DIV Lab 10 Conifers

apophysis

the exposed part of a closed cone

bract

a leaf-like part usually at the base of a flower or inflorescence

cultivar

a blending of the terms ‘cultivated’ and ‘variety’, used to refer to varieties of a species that persist under cultivation, frequently named

dioecious

unisexual, with male and female reproductive structures on separate plants

exserted

extending beyond

fascicle

a small, close bundle or cluster

fascicle sheath

deciduous or persistent bud scales at the base of the fascicle

monoecious

having male and female structures on the same plant

monotypic

with only one representative, e.g. one species in a genus

peltate

shield-shaped and attached by the lower surface to the supporting stalk

pneumatophore

the negatively geotropic roots of some mangrove and swamp plants that project above the level of the water; an aerating organ.

serotinous

of cones that remain closed long after the seeds inside are ripe

stomate

a specialized intercellular space in epidermal tissue bounded by a pair of guard cells which can close the space by changing shape.

umbo

a protuberance on the end (terminal umbo) or apex (dorsal umbo) of the apophysis

whorl

a ring of 3 or more similar structures that radiate from a common point

Name the genera for the family Cupressaceae

Metasequoia, Taxodium, Thuja (Arborvitae), Chamaecyparis (False Cypress), Juniperus (Juniper)

Name the genera for the family Pinaceae

Pinus (Pine), Picea (Spruce), Larix (Larch), Pseudotsuga (Douglas Fir), Abies (Fir), Tsuga (Hemlock)

High northern latitudes (boreal forests)

needle-like leaves and sloping branches

Semi-arid (dry) climates

Sunken stomata and extensive root systems

Pattern of frequent fires

Serotinous cones and thick bark

Members of which genus within the Cupressaceae have dimorphic (with 2 distinct forms) foliage?

Juniperus

Fir

Flat needles and upright cones

Pine

Needles clustered and cones are woody and heavy

Spruce

Four-sided sharp needles and hanging cones

Name 2 deciduous conifers.

Taxodium and Metasequoia

Name 1 deciduous gymnosperm that is NOT a conifer

Ginko

What is the term used to denote the cluster of needles on pines?

Fascicle

How many needles may be found in these clusters?

2 to 5

What is the name of the portion of a pine cone that is visible when the cone scales are closed?

Apophysis

If there is a ‘prickle’ at the terminus of the umbo, it is said to be

Armed

How would you distinguish between a fir and a hemlock?

Fir needles are longer and lack a distinct stalk and leave a flat circular scar when removed, and hemlock needles are shorter, flattened, and attached to the twig by a stalk.