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Many studies provide evidence of health and well-being benefits gained from contact with nature. In the United Kingdom, people who claim Black, Asian and UK minority ethnic (UKBAME) backgrounds are less likely to have a garden, or live near quality greenspace, and are often under-represented as park users, compared with White British people. Placemakers in the UK predominantly claim White British ethnicity. We find cultural biases support unfair advantage for White British people in provision of, and access to healthy nature in London. We propose insufficient attention is given to the cultural content of nature and find that inequality is sustained by White privilege in design or management, even in "best practice" exemplars. We propose action to increase equity in access to healthy nature in cities, responding to variation we find in Viability, Interest and perceived Healthfulness of greenspaces in London for people along lines of ethnicity, race and religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Man Who Organized Nature: The Life of Linnaeus" by Gunnar Broberg is a biography of Carl Linnaeus, a renowned scientist known for his work in taxonomy and classification. The book explores Linnaeus's life, his accomplishments, and his personality, presenting a balanced perspective on his strengths and flaws. It delves into his journey to Lapland, his publications, and his views on the natural world. The biography also discusses Linnaeus's relationship with the concept of evolution and his impact on the field of biology. [Extracted from the article]

Modern strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) cultivars are hermaphrodite and have fertile flowers, with the anthers releasing viable pollen. Cultivars are self-compatible and do not require cross-pollination. Studies supporting managed or wild insects are based on a few reports and there are problems with the methods used to assess pollination. This review examined the role of pollination in strawberry. The mean (± s.d. or standard deviation) pollinator dependence (PD) for yield (self-pollination versus open- or insect-assisted pollination) was 0.36 ± 0.26 (P < 0.001, N = 52 studies). The yields of plants exposed to supplementary insects were higher than those exposed to pollinators under natural open conditions, with a calculated pollen limitation (PL) of 0.20 ± 0.17 (P < 0.001, N = 20 studies). Fields close to semi-natural habitats, wildflowers, grass or hedges can have more pollinators and a greater diversity of pollinators than fields further away. However, a greater abundance of pollinators does not always lead to higher fruit set. Yield is dependent on insect pollinators (moderate pollinator dependence) and is limited by the availability of pollen under natural open conditions (moderate pollen limitation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a preliminary characterization of the legal discourse in literary texts written for children and taught by the Israeli general secular (Mamlakhti) education system since the 1950s. It shows that while for quite some time this discourse did not receive proper attention in educational curricula and textbooks, pupils today can be exposed to texts involving prominent legal elements and a deep-seated and critical perception of the rule of law as part of special enrichment programmes in the state education system. These paths give voice to those who call for local legal education and see a need to look current legal reality in the eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southern California is known for its rugged desert features, including knife-edge ridges, deep valleys, and broad plains of rock. The park experiences less than 6 inches of rain per year, making timing crucial for the emergence of wildflowers. The best blooms typically occur after above-average rainfall in December and January, followed by sunny and warm February weather. This can result in an explosion of color known as a "super bloom." The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including desert bighorn sheep. [Extracted from the article]

Nesting habits of the digger wasp Lindenius albilabris (Fabricius, 1793) at two localities in Poland were studied. The female hunts nymphs or adults of plant bugs Lygus rugulipennis Poppius, 1911 and L. pratensis (Linnaeus, 1758), depositing up to 10 individuals per cell, depending on their size. Nests are built in a wide variety of sandy habitats, on dirt roads, and in wastelands. The nest consists of a 10–12 cm long main burrow and one to three cells. Males are usually found on flowers of wild carrots Achillea millefolium, Daucus carota, Peucedanum oreoselinum, Pimpinella sp. and Tanacetum vulgare. The nest kleptoparasite Metopia argyrocephala was recorded in nests of this species. The mature larva is first described in this study and its morphology is compared with other species of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is a crop that is primarily cultivated for its fruit, mainly in the tropical countries of the world. After harvesting, nearly 60% of its biomass including pseudostems are being left as a waste. Due to the favorable mechanical and chemical characteristics of the fiber extracted from different parts of this crop, various products could be produced by utilizing the banana fiber. This review paper focuses on the products that have been developed from banana fiber as a source of natural fiber. Also, it is being discussed as a reinforcement for polymeric materials in novel applications in different industrial levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paeonia delavayi is listed as an endangered species in the southwest of China. The flower colours of cultivated examples of this species are most commonly yellow and red, but a much wider range of flower colours can be found in plants growing in the natural habitat. To elucidate the basis of the colour range, pigments were extracted from flower petals of seven selected colours and profiled and quantified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). All the petal colours were found to share the same base pigment types as the yellow flower – a composite colour based on a mix of flavonoids, carotenoids and chlorophyll. Anthocyanin profiling revealed the same anthocyanin compositions in all red coloured flowers, namely, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, peonidin-3,5-diglucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside and peonidin 3-arabinoside. Quantitative analysis suggested the yellow colour was principally formed by the flavonoid naringenin chalcone 2'-glucoside (2',4',6',4-tetrahydroxychalcone 