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javatpoint · 2 years

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What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Pollination?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pollination

Plant reproduction involves a process called pollination. Cross-pollination and self-pollination are the two basic forms of this process, and each of these types includes subcategories that we shall discuss in more depth.

The male reproductive cell of plants is found in the little single-celled objects known as pollen grains. The male gametes or sperm cells of the plant are another name for pollen.

The pollination process

When pollen grains from the appropriate flowers land on the stigma and combine with the style length to produce a pollen tube that connects the stigma and ovary, pollination has begun.

Plant fertilization starts when the sperm cells get to the ovary and egg cells. The seed is then separated from the parent plant by the pollination process, allowing it to grow into a plant and continue the reproductive cycle.

Pollination methods

1. Self-Pollination

One flower and one plant are pollinated in this process. when pollen grains from one flower's male parts immediately contact its female counterpart's stigma. The plants that do this are those ones that self-pollinate. Well-known examples of these plants include apricots, peanuts, barley, wheat, and rice.

This easy and rapid process decreases genetic variation since the flower's egg and sperm share some genetic information. Self-pollination is a kind of pollination in and of itself, although it also belongs to other subgroups. Let's investigate several self-pollination methods:

Autogamy

Self-pollination is the process by which sperm go from the pollen grain to the stigma of the same flower. The stigma and anthers of the same flower must both be open for autogamy to be possible. The stigma has to be prepared to accept the pollen that the anther releases. Stigma and anther must be close by.

Geitonogamy

This type of self-pollination takes place when pollen grains are moved from a plant's male to female reproductive organs while still existing in various flowers on the same plant. Although geitonogamy requires a pollinator and resembles cross-pollination more, it is referred to as self-pollination since it occurs inside the same plant.

2. Cross-Pollination

Cross-pollination between two blooms from different plants is complicated when a pollen grain from one flower's anther travels to the stigma of the other flower. Xenogamy is another term for this pollination process.

Since this pollination is usually difficult, pollinating chemicals are required. Living organisms and biological phenomena like the wind, animals, and insects are among these pollinators. Bright flowers frequently adopt this tactic since bees are drawn to them by their aroma.

Well-known examples are the strawberry, apple, dandelion, lavender, and cross-pollinating plants. During the cross-pollination process, animals, birds, the wind, insects, water, and other biotic and abiotic factors must function as pollinators.

Self-pollution prevention mechanisms

The structure of a flower, self-incompatibility and the timing of stamen and pistil maturation in the same flower or plant can all reduce or prevent self-pollination. There are a number of phenomena that might result in cross-pollination, with insects and wind being the most common. Flowers that are wind-pollinated lack color, odor, or nectar and have stigmas arranged to catch pollen carried by the wind. Animal-pollinated flowers can be identified by their shape, color, or ability to produce nectar or fragrance, which developed together with pollinators.

Cross-pollination benefits

High strength and resilience are seen in the produced seeds.

Every unisexual plant has a mechanism for cross-pollination, which enables reproduction.

Hereditary characteristics in the lineage vanish as a result of genetic recombination.

Increased resilience to diseases and other environmental factors results from this process in children.

New genes are introduced into many species through cross-pollination, which frequently results from fertilization between gametes that are genetically distinct.

Problems with cross-pollination

Although a pollinator is usually required, their readiness at the correct time is not always ensured.

Since it takes a lot of pollen grains for pollination to occur, a lot of pollen is wasted.

Large, fragrant blooms with nectar are required by plants to attract insects, but this is not economically practical.

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doingitfortheexposure · 2 years

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Macro Photography & Photo Stacking

Photo by Xer S. Rowan, Creative Commons Attribution license. Extreme closeup of a yellow dandelion, showing one quarter of the disc of the flowers (what we think of as one dandelion flower is actually many tiny flowers). Nearly everything is in crisp focus, petals, stamens, pistils, pollen...

—On affordable macro photography... as long as you have some equipment already:

If you have a camera with interchangeable lenses (typically an SLR), you can add a tube between the lens and the camera. This changes the focal point, allowing you to get your camera much closer to the thing you're photographing. It also changes how much light reaches the sensor, and there are limits at which it's impossible to get decent photos, but—for a relatively small amount of money (far less than a quality macro lens)—you can buy a set of 'macro extension tubes' that fit your camera's lens mount. These extension tubes can be used individually or in combination, and typically come in a short, medium, and longer tubes. All but the cheapest ones will have sensors that connect the camera to the lenses, allowing for autofocus and all the other electronic aspects of modern lenses.

One interesting aspect of macro extension tubes is the ability to use a telephoto lens as a macro lens. The perspective is so different from that of closeups taken with a wide angle lens. Once the garage is clean enough, I'll be able to set up a mini-studio on a cement floor—necessary for the longer exposure shots I intend to use for my macro photography. After that, maybe I'll be able to make a post with examples. It could be quite some time.

—On Photo Stacking:

This photo is actually multiple photos, 'stacked' by a computer program. I put the camera on a tripod, got everything into focus, switched to manual mode, and took a series of pictures while ever so slightly changing the focus between each shot. When I was done, I had pretty much the entire flower in focus.... but split up between multiple photos. The 'stacking' program/coding/algorithm/whatever finds the parts of each photo that are in focus and assembles them all together.

You might be able to replicate something similar by using a small aperture to gain a deeper field of focus, but you'd also be drastically reducing the amount of light that comes in, meaning a longer exposure (more chance of motion blur) and/or grainier photo.

—On macro photography with phones and tablets:

You can get magnetic and clip-on lenses that fit nearly all devices like these, brand interchangeable. I suggest a wide-angle + macro + 2x zoom combo of lenses as a basic starter set. Should cost the same or less than a decent set of SLR macro extension tubes.

