Monday, November 23, 2009

More ID!


Well, I still haven't identified the plants from the previous post but was able to identify some others from the vault:

This one on the left is Chimaphila maculata, spotted 0r striped pipsissewa. According to Alan Armitage, the leaves are quite refreshing when chewed! Interesting. That is probably why it has another common name of striped wintergreen (not to be confused with the other wintergreen, Gaultheria procumbens).



The other photo is of a terrestrial orchid, Goodyera pubescens or downy rattlesnake-plantain. Some folks thought the beautiful white venation on its leaves was reminiscent of markings on rattlesnake skin and the persistent flower structure reminiscent of a rattler's tail. There is evidence indicating its past use as a remedy for snakebites yet my cursory research suggests
G. pubescens
was most likely given this indication based on its appearance solely.

For more info on these plants, check out the links below:
http://www.biol.vt.edu/digital_atlas/index.php?do=plant&plant=2620&search=Chimaphila
http://www.biol.vt.edu/digital_atlas/index.php?do=plant&plant=131&search=goodyera
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=GOPU
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CHMA3
http://www.cnr.vt.edu/Dendro/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=426

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