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Isoplexis Chalcantha
{{Italic title ''Isoplexis'' is a section of four species of flowering plants within the genus ''Digitalis'' in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. The species of section ''Isoplexis'' differ from other plants in the genus ''Digitalis'' in that their monosymmetric (sometimes called zygomorphic) flowers have a distinctive large upper lip rather than large lower lip and the species are endemic to the Canary Islands (the species ''D. canariensis'', ''D. chalcantha'', and ''D. isabelliana'') and Madeira (''D. sceptrum''). Two ''Isoplexis'' species, ''D. canariensis'' and ''D. sceptrum'', were first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as part of the genus ''Digitalis''. Since then the section has undergone several changes, the addition of two more species and more importantly being moved to a separate genus, under the genus name of ''Isoplexis'' or sometimes ''Callianassa'', back and forth many times (Lindley 1821, Loudon 1829, Bentham 1835, Webb 1845, Wetstein 1891, Himmelbaeur and Z ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Isoplexis Canariensis 1
{{Italic title ''Isoplexis'' is a section of four species of flowering plants within the genus ''Digitalis'' in the plantain family Plantaginaceae. The species of section ''Isoplexis'' differ from other plants in the genus ''Digitalis'' in that their monosymmetric (sometimes called zygomorphic) flowers have a distinctive large upper lip rather than large lower lip and the species are endemic to the Canary Islands (the species ''D. canariensis'', ''D. chalcantha'', and ''D. isabelliana'') and Madeira (''D. sceptrum''). Two ''Isoplexis'' species, ''D. canariensis'' and ''D. sceptrum'', were first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as part of the genus ''Digitalis''. Since then the section has undergone several changes, the addition of two more species and more importantly being moved to a separate genus, under the genus name of ''Isoplexis'' or sometimes ''Callianassa'', back and forth many times (Lindley 1821, Loudon 1829, Bentham 1835, Webb 1845, Wetstein 1891, Himmelbaeur and Z ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Laurel Forest
Laurel forest, also called laurisilva or laurissilva, is a type of subtropical forest found in areas with high humidity and relatively stable, mild temperatures. The forest is characterized by broadleaf tree species with evergreen, glossy and elongated leaves, known as "laurophyll" or "lauroid". Plants from the laurel family (Lauraceae) may or may not be present, depending on the location. Ecology Laurel and laurophyll forests have a patchy distribution in warm temperate regions, often occupying topographic refugia where the moisture from the ocean condenses so that it falls as rain or fog and soils have high moisture levels.Abstract at NASA – MODIS: Izquierdo, T; de las Heras, P; Marquez, A (2011). Vegetation indices changes in the cloud forest of La Gomera Island (Canary Islands) and their hydrological implications". ''Hyd ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Isoplexis Canariensis
''Digitalis canariensis'' is a member of the genus ''Digitalis''. Taxonomy This species is part of section ''Isoplexis'', which was temporarily accepted as an own genus. The synonym ''Isoplexis canariensis'' also continues to be used. In general, as of 2017, opinions concerning the taxonomic status of ''Isoplexis'' species differ depending on the source. Description Individuals of these species are small, evergreen plants growing into rounded shrubs up to 150 cm tall. The plant has lanceolate-ovoid leaves with toothed margins. The leaves are spirally arranged. The inflorescence is a cluster of orange-reddish, 3 cm large flowers with short petals and noticeable upper lip and lower lip. Bird pollination by the island populations of '' Phylloscopus'' species has been documented. The fruit is a capsule. ''Digitalis canariensis'' contains cardenolids (cardiac glycosids),Studer, Pavanaram et al.: ''Die Glykoside der Blätter von ''Digitalis canariensis'' L. 1. Mitteilung'', ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Hexose
In chemistry, a hexose is a monosaccharide (simple sugar) with six carbon atoms. The chemical formula for all hexoses is C6H12O6, and their molecular weight is 180.156 g/mol. Hexoses exist in two forms, open-chain or cyclic, that easily convert into each other in aqueous solutions. The open-chain form of a hexose, which usually is favored in solutions, has the general structure H–(CHOH)''n''−1–C(=O)–(CHOH)4−''n''–H, where ''n'' is 1, 2, or 3. Namely, five of the carbons have one hydroxyl functional group (–OH) each, connected by a single bond, and one has an oxo group (=O), forming a carbonyl group (C=O). The remaining bonds of the carbon atoms are satisfied by seven hydrogen atoms. The carbons are commonly numbered 1 to 6 starting at the end closest to the carbonyl. Hexoses are extremely important in biochemistry, both as isolated molecules (such as glucose and fructose) and as building blocks of other compounds such as starch, cellulose, and glycosides. Hexose ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Sylvia Melanocephala
The Sardinian warbler (''Curruca melanocephala'') is a common and widespread typical warbler from the Mediterranean region. Like most ''Curruca'' species, it has distinct male and female plumages. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. Plumages are somewhat variable even in the same locality, with the intensity of a reddish hue on upper- and/or underside that varies from absent to (in some subspecies) pronounced. The female is mainly brown above and buff below, with a grey head. The Sardinian warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds. Taxonomy and systematics The first formal description of the Sardinian warbler was by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 in the 13th edition of the ''Systema naturae''. He coined the binomial name ''Motacilla melanocephala''. The previous genus ''Sylvia'' was introduced in 1769 by the Italian naturalist Giova ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Canary Islands Chiffchaff
The Canary Islands chiffchaff (''Phylloscopus canariensis'') is a species of leaf warbler endemic to the Canary Islands, Spain. Sometimes the English name is spelled Canary Island chiffchaff. Taxonomy Previously the Canary Island chiffchaff was considered as a subspecies of the common chiffchaff (''Phylloscopus collybita''). Now it is recognised as a separate species under the name ''Phylloscopus canariensis''. Subspecies There are two recognised subspecies but the Lanzarote subspecies is probably extinct; they are: * Western Canary Islands chiffchaff (''Phylloscopus canariensis canariensis''): western Canary Islands: El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria * †Eastern Canary Islands chiffchaff (''Phylloscopus canariensis exsul''): eastern Canary Islands: Lanzarote and possibly Fuerteventura. Description The Canary Islands chiffchaff is similar to the common chiffchaff and the Iberian chiffchaff but compared to the common chiffchaff it has a longer b ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Endangered Species