—On dandelions:

#creative commons #photography #creative commons photography #dandelion #macro photography #photo stacking #pollen #botany #photo tips #photography tips

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gztrust · 2 years

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Yellow buttercup flower

#Yellow buttercup flower how to

Then there is the childhood lore- holding the flower under your chin to reveal your love for butter. Of course, this cannot be true, since they are toxic to livestock. One of these stories is that cows that grazed on buttercups produced the sweetest milk. Other, more down to earth stories, can exist though. This has resulted in buttercup flowers named “coyote’s eyes” in various parts of the U.S. Not knowing what to do, the coyote made new eyes with buttercup flowers. Each one that fell sprouted into buttercup flowers.Īnother story is of a coyote who tossed his eyes into the air one morning, and an eagle swooped in and stole them. Not noticing this, the man walked away, sprinkling his coins across the field as he went. When he refused the fairies cut a hole in his sack with a blade of grass. In another legend, a group of fairies asked an old miser to share his gold with them. Orpheus then transformed him into a buttercup flower. While singing, he became so entranced by his own voice that he collapsed and never woke. One day, in his stunning yellow and green robes, he sang to a group of wood nymphs. In this legend, a young boy named Ranunculus had a beautiful, entrancing singing voice. One of the most popular legends comes from Libya. Meaning of Buttercup Flowersīuttercups appear in songs, games, and legends throughout time. Certain varieties can appear in the mountains and rocky slopes from Alaska to New Mexico. These interesting flowers can appear in woods, fields, gardens, lawns, roadsides. These pistils are the flower’s female parts, which will develop into achenes (small dry fruits). These plume out of a slightly green center, which consists of a cluster of pistils. Another interesting fact is they have many stamens rather than the common five. The way these petals curve creates a pool of sweet nectar in the center. Typically, buttercups grow up to 2 feet tall, and their flowers reach only 1 inch wide. This waxy coating comes from reflective cells just below the petal surface. For most varieties, buttercups have slightly curving yellow petals with a waxy coating. Despite the variations, they carry many of the same characteristics. Gorman’s Buttercup (Ranunculus Gormanii)īuttercups belong to the Ranunculus genus, which contains approximately 400 species.Spinyfruit Buttercup (Ranunculus Muricatus).Straightbeak Buttercup (Ranunculus orthorhynchus).Macoun’s Buttercup (Ranunculus Macounii).Lapland Buttercup (Ranunculus Lapponicus).Sagebrush Buttercup (Ranunculus Glaberrimus).Yellow Water Buttercup (Ranunculus Flabellaris).Birdfoot Buttercup (Ranunculus Pedatifidus).Kashubian Buttercup (Ranunculus Cassubicus).Frogbit Buttercup (Ranunculus Hydrocharoides).California Buttercup (Ranunculus Californicus).Goldilocks Buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus).Anemone Buttercup (Ranunculus Anemoneus).Littleleaf Buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus L.).Aconite Leaf Buttercup (Ranunculus aconitifolius).Swamp buttercup (Ranunculus septentrionalis).Persian Buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus).Early Buttercup (Ranunculus fascicularis).Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus).

#Yellow buttercup flower how to

We’ll also take a look at the most popular varieties of buttercups and how to grow them. Below we’ll take a look at the interesting mythology and meaning of the buttercup flower. It’s this quality that makes this little golden flower so unique. And, for the purposes of the game, they have a shiny, waxy coating on their petals that reflects light. They are also considered far superior in beauty. Why? What makes them so much better than the dandelion?ĭespite growing just as wild, buttercups aren’t considered weeds. However, most in Europe claim the buttercup is the only valid flower for this little under the chin game. Whether you grow them in your garden or not, you’ll see them everywhere. Why can they be interchangeably used with this childhood garden game? Well, because they are bold wildflowers. Well, across much of the world, this is a practice largely done with buttercup flowers. When you were a child, did you sit in the yard with your friends or siblings and stick dandelions under your chin? If your chin glowed yellow, it meant you liked someone. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

#Yellow buttercup flower

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suppermariobroth · 3 years

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Top: Donkey Kong Jungle Beat contains Banandelions, plants that fling Donkey Kong using their elastic stems.

Bottom: the same plants reappear in Super Mario Galaxy, which was programmed by the same team as Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, now named “dandelion stalks”. The only difference was the removal of the spiky pistils from the middle of the flowers, and a recoloring. Interestingly, the recoloring was not done at the texture level - the dandelion stalks in Super Mario Galaxy still use the same orange flower texture, but the game applies a color filter to change them to violet during runtime.

Main Blog | Twitter | Patreon | Small Findings | Source

#super mario galaxy #donkey kong jungle beat #nintendo

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onyxheartbeat · 3 years

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I remember swaying in the field behind my old home, among stalks of tall pampas grass that grew around me. The spring wind tousled my hair, blew a wish against it, like a dandelion. I walked every day, touching violet and magenta pistils, trying to steal a bit of their painterly beauty for my own possession, imagining their color as rouge on my lips. I miss those springs; their efflorescence brought something close to happiness. Where did they go? I have been wandering through privation. There once was a sweetness to taste, something like a nectar, but even the lone, December berry does not grow here anymore. Was excitement and hope merely a season in my life? I have lain myself on the ground. In this love quiescence, I have been surrounded by snow. My organs are cold and sullen. I am not mourning myself, but I am tired of wishing for another spring. Like the bees and mice, the flowers, and the newborn bids, I too shall be consumed by this winter. I ask that none of my family be sad, for there is beauty to be found in the diablerie of decay.

—OnyxHeart

#poem #poetry #free verse #death #depression #love #unrequited love #writing #dark academia #melancholy #gothic #spilled ink #writers on tumblr #my words

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herbalhomies · 4 years

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Each Part of a Plant - And it’s Importance - Flowers

~ Flowers ~

✪ German Chamomile, Marigold, Elder and Passion flower are some of the important medicinal flowers of herbal medicine.

✪ All flowers share some common features. All have several component parts, each with their own specific function. All flowers form from an embryonic primordium and this will develop into a bud. In herbal medicine, we sometimes harvest certain flowers in the bud stage, such as roses and St John’s Wort (when it’s being made into an infused oil).

