 |
Recently a very interesting characteristics of the Spiderwort has been observed by Japanese scientists at Kyoto University. Spiderworts have show experimental evidence suggesting that they can detect radiation not detected by scientific instruments. This biological sensitivity may indicate a serious use for the plants other than just enjoying their beauty. Notice the stamens in the center of the flower (yellow tops). In the presence of radiation the blue or blue-purple stems of the stamens turn pink. The same change has also been observed in the presence of chemical pollution.
Spiderworts get their name as a result of viewing them from above. From above the whole plant resembles a large "spider". The flower forms the "body" and the leaves make the "legs".
When the stem if broken, sap emerges forming slimy filaments resembling a spider's web. This is also where it gets the nickname, "Cow Slobber".
Flowers of the Spiderwort are about the size of a nickel. Spiderworts are monocots having long narrow leaves with parallel veins. The flower petals of monocots occur in threes or multiples of three. Flowering occurs form April to July. You can find them in wooded borders, thickets, meadows, and
roadsides.
The Cherokee Indians used the plant to make a tea for female problems and as a laxative. The Lakota used the flowers to make paint, hence the nickname, "Indian Paint". Crushing the leaves made a good treatment for insect bites and stings.
This plant is also a favorite for biology teachers. They have large chromosomes that are well suited to the study of cells. It is also very easy to see the flowing cytoplasm and nucleus with a microscope.
When the stem if broken, sap emerges forming slimy filaments resembling a spider's web. This is also where it gets the nickname, "Cow Slobber".
Flowers of the Spiderwort are about the size of a nickel. Spiderworts are monocots having long narrow leaves with parallel veins. The flower petals of monocots occur in threes or multiples of three. Flowering occurs form April to July. You can find them in wooded borders, thickets, meadows, and
roadsides.
The Cherokee Indians used the plant to make a tea for female problems and as a laxative. The Lakota used the flowers to make paint, hence the nickname, "Indian Paint". Crushing the leaves made a good treatment for insect bites and stings.
This plant is also a favorite for biology teachers. They have large chromosomes that are well suited to the study of cells. It is also very easy to see the flowing cytoplasm and nucleus with a microscope.
No comments:
Post a Comment