An endangered species is a species that is very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular political jurisdiction. Endangered species may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching and invasive species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List lists the global conservation status of many species, and various other agencies assess the status of species within particular areas. Many nations have laws that protect conservation-reliant species which, for example, forbid hunting, restrict land development, or create protected areas. Some endangered species are the target of extensive conservation efforts such as captive breeding and habitat restoration. Human activity is a significant cause in causing some species to become endangered. Conservation status The conservation status of a species indicates the likelihood that it will become extinct. Multiple factors are considered when assessing the ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Sunbird
Sunbirds and spiderhunters make up the family Nectariniidae of passerine birds. They are small, slender passerines from the Old World, usually with downward-curved bills. Many are brightly coloured, often with iridescent feathers, particularly in the males. Many species also have especially long tail feathers. Their range extends through most of Africa to the Middle East, South Asia, South-east Asia and southern China, to Indonesia, New Guinea and northern Australia. Species diversity is highest in equatorial regions. There are 145 species in 16 genera. Most sunbirds feed largely on nectar, but will also eat insects and spiders, especially when feeding their young. Flowers that prevent access to their nectar because of their shape (for example, very long and narrow flowers) are simply punctured at the base near the nectaries, from which the birds sip the nectar. Fruit is also part of the diet of some species. Their flight is fast and direct, thanks to their short wings. The sun ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Lotus (genus)
''Lotus'', a latinization of Greek '' lōtos'' (), is a genus of flowering plants that includes most bird's-foot trefoils (also known as bacon-and-eggs) and deervetches and contains many dozens of species distributed worldwide. Depending on the taxonomic authority, roughly between 70 and 150 are accepted. ''Lotus'' is a genus of legumes and its members are adapted to a wide range of habitats, from coastal environments to high altitudes. The genus ''Lotus'' is currently undergoing extensive taxonomic revision. Species native to the Americas have been moved into other genera, such as ''Acmispon'' and '' Hosackia'', as in the second edition of ''The Jepson Manual''. The aquatic plant commonly known as the Indian or sacred lotus is ''Nelumbo nucifera'', a species not closely related to ''Lotus''. Description Most species have leaves with five leaflets; two of these are at the extreme base of the leaf, with the other three at the tip of a naked midrib. This gives the appearance o ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Canarina
''Canarina'' is a genus of flowering plants within the family Campanulaceae. They are herbaceous perennial vines with bell-shaped flowers. The best known species is ''Canarina canariensis'' from the laurel forests of the Canary Islands which is grown as an ornamental plant. ''C. canariensis'' is one of a group of unrelated Canarian plants that appear to be adapted for bird pollination, including the members of the genera ''Isoplexis'' and '' Lotus''. It was once thought that the original pollinators of these plants were sunbirds which had become extinct on the Canary Islands, explaining why some of these species are rare and considered endangered (Vogel 1954; Vogel et al. 1984; Olesen 1985; Valido et al. 2004). However more recent work has shown that these plants are adequately pollinated by non-specialist flower visiting birds, particularly the Canary Islands chiffchaff (''Phylloscopus canariensis'') and the Canary Island spectacled warbler (''Sylvia conspicillata orbitalis'') ( ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Bird Pollination
Ornithophily or bird pollination is the pollination of flowering plants by birds. This sometimes (but not always) coevolutionary association is derived from insect pollination (entomophily) and is particularly well developed in some parts of the world, especially in the tropics, Southern Africa, and on some island chains. The association involves several distinctive plant adaptations forming a "pollination syndrome". The plants typically have colourful, often red, flowers with long tubular structures holding ample nectar and orientations of the stamen and stigma that ensure contact with the pollinator. Birds involved in ornithophily tend to be specialist nectarivores with brushy tongues and long bills, that are either capable of hovering flight or light enough to perch on the flower structures. Plant adaptations Plant adaptations for ornithophily can be grouped primarily into those that attract and facilitate pollen transfer by birds, and those that exclude other groups, primaril ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Pinus Canariensis
''Pinus canariensis'', the Canary Island pine, is a species of gymnosperm in the conifer family Pinaceae. It is a large, evergreen tree, native and endemic to the outer Canary Islands of the Atlantic Ocean. Description ''Pinus canariensis'' is a large evergreen tree, growing to tall and diameter at breast height, exceptionally up to tall and diameter. The green to yellow-green leaves are needle-like, in bundles of three, long, with finely toothed margins and often drooping. A characteristic of the species is the occurrence of glaucous (bluish-green) epicormic shoots growing from the lower trunk, but in its natural area this only occurs as a consequence of fire or other damage. The cones are long, wide, glossy chestnut-brown in colour and frequently remaining closed for several years (serotinous cones). Its closest relatives are the chir pine (''P. roxburghii'') from the Himalayas, the Mediterranean pines '' P. pinea'', '' P. halepensis'', '' P. pinaster' ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
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