✪ In botany, a whorl or verticil is an arrangement of leaves, sepals, petals, stamens, or carpels that radiate from a single point and surround or wrap around the stem or stalk.

✪ All flowers form on the tip of a stalk known as a peduncle whose tip swells into a structure known as a receptacle. Other parts of the flower attach itself to the receptacle in a whorl. We usually see a whorl of small green-leaf like projections called sepals (there are usually between three or five sepals around a receptacle).

✪ Collectively sepals are known as calyx. The calyx in most plants, serves to protect the flower in its bud.

✪ Another whorl which forms around the receptacle consists of petals. Collectively, the petals are known as the corolla. As you probably know, attractive corolla attracts pollinators, and there are markings on the corolla that we can’t see but are visible to bees!

✪ Petals may be separate or they may be fused together. Not all corollas are ‘pretty’. In fact, sometimes we see a flower and don’t register it as one due to their muted colours and small petals. Eg, Hops are flowers with green petals. In a wind pollinated plant, there might be no corolla at all.

✪ Together the corolla and the calyx are known as perianth.

✪ In some plants bracts extend from the receptacle. These are a type of leaf, sometimes green, sometimes colourful. It serves the same purpose as the petals. In herbal medicine, we pick the bracts as well as the flowers from the Lime tree (Tilia europaea/cordata).

✪ Stamens also emerge from the receptacle, from the base of the pistil, a green structure that rises from the centre of the flower.

✪ Stamen feature a fine filament (which looks like a tiny stalk) atop of which sits a sac-like anther. Within the anther, pollen grains develop.

✪ The pistil is a closed-end vase shaped structure composed of the uppermost stigma. The stalk like style underneath connects to the lower ovary, which is present as a swelling at the base.

✪ It is the ovary that will ultimately develop into the fruit. Each ovary contains chambers and to the walls of these chambers, tiny oval shaped ovules attach by way of tiny stalks.

✪ With some patience and a sharp knife, you can open an ovary to examine these. Ovules develop after a flower has been fertilised and will eventually develop into seeds. Seeds are also gathered for use in herbal medicine.

✪ In relation to flowers, you may see the term inflorescence. This refers to formations of groups of flowers on a peduncle (rather than just a single flower on a peduncle). Inflorescence formations include spikes (as seen in Lavender), panicles (as seen in Oats), heads (as seen in Dandelion), cymes ( as seen in Sundew), catkins (as seen in Birch trees), corymbs ( as seen in Hawthorn), umbels (as seen in Valerian) and racemes ( as seen in Lily of the Valley (a restricted herb)).

#botany #green witch #herbalism #plants #flowers #pagan #witchcraft #herbalists #holistic #herbal healing #paganism #baby witch #biology #wicca #kitchen witch

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toropiski · 7 years

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It is like a sun rising, dandelion - one of the first bursts of colour in the summer, and what a burst: large fields glow yellow with dandelions... Kids love wreaths made of them, and when you slice the stems to four and put them to water they curl up... . #photography #nature #dandelion #yellow #flower #composite #pistil #stamen

#dandelion #stamen #composite #nature #pistil #yellow #photography #flower

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madamhatter · 4 years

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how lucky it was for these two girls to spy sophie in passing! it was as if the universe had heard the two friends speak so highly of the visitor who would occasionally swing by emile’s class for show and tell. it had been a while since they had last seen sophie, so one could imagine their excitement in recognizing the other from a distance, little feet pattering against the ground as they ran towards the woman, a basket of flowers in each girl’s hand. their voices call out to her to get her attention, and almost immediately, two outstretched hands offer sophie a blossom each as gifts. “do you remember us? will you be visiting us again soon?”

Have I gotten familiar to the floating island above? Inquiries of conformity frequented my mind, a yearning and craving they were, hinged to me as if a shadow. Have I finally anchored myself to such a place? Adaptability was once a trait I believed to possess, yet two years proven me a fool to think positive of myself. Cries of seagulls above, not one eye needs to glance in that direction to confirm their habits. 2, 3, 4, … ., 10, 11, 12 … . . Circling overhead for opportunity, they salvage for impressionable and giving folks or food - - either of which would be found with both decision. Unfortunately, this place where I meander, in this current time, is not a place where morsels may be handed out.

My finger waved side-to-side, a metronome to the workings of the world around me. Up to two, it was a scale of my own design that mimicked the original; dexterity may be a particular of mine, but a human I am and matching a metronome isn’t (normally) physically possible. However, what the body may lack is refined by mind; what my body precedes only the possibilities of what happens underneath this unremarkable form.

Compulsory movement, life regulates itself to streamlined performance and rituals. Contrasting the fluidity and bind of the human spirit, that is what everyday life comes down to. Just like how the backdoor of the bakery behind me swings open at the 6th measure, pitter-pattering of feet and store restocking go on from the 7th to 10th, before the door closes at the 11th, and silence resumes. Sometimes, the the baker’s assistant rushes out earlier, breaking the pattern, but it remains relative – earlier at the 5th or rushed at the 10th.

And, again, the measure restarts, but only for that particular event. Recognizing the numbers that conduct the procedures of mundane living, notwithstanding the strange when it rears itself unceremoniously in, that must’ve been the trait of mine. Still, a useless one. It never did serve any benefit of others, even in the workshop. All it did was aid me in orchestrating and working with or around others, quick to my feet or hands, or anything that was needed of me, appearing like a summoned ghost to their unspoken or voiced commands.

Between the valley or above the clouds, tumultuous life continues fixed to the course of the sun and moon, creating a shift that man, who once saw it indescribable and unnamable, to time, which then was domesticated to years, seasons, months, and days. Tumult… Haha. Foolish of me to even determine that I’ve grown accustomed to this place.

I adjusted my recline, my hand flat against my cheek and my elbow resting on top of a wooden post that belonged to a longer winding rail system. It separated this level of the district at its ledge and from below, the port.

