beech trees, a chemical signal is released that is thought to trigger the germination of beechdrop plants. Older host trees have been linked with producing and releasing higher amounts of this chemical. In the beginning stages of development, beechdrop plants rely on nutrients from within the seed, temporarily independent from its host tree. Before emerging from the [[soil]] to form an above ground structure, the freshly germinated plants are yellow and only a few millimeters in size. The parasitic beechdrops then develop haustorium structures and stabilize themselves to the roots of the host. As a plant reaches maturity, this haustorium will degrade as a tuber develops.

	~~During~~ late summer and ~~early fall E. virginiana flowers~~. insect pollination ~~is required for pollination in~~ the chasmogamous ~~flowers. E. virginiana relies upon ant pollination to produce~~ cross pollinated seeds ~~along with self-fertilized seed~~. It is not believed that ants pollinate the self-fertile cleistogamous flowers.		Beechdrop plants flower throughout late summer months and into autumn. Along with self-fertilized seeds, insect pollination of the chasmogamous flower produces cross pollinated seeds. It is not believed that ants pollinate the self-fertile cleistogamous flowers. Seeds from E. virginiana are small and are dispersed by rainwater. Between dispersal and germination, seeds experience a cellular change, the embryo changes colors and its cells develop granules.

	Seeds from E. virginiana are small and are dispersed by rainwater. Between dispersal and germination, seeds experience a cellular change, the embryo changes colors and its cells develop granules.

	== Habitats and Environment ==		== Habitats and Environment ==