natural history and evolution of species complexes
There are a few species of Pyrola that appear to have 'lost' their leaves! Perhaps the best known example of this condition is Pyrola aphylla Sm.. Plants of this species have highly reduced, apetiolate leaves arranged in basal rosettes just where you'd expect them to be-- at the base of each inflorescence!You might be thinking …
Continue reading "“Leafless” Pyrola: are they distinct species?"
Pyrola aphylla is a widespread species in western North America, uncommon in the Rocky Mountains, but relatively abundant in mountains closer to the Pacific Ocean. In southern California, this species often produces very pink flowers and stems. In this image you can see some of the anthers emerging from the corolla as it opens. In …
The southern end of the Sierra Nevada in California runs through Sequoia National Forest. On June 11-12, 2011, graduate student Naomi Fraga brought me on a trip to the area to collect Mimulus species (Phrymaceae). This forest features some great habitat (Fig. 1) for mycoheterotrophic Ericaceae as well, including Pyrola dentata. The plants I collected …
Jolles Lab 