I mindlessly pick at the wicker basket rest at the crux of my other arm. Scarred and calloused tissue brushes and accounts the wintery flowers in my collection.

A sigh.

Life goes on, I repeat that to myself so often, as should I. Yet, why do I feel myself hanging with uncertainty with only a line of spider silk around my ankle? Dangling yet expectant of the prey. “Hm?”

A scratch in the pattern I’ve memorized. A pattering from behind greets my ears. A set of two pattering, to be exact.

I turn my head, brows raised at the sight.

White dyras, they grew in a place whose name has been recently burnt from history. A collection of snow white single-petaled flowers grouped together, the pistils having honeycomb yellow stems that reach out. At the time of maturity, their pollen spreads into the wind like their perennial cousins that often mistaken as flowers, dandelions.

Flowers of innocence, it is the first image that comes to mind when you see them. A pair of two young schoolgirls approach with pep in their feet and recognition in their eyes.

Phoebe, ruby eyes and dark brown hair, thick and intricate cornrows worked from the left side to ride, creating an elegant ponytail with teal, orange, and white beads fastened to the end of each of the braids. Elena, orange eyes and moose hair, her head is covered mostly by a orange beanie that matches the same shade as one of the beads in Phoebe’s hair, and all that can be seen are relaxed fringes.

Two girls from Mister Claire’s class. Goodness, it’s been a while…

“Do you remember us? Will you be visiting us again soon?” “Of course I do. Good morning, Miss Phoebe and Miss Elena. I promise to visit as soon as I can.”

My expression softens from its rigid and tensed look, I even felt the muscles of my cheeks and shoulders relaxing at what is the first nonobligatory conversation someone holds with me today.

“How are you both doing today? Isn’t the incoming spring breeze just refreshing? Not as shiver-inducing like the ones that passed a week ago.”

Expectant eyes, however, now look befuddled, leaving a young woman like myself puzzled over why two young students looked at me in such a way. Had I spoken too vaguely again? Had I dictated myself like an old maid again? Had I spoken too carelessly, making my accent slip out?

Far too many questions, far too little time. Damn social interactions!

Something catches my eyes.

“Huh?”

I look down, now to fully perceive the dress of the two young girls. As expected, in their casual wear. Had either been in their uniforms, then this Sunday would’ve been an odd day.

Ah, they carry similar baskets to my own, and just like them, the weight of the baskets had been filled with flowers. Their variety was the typical ones that grow naturally in the city, compared to the others in my clutch, being from the rooftop garden.

And, in their hands were…

“Oh, goodness! How terribly daft of me.”

Heat coats my cheeks. Immediately I squat to the ground, an ungracious move that was covered by my long skirt.

They had been holding out the flowers. For inspection, no doubt. That’s why they recall me so well, I was a spectator to their show and tells often. However, the events of these past weeks, and ‘late night’ shifts left me more battered and wearier than what I expected from the work.

“These look wonderful! Are you planning on sharing this with Mister Claire and the class tomorrow? Your teacher would adore the idea and for all you have, you can even adorn the classroom! How fitting for spring.”

I hold my closed fists in front of me, nodding my head, drinking in the image of a flower-covered classroom from floor to ceiling, embracing the change of season. I heard countless times from my peers in education that decorations were of the norm, since they had to deal with my blank expression from time-to-time about such customs. My mind remains wrapped around the idea, but the silence itself is deafening compared to the replies that, at this point, should’ve been exchanged. Should I be worried about the gaze that still hasn’t changed? Phoebe glances to her friend and back at me. Elena remains with her eyes on me Both of them possibly doubting someone of my age and the things I’ve said. Which, still, do not come to me. And, too, which isn’t surprising or even insulting.

Until one of them stares with such resolve, even pity, at the social barrier, finally addressing the lost elder:

“These are for you, Miss Hatter.” A courteous inflection but bewildered expression from Elena.

“Huh?” The confusion remains thick, but my mind vocalizes it. “They’re for me…?”

Relieved heads nod at the movement in conversation, silently happy at the wall was overcome.

“My apologies..–” I clear my throat. “Today is ..” Index finger taps the back of my hand, putting together the words. “Valentine’s Day.”

A supportive nod from Phoebe.

“Ah…”

Polite obligations sets in, despite the hesitation and discomfort growing in my mind, and it is my responsibility that I must uphold. To take these flowers were necessary, no matter how I felt on the exchange. Yet, most importantly, it would make them happy – which I would not deny young children any joys they could feel.

“Both of you are so generous and kind for your ages!”

Despite the frigidness trailing down my spine, the cold making my hands wanting to curl up, the shudder that comes with taking in this reality, I remain with some dignity in this shambled body I known as myself.

But, its name…… That depends on who needs me, requires me. I am whoever they wish for me to be. And today, I am Miss Hatter.

“Coral bells and marbled poinsettias, what beautiful spring colors with the blushing pinks and pale whites. Ever fitting the season and the holiday, you two have such a spectacular selection.”

Carefully, I retrieve each flower, naming any fact from my insignificant lips. I settle them into my basket.

“Thank you.” I clap my hands together, bowing my head momentarily.

“As well, excellent timing for I have something that’d interest you as well. ”

Their expressions of curiosity lights an already bright day. Inquisitiveness has them almost on their toes, inching closer without any qualms to how anyone would perceive it; a child’s whimsical mind, always unprejudiced and welcoming on its own.

I search through my basket and I pinch the selection I had in mind that perfectly match both Phoebe and Elena’s color coordination.

“Please have this.”

Tied together by a red ribbon is a bouquet crafted and arranged by my own hands. Sunset orange plumerias and white spider lilies bunched together, the plumerias at the forefront while the spindly spider lilies were in the background, embellishing the size of the bouquet altogether.

Two of beautiful bouquets for two beautiful spirited girls.

“I promise again that I’ll visit Mister Claire’s classroom. Tomorrow is the perfect day to do so and it would be only fair to share something for once.”

Though softer than a whisper, both girls remain attentive of each word and their eyes wider and now dazzling. What has caught their attention away from the arrangements?

Perhaps it was the moment of surprise that overtook them. It is a swift change in mood and something unexpected from this interaction.

I’m not sure why but my face feels a little tired. Ignoring it is the best choice, my body falters in how ‘healthy’ it feels already.

My hand rests above my chest.

This feeling. Like when the sun hits my back whenever I set laundry on the wire for my sisters, and when the rays awaken me from my workshop bench when the shop is idle midday, and when the light grants me sight to read during the terribly rainy days back in the house between the valleys.

My cheeks are warm.

( Most unknown to her, Sophie Hatter smiles.. Had she known, she’d called herself spry in the moment, her body and mind feeling far too aged to consider it normal for her. Yet, for those witnessing, it was something else. Not delicate like how she performed duties, not crafted as she trained it to be.

Unrestrained, exquisite, a true look of beauty underneath all she found unremarkable and felt apathetic towards. )

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

( She smiles, genuinely and simply, as Sophie Hatter. Something she should do more. )

#( checkbooks inquiries and much ; answered asks )#( verse: ¿cual tu vas a ser? dentro del espejo ves; ¿algiuen más en ese cuerpo? | yni )#asocier #submission #long post #long post tw #[ I really did clown myself. Blame what I'm playing + me wanting to try 1st person after a long while. ]#[ so tumblr deleted my last chatter tag FML. - ]#[ Anyways! BIRB THIS IS SO CUTE TYVM FOR SENDING ;__; ]

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saltqueer · 4 years

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My notes for the Introduction chapter of A Guide to Flowering Plant Families by Wendy B. Zomlefer

Glossary

Floristics - The branch of phytogeography concerned with the study of plant species present in an area

Phytogeography - The branch of botany that deals with the geographical distribution of plants

Phytogenetic - Relating to the evolutionary development and classification of a species or group of organisms, or of a particular feature of an organism

Herbarium (pl. herbaria) - a systematically arranged collection of dried plants. Can refer to anything as small as a box dried plants are kept in, to an entire building or multiple buildings housing a collection.

Flora - The plants growing in a region. Think flora and fauna

Circumscribe - To define the limits of something. In this case, a species, genus, or family.

Phenetics (also taximetrics) - an attempt to classify organisms based on overall similarity, regardless of phylogeny or evolutionary relation from glossary

Phylogeny - the branch of biology concerned with phylogenetics from glossary

Monophyletic - A group of organisms descended from a common ancestor, including all descendants. ie all kittens had by one cat (including any descendants of said kittens) are a monophyletic group from glossary

Paraphyletic - A group that includes some, but not all, descendants of a common ancestor. ie one specific litter of kittens from a cat is a paraphyletic group, if the cat has had other litters from glossary

Monocotyledon (also monocot) - A flowering plant that produces one cotyledon

Dicotyledon (also dicot) - A flowering plant that produces two cotyledons

Cotyledon - The primary leaf, or one of two primary leaves in an embryo. The first leaves to come up when a plant sprouts. Also known as a seed leaf from glossary

Synoptic - forming a general summary

Cladistics - A taxonomic theory where the relationships of taxa are determined on shared derived character states, which indicates recency of common ancestry from glossary

Character State - A trait that can be inherited. ie in "hair present" and "hair absent", hair is the character, and present/absent are the states

Pers. Comm. - abbreviation for personal communication, not available to the public. Used to cite emailing, or a discussion in the hallway, etc.

Molecular phylogenetics - Classification based on analyzing DNA for shared ancestry. Whenever she says "molecular x" that's related to DNA studies

Habit - The general appearance of a plant from glossary

Inflorescence - The arrangement of flowers on the floral axis, or a flower cluster from glossary

Perianth - Collective term for the calyx and corolla from glossary

Calyx - The outermost whorl of the typical perianth, composed of the sepals from glossary

Sepal - One part of the other floral envelope, typically green and leaflike. Think those leaves that enclose a dandelion bud, and then fold back as it blooms from glossary

Corolla - The inner whorl (or several inner whorls) of the perianth, composed of the petals from glossary

Androecium - Collective term for the “male” reproductive organs of a flower from glossary

Gynoecium - Collective term for the “female” reproductive organs of a flower from glossary

Staminate - A flower (staminate flower) that lacks a functional gynoecium and has a functional androecium from glossary

Carpellate (also pistillate) - A flower (carpellate flower) that has a functional gynoecium and lacks a functional androecium from glossary

Monoecious - Plants that bear staminate and carpellate flowers on the same plant, but do not bear perfect flowers. Think pumpkins and other squash from glossary

Dioecious - Plants that bear staminate and carpellate flowers on different plants. Think asparagus or spinach from glossary

Polygamodioecious - Functionally dioecious, but forms a few flowers of the “opposite” sex or a few perfect flowers on the same plant from glossary

Perfect - A flower with a functional androecium and a functional gynoecium from glossary

Xylem - The tissue that transports water and nutrients throughout a plant. Wood is an example of xylem

Pholem - Tissue that brings sugars out of leaves

Sclerenchyma - Protective or supporting tissue. Typically has thicker cell walls and lignin

Endosperm - The tissue of many seeds, contains starches and oils. Derived from the triple fusion nucleus of the embryo sac. from glossary This is the part of the seed that goes into things like white flour, coconut meat, and coconut water. More details on the wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endosperm I can’t figure out how to distill that into a nice definition

Perisperm - Seed storage tissue, similar to the endosperm but derived from the nucellus from glossary - more details here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovule but there is A LOT of jargon

Summary:

The introduction has an intro and 5 sections, with some of them having subsections. This chapter goes over what the structure of the rest of the book will be like, as well as noting the major cited works and authors.

Intro

Angiosperms, or flowering plants, have been the dominant form of plant for more than 100 million years. They are extremely diverse, and include most plants humans depend on. This book focuses on families of flowering plants, because families can be found around the world, whereas genera (sg. genus) and species are often too regionally specific.

Choice of Classification

This section goes over historical attempts to classify plants, and discusses how in the past genetic relationships weren’t generally considered. Zomlefer doesn’t seem to like that, and instead generally follows the work of Robert Thorne, who stressed genetic relationships in his groupings. Thorne also mentioned that we don’t know enough about angiosperms to confidently classify them above the family level, and so this book only goes up to families.

Choice of Families and Family List

Zomlefer chose 130 families for this book, and attempted to capture a good balance of temperate and tropical, and woody and herbaceous families. Then there is a big ol’ list of all the families in the book. It covers about two and a half pages.

Family Treatments

I think? Family treatments are the detailed going-over of each family. It’s a bit unclear in the book and hard to google.

This section goes over the structure of the details that will be given about each family. There are several subsections, where Zomlefer describes what will be in each section further on in the book.

Family Diagnoses - Goes over the general structures of each family, without going over the many exceptions to each rule

Family Characterization - Goes over the general distinguishing features of each family, with emphasis on the genera in the US

Genera/species - Estimates for the total number of genera and species in each family.

Distribution - Worldwide distribution

Major Genera - The largest genera in the family. In cases where a family has six or fewer genera, this is wrapped into Genera/species.

U.S./Canadian Representatives - This covers major members of the family on Turtle Island. Includes all the continental US, Canada, Greenland, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Economic Plants and Products - Includes the most economically important members of a family, like poisons, food, medicines, and weeds

Commentary - The content of this section will vary, as it’s a discussion of the important and interesting features of a family. Pollination is mentioned consistently. This is also where the "many exceptions to each rule" mentioned in Family Diagnoses will be listed

References Cited - All the references for each family

Tables

22 charts that appear throughout the book. They cover. Various things.

Illustrations and Plant Material

Zomlefer drew all the illustrations for this book herself. She goes over the difficulty in locating specimens and having them still be around later, due to mowing, construction, fire, etc. Original sketches were done with the help of a microscope, and she goes over the meanings of different types of lines and stippling.

#a guide to flowering plant families #Wendy Zomlefer #my notes #whee fun times #long post #self teaching #botany

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iffoundreturntosea · 5 months

Text

April 20, Day 110/111

Day 110 2015

My beautiful niece through the looking glass!

#beautiful #niece #lookingglass #blackandwhite #bandw #family #love #lens #picoftheday #project365 #day110

Day 111 2016

Just a weed in the yard, pretty darn pretty.

#yellowflower #yellow #flowers #closeup #macro #texas #spring #bloom #shadesofspring #pastels #april #picoftheday #project365 #day111

False dandelions are never just weeds!

Day 110 2017

Waiting to pick niece up at school.

#school #gerard #kindergarten #niece #recess #playtime #spring #clouds #outside #shark #bruce #gooddaybruce #findingnemo #april #picoftheday #project365 #day110

Day 110 2018

Scarlet Gaura/Scarlet Bee Blossom (Gaura coccinea)

#scarletgaura #scarletbeeblossom #beautiful #anthers #stamen #pistil #petals #macro #upclose #flowers #wildflowers #texas #spring #nature #outdoors #april #bouquet #picoftheday #project365 #day110

Looks like a beard to me now. haha

Day 110 2019

Look a likes!

#petals #quilt #craft #myomisanartist #handquilted #art #flower #samesies #nationallookalikeday #april #april20 #2019 #nationalday #nationaldaycalendar #picoftheday #project365 #day110

Day 111 2020

Circles around you

#circles #color #create #paper #journal #artsupplies #journalit #april #april20 #2020 #picoftheday #project365 #day111

I don't know how she can cut so many things out. Kudos to her.

Day 110 2021

All I asked it was how much wood does a wood duck duck if a wood duck could duck wood? (I think I’ve lost it...I’ll see myself out)

#woodduck #creek #buffalocreek #texas #spring #water #bird #waterfowl #fowljokes #nature #outdoors #april #april20 #2021 #picoftheday #project365 #day110

Hahaha, this made me chuckle.

Day 110 2022

Best snugs I get when it’s hot out 😢

#leo #kitty #cat #furbaby #toohottosnuggle #april #april20 #2022 #picoftheday #project365 #day110

Day 110 2023

Snuggled in

#soexhausted #leo #kitty #cat #snuggledin #bed #eye #magnus #magnifylove #april #april20 #2023 #picoftheday #project365 #day110

Day 111 2024

End of what exactly?

#weirdsign #dailytheme #sign #end #april #april20 #2023 #picoftheday #project365 #day111

I'm looking forward to the end of endless pain. What about you?

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fight-surrender · 5 years

Text

Howlin’ Forever Chapter 3: Into the Woods

Rating: Teen and Up

Word count: 2583

Read on AO3

Summary: “Dog-Simon must catch my scent because he’s instantly awake and on his feet. His head is down, hackles are up and the snarl that ensues from his mouth is most certainly lupine. His eyes are Simon’s blue, but there is no humanity or recognition in them. Only malice.”

Time for Baz to find a werewolf.

(I did put a readmore cut in here on my desktop, I’m terribly sorry to clog your feed if it doesn’t transfer to mobile.) Thanks as always to my amazing friends, @carryonsimoncarryonbaz, @vkelleyart @penpanoply for their unwavering support and encouragement and beta reading and omg @penpanoply made me this cover art which is fucking gorgeous and brilliant and perfect. <3 <3

_________________________________________________

Ch 3: Into the Woods

You and me have a disease, You affect me, you infect me, I'm afflicted, you're addicted, You and me, you and me

- “Infected” by Bad Religion

Baz:

Panting, I scramble to the window. The night seems to be holding its breath, silently waiting as a quiet splash draws my eyes to the moat. The merwolves are eerily calm, almost reverent, as they bear witness to the hulking bronze figure that cuts through the water. The creature emerges from the moat, shaking off moonlit water droplets. He howls again, sending my heart into a renewed frenzy. The wolf then turns and runs into the forest.

I wipe my hands across my face, then rake them through my hair.

What should I do? What should I do?

Should I go after him? Leave him be? Where is he going? Does he even know?

The drawbridge is closed. I’m too frazzled to manage a spell to get around it. Sleep isn’t an option tonight. My eye catches on the pile of books Malfoy sent over. At least Hogwarts still has a fully stocked library, not the Children’s Garden of Verses we have here at Watford. I take a copy of “Magical Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a bag of salt and vinegar crisps and settle onto my bed to try and focus on the pages.

***

Sunrise turns the room pink as I realize I’ve been reading the same paragraph for half an hour. I have no idea what it says. The only information I’ve retained from this exercise is that the full moon phase can last up to about four days. The transformation seems to last longer in the newly Turned. Also, there is a potion called Wolfsbane that helps lessen the effects of the Lycanthropy.

A heavy thunk, followed by the clatter of gears indicates the drawbridge is coming down.

I snap the book shut with one hand and stand up.

Time to find a werewolf.

***

It’s a good thing it’s the weekend. I certainly wouldn’t miss class to hike through the woods after this imbecile. Branches slap my face as I stomp along, following Snow’s tracks. He’s left an obvious trail of broken limbs, scratched soil and huge footprints. My vampire senses come in handy as well. His scent is different in this form. He still smells like smoke, but now there’s a wildness, a smell of petrichor and moss with hints of musk.

My mind is a swirl of thoughts, but I can’t settle on any single one. Simon, the Chosen One, Watford’s golden boy is now a monster. Technically, he’s not allowed to exist. Neither am I, for that matter, I’m well versed in keeping my secret. The question is what’s Simon going to do with this information? He’s so damned good, he could very well just turn himself in to the mage as soon as he resumes his human form. I’ll be damned to hell twice over before I let him throw his life away like that. I will stop him, even if I have to put a collar on him and chain him to the bed. (That actually sounds appealing, regardless of his reaction to his new condition.)

Simon’s scent gets stronger as I approach a dried creek bed. I slow down, treading lightly across scattered stones and debris, trying not to make a sound. An angry squirrel chitters at me from a branch above my head. If I had the time or inclination, I’d drain him out of spite. At least squirrel blood tastes better than rat.

I stop short as I come around a boulder, on the other side is the hulking form of Simon Snow. Rather, the were version of him. His breath is till heaving, but he seems to be asleep. During the frenzied events of last night, I hadn’t a chance to really get a look at him. He’s huge, probably the size of a Shetland pony. He doesn’t exactly look wolfish, his muzzle is not so pointed, his ears flop down. He looks like, well he looks like an overgrown, shaggy, bronze-furred Golden Retriever. For snakes sake, of course Simon Snow would turn into a Golden; cheerful, loyal, lovely dogs that they are. He’s too good to even be a proper monster. Crowley. I roll my eyes and shake my head in wonder.

Dog-Simon must catch my scent because he’s instantly awake and on his feet. His head is down, hackles are up and the snarl that ensues from his mouth is most certainly lupine. His eyes are Simon’s blue, but there is no humanity or recognition in them. Only malice. Not quite so Golden-esque then.

Before I can pull my wand from my sleeve, he lunges at me, but immediately falls to the ground. He growls again and turns to bite at something behind him. I step back to a safer distance and see that the beast’s foot is caught in some kind of debris. Snow flails and thrashes, but eventually collapses, exhausted, panting.

I try to approach him, now that he’s tired, and am met once again with that malevolent, dead stare and a mouth full of giant teeth. And, I might add, horrific dog breath. I back away into the forest to think. That thing, it is Simon. I can’t exactly leave him out here for the next three days, but how can I spell him free and somewhere safe until he goes back to human form? There are dog training spells, but what would “atta boy” do to the human part of his brain? I suppose I could spell him to sleep, but how do I get him back to our room? I don’t have the magic to transport him.

What if I could get him to trust me? Physically, he’s a giant pet dog. What’s the best way to train a dog? Positive reinforcement: Food. What’s the way to Simon Snow’s heart? Food.

I turn and run back to Watford. It’s time to call in a favor with Cook Pritchard.

***

Thank magic no one is around when I haul the giant wicker picnic basket Cook Pritchard loaded up for me across the great lawn. She gave me enough food for an army. The woman was well chuffed that I was having a picnic with “friends.” She acted as if I hadn’t any friends. “Well that’s lovely, Basilton, so nice to see you coming out of your shell.” Cook even tucked a small bottle of dandelion wine into the basket, “to help break the ice.” She actually winked at me. I wanted to implode.

I have friends. Sure, half of them are family, but still. You only need one or two friends, anything more isn’t worth the effort.

I carry the basket through the wood. I feel like I’m on my way to a goth Victorian picnic. I stop periodically to drain a few squirrels, just for spite. The resident dryad side eyes me as I pass her thicket. I ignore her.

“What do you seek, blood eater?” She hisses. Twirling her ridiculous umbrella. Butterflies swirl lazily around her mossy hair.

“None of your business.” I reply.

“Your pistil is a wolf.” She remarks.

“He’s not my anything.” I snarl, “And he’s not a wolf, he’s a Golden Retriever.”

“The Chosen One is an abomination,” she presses. “The children of the moon must die.”

I light a fire in my palm. “Is that so?” I drop my voice to a menace, “maybe I should take out this whole forest in the process.”

“Do what you must. The forest will regrow. He cannot live.” She calls my bluff.

“You know what? You can fuck off.” I say, frustrated.

She opens her mouth to speak, but I raise my hand. “Enough. We’re done here.” I sling the giant basket over my shoulder and stomp away.

I’ll be staked before I take advice from a woodland creature holding a parasol. Snow has as much of a right to live as I do. More so, he’s not dead. Fuck the dryad.

I finally make it back to the creek bed. Dog-Simon looks vaguely defeated, laying on his side, his back leg stretched behind him. I can see a length of rusty wire wrapped around his foot. He’s awake, wary eyes never leaving mine, a low growl rumbles in his chest.

I settle myself on the ground a safe distance away. I’m wearing my school-issue green Watford football trackie bottoms and sweatshirt. Coach Mac will probably not appreciate werewolf damage to the practice uniform. My trainers are caked with mud. I sigh. The things I do for love.

The basket creaks as I open it. The sound makes Snow get up and retreat as far as the wire around his leg will let him. His tail is down, ears back; he’s panting lightly.

I pull out the bottle of dandelion wine and take a swig, to calm my nerves. It’s bitter, with a faint floral overtone, and just enough bite to warm my chest. I take a deep breath and survey the contents of my picnic. The basket is overflowing with roast beef sandwiches, sour cherry scones, roast chicken, bacon butties, jellies, and inexplicably a layered trifle. She must have magicked it all in there.

It’s just me and the dog, and I missed breakfast, so I help myself to a roast beef sandwich. Snow’s ears tip forward and he sits down. Sniffing the air.

I toss a bit of my sandwich at him, he scrambles away with a surprised bark. Almost immediately, he cautiously noses forward, sniffing at the roast beef. He sits down again, without eating it and resumes watching me, panting. His teeth are huge.

“For fucks sake, Simon, it’s not like it’s poisoned.”

The dog’s ears perk up and he cocks his head at me. His mouth is closed, brows almost furrowed in concentration.

“Go on then lad,” I press, “roast beef is your favorite.” I remind myself to breathe.

Snow resumes panting, but lowers his nose again at the food. He nudges it, then takes an experimental bite. Apparently satisfied that the offering wasn’t going to kill him, the great dog swallows the rest. Licking his lips, he retreats to his original position, as far away from Baz as he can get.

I toss half a sandwich into his orbit.

“There you go Snow, I know you can’t walk away from half a sandwich.”

Once again Dog-Simon sits, cocks his head and looks at me. I’m probably imagining it, but his eyelids almost seem to squeeze a bit, in concentration. He cautiously walks my way, never taking his eyes off me, and eats the sandwich half in one bite. This time he doesn’t shy away, he sits, panting again and watches me.

I toss him the other half of the sandwich, which he catches in the air and eats with more gusto. He’s watching me again, this time I get a weak tail wag.

I unwrap the roast chicken and throw the whole thing at him. It lands with an unceremonious plop, a leg breaking free. Simon stands and practically inhales the whole thing. His tail is wagging faster now.

We go on like this for the duration of the afternoon. I’m slowly inching closer, I can almost touch his muzzle now. He seems more relaxed, the panting has stopped. His ears are forward, tail wagging freely. His eyes have gone softer, from ice to sky.

I reach into the basket for a sour cherry scone, I’ve been saving these for this moment. I scoot even closer, holding it in my hand this time. He’s so close, he could easily rip my throat out. It’s not often I have to worry about someone ripping out my throat. It’s refreshing, really. I suppose there are worse ways to die.

“Simon, we’re going to have to work together to figure this mess out. If there is any part of you that can hear me, let me help you. I mean, I know you don’t have any reason to trust me, but…” My voice tapers off. Why would he trust me? Crowley, I’ve done nothing but torment him for the last 6 years.

A gentle breeze ruffles the golden leaves above me. “We be of one blood, ye and I.” I murmur. A warm rush of surprise washes over me. Where the fuck did that even come from? Kipling was a powerful magician, but is that even a spell? Leave it to me to channel my favorite childhood book in times of duress.

I take a breath and hold out the scone. Simon noses forward, sniffs, and carefully takes the scone from my hand. He doesn’t move away. I keep my eyes on him as I slowly reach for the basket and remove another scone. I hold it in my hand, when he takes it, I reach out with my other hand and run it behind his ear, rubbing along his jaw. He stiffens, but continues to eat the scone. “These are your favourite,” I whisper, scratching behind his ear, rubbing slowly along his neck and shoulder. Eventually, I find myself out of scones and scratching his stomach, while his tongue lolls and he scratches his back leg lazily.

I take a break because my hands are cramping from all the petting. I really hope he doesn’t remember any of this. I shake my hands and look at the grime under my nails. I’m going to need a manicure.

Simon stands and gives a mighty shake from his nose to his feathered, rudder-like tail. He utters a sharp bark, like he’s decided something, then proceeds to try and climb into my lap, his huge pink tongue lapping my face.

“Merlin and Morgana, you giant thumping git, get off. I push him away, but not too far. He knocks me to the ground and licks my whole face. For snakes sake, you’re disgusting, I get to my feet wiping saliva off my chin and trying not to smile. Simon’s tail is wagging so hard his whole body is wiggling and he’s rubbing along my side, trying to get me to scratch his back. I oblige for a moment.

“Snow, stop, let’s get your leg untangled.” He stands so quietly as I extricate his leg from the wire, that I can’t help but wonder if he understood me.

Once freed, Simon plants his giant paws on my shoulders and smears the side of my face with his tongue once more. “Blimey, Snow.” I step back and the great dog’s feet once more hit the ground. He zooms away, coming to a skidding stop, returns to my side and bows his front legs down, rear up, tail wagging madly.

I lean down and take his huge face in my hands, scratching gently below his jaw. “Come along, you delightful moron, let’s go home.”

I turn and make my way through the forest. The late afternoon sun dappling the trail with rich golden light. Dust motes dancing in the beams. Simon scampers ahead, darting back every few minutes to make sure I’m still following.

I breathe in the rich loamy scent of these ancient woods and let it out slowly. For once, my mind is quiet. Simon is back at my side, nosing at my hand. I absentmindedly rub his velvet ear. I stop and let this foreign emotion wash over me. I let myself relax, for just this moment, I am content.

#carry on #my fic #howlin forever #werewolf fic #werewolf simon #simon snow #baz pitch #watford 6th year #cover art by penpanoply #fanfiction #not gonna lie #i kind of love this chapter #fanfic #snowbaz fanfiction

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