2'-glucoside). The various red/orange flower colours were the result of superimposing different amounts of anthocyanins onto the yellow flower background, with carotenoids and chlorophylls having only a minor contribution to the final colour. The results provide useful information for breeding programmes for ornamental varieties of P. delavayi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before colonization, there were over 250 languages spoken in Australia. Today only thirteen Indigenous languages are still being taught to children). Language has an important part to play in cultural maintenance and 'closing the gap' in terms of First Peoples' cultural heritage, identity, and sense of belonging. In this work, we aim to develop an engaging and easy way to teach and learn the local Indigenous names of wildflowers using a mobile device. This paper presents the development of a phone application that runs on a local machine, recognizes local wildflowers through its camera, and plays associated sounds and displays associated text in the Noongar language. The prototype mobile application has been developed with MobileNets model on the TensorFlow platform. The dataset is derived from Google searches, while the sound files are generated from label text by running an apple script. UI and interactivity have been developed by using Vuforia and the Unity game engine. Finally, the Android Studio is used to deploy the app. At this point in time, the prototype can only recognize ten local flowers, with 85%∼99% of accuracy. We are working with a larger dataset towards developing the full application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As agriculture has intensified, many once-common wildflowers have declined in arable landscapes, which has widespread implications for associated ecosystem services. The incorporation of sustainable practices, for example, growing living mulches (in-field, non-crop plant ground cover, maintained during the target crop growing season), can boost arable biodiversity, but few wildflower species have been utilised in this context. Our aim was to determine the suitability of arable wildflower species, once considered weeds, for use as living mulches. We first screened a number of arable wildflower species for germination when growing with a common cereal, barley (Hordeum vulgare). We then grew two (Centaurea cyanus and Scandix pecten-veneris) in pots in a glasshouse with and without barley, and grew barley alone to test the impact of the wildflowers on barley growth and biomass. Neither of the wildflowers significantly negatively impacted barley biomass. Barley initially facilitated germination in S. pecten-veneris, but ultimately suppressed the above-ground biomass of both wildflowers. However, both wildflower species were able to coexist alongside barley. Our experiment provides evidence that wildflowers that were considered weeds in traditional agriculture have the potential to be grown alongside barley and could be incorporated as part of a living mulch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus clarofolia (Schneid.) Yu et Li is a very attractive wild flowering cherry endemic to China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of P. clarofolia was assembled. The total length of the chloroplast genome was 157,899 bp, containing a pair of inverted repeat regions of 26,393 bp each, separated by a small single-copy region of 19,142 bp, and a large single-copy region of 85,971 bp. The overall GC content of the chloroplast genome was 36.71%. The genome contained 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, eight rRNA genes, and one pseudogene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. clarofolia and P. pseudocerasus showed the closest relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses upon the role that science-based interventions allied to effective regulatory regimes can play in reducing the threat posed by inappropriate harvesting of wild flora. A Vulnerability Index (VI) has been developed for 150 natural fynbos species that exist on South Africa's Agulhas Plain, where intensive wildflower harvesting occurs. The methodology underpinning the generation of the VI is outlined and justified in this paper. The VI comprises a range of characteristics relating to species distribution and biology that are likely to influence vulnerability to harvesting. The VI is proving to be an important tool for regulating the harvesting of wild fynbos and maintaining the resilience of natural ecosystems threatened by climate change. Furthermore, economic development and livelihood stability are promoted by protecting the resource base of marketable species. The paper discusses issues that have arisen relating to the application and rollout of the VI in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrangea strigosa Rehder is a wild flowering shrub with high ornamental value. The complete chloroplast genome sequence of H. strigosa was characterized from Hiseq (Illumina Co., San Diego, CA) sequencing data. The chloroplast genome of H. strigosa is 157,905 bp in length with a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) (26,127 bp) which are separated by a large single-copy (LSC) (86,897 bp) and a small single-copy regions (SSC) (18,754 bp). It contains 131 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNAs genes, and 8 rRNAs genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome is 37.80%. The maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis with the complete chloroplast genomes sequence of 22 species of Hydrangeaceae showed that H. strigosa is closely related to H. davidii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports a study of the collection of 20 plant species for agricultural, medicinal, cosmetic, nutritional, technological, and veterinary uses, which are traditionally harvested on Mount Olympus on Lesvos, Greece. The aims of the study were: (1) to summarize the uses of the selected species; (2) to describe the profiles of collectors and their collection practices; and (3) to describe the manner in which traditional ecological knowledge is transmitted. Knowledge of plant uses provided by local collectors during a series of observations and interviews carried out with the use of a semi-structured questionnaire in 2012 was compared with descriptions of the same plant uses in the literature. The results revealed that there were a large number of uses for the plants, more than half of them for nutritional purposes. The greatest number of different uses were for camomile (Matricaria chamomilla), followed by stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Working farmers tended to mention more uses on average than other collectors. The authors conclude that traditional knowledge of plant collection has been preserved in the rural society on Lesvos and is mainly transmitted by women to people who are active in land management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated usability of mobile computers and field guide books with adult botanical novices, for the identification of wildflowers and deciduous trees in winter. Identification accuracy was significantly higher for wildflowers using a mobile computer app than field guide books but significantly lower for deciduous trees. User preference followed a similar pattern. These results suggest that the identification method and its design are more important for a field guide than its presentation medium (electronic or printed). We discuss the relative advantages of the presentation media used and their value as engagement tools for botany. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pollinator-dependent growers seek alternative pollination models as pollination-security concerns grow. Pollination reservoirs, set-aside bee foraging areas, may offer growers a practical tool for increasing wild bee populations and decreasing reliance on managed bees. We review the literature on pollination reservoirs regarding a) effectiveness, b) reservoir-to-crop ratios, and c) costs and benefits. We discuss the relevant aspects of d) plant–pollinator relationships, e) landscape context, f) wild bees as pollinators, g) flower selection, and h) limitations. Recent research clearly suggests that pollination reservoirs can increase wild bee populations, crop yield, and profit. Last, we identify gaps that require additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Several types of yeasts were isolated from wild flowers around Jangseong Lake in Jeollanam-do, Republic of Korea and identified by comparing the nucleotide sequences of the PCR amplicons for the D1/D2 variable domain of the 26S ribosomal DNA using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) analysis. In total, 60 strains from 18 species were isolated, and Pseudozyma spp. (27 strains), which included Pseudozyma rugulosa (7 strains) and Pseudozyma aphidis (6 strains), was dominant species. Among the 60 strains, Bullera coprosmaensis JS00600 represented a newly recorded yeast strain in Korea, and its microbiological characteristics were investigated. The yeast cell has an oval-shaped morphology measuring 1.4 x 1.7 urn in size. Bullera coprosmaensis JS00600 is an asporous yeast that exhibits no pseudomycelium formation. It grew well in vitamin-free medium as well as in yeast extract-malt extract broth and yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YPD) broth, and it is halotolerant growing in 10% NaCI-containing YPD broth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minor food crops, often known as “poor man's crops,” are currently neglected or underutilized and have become extinct or rare. These crops can, however, contribute substantially to nutritional security in poor communities as they contain essential and trace elements and thrive in harsh climatic and poor soil conditions and show tolerance to water stress, weeds, pests, and diseases. Genetic improvement for food value is therefore needed so as to minimize hunger, malnourishment, and underfeeding. This would be possible with regional and international cooperation for intensive studies, development, and extension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new yeast records, Cryptococcus adeliensis YJ19-2 and Cryptococcus uzbekistanensis YJ10-4 were screened from 60 yeasts strains that were isolated and identified from wild flowers in Yokjido, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea. The morphological and cultural characteristics of the newly recorded yeasts and the physiological functionalities of the supernatants and cell-free extracts obtained from their cultures were investigated. The two newly recorded yeasts did not form ascospores and pseudomycelia. They also grew well in yeast extract-peptone-dextrose broth. C. uzbekistanensis YJ10-4 grew in a vitamin-free medium and was also tolerant to sugar and salt. Antihypertensive angiotensin l-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of the supernatant from C. adeliensis YJ19-2 was high (71.8%) and its cell-free extract also showed very high (81.2%) antidiabetic aglucosidase inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerasus fengyangshanica is a wild flowering cherry endemic to Mount Fengyang, China. Here, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of C. fengyangshanica (GenBank accession number: MW160272). The cp genome was 157,964 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 85,972 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,086 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,453 bp. It encodes 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. We also reconstructed the phylogeny of Prunus sensu lato using maximum likelihood (ML) method, including our data and previously reported cp genomes of related taxa. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. fengyangshanica is closely related with Prunus maximowiczii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Undisturbed habitats of natural vegetation near agricultural areas protect and enhance specific natural enemies and provide them with resources such as nectar, pollen, physical refuge, alternative prey, alternative hosts and mating sites. In order to reduce the pesticide-induced mortality of natural enemies and to improve natural enemy fitness and effectiveness, one such area (termed an ‘entomophage park’) was established at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, at Chatha, India in 2007. Naturally occurring plants, weeds, cultivated crops and flowers were monitored regularly for natural enemies. Seven sampling methods were employed to compare the abundance of natural enemies in the entomophage park and adjoining crop fields. Both entomophage diversity and abundance in the park were much higher than in the adjacent agricultural fields of vegetables and cereals. A total of 61 species of natural enemies were recovered from the entomophage park, as compared to 22 and 20 species in cereal and vegetable fields, respectively. The abundance of parasitoids (ichneumonids, braconids, scelionids and chalcidoids) was significantly higher in the park as compared to surveyed agricultural fields, as was egg parasitism by scelionids (Telenomusspp.) and trichogrammatids, and parasitisation by the larval parasitoidCampoletis chlorideaeonHelicoverpa armigera. The entomophage park also significantly enhanced the fecundity and survival of the ichneumonidC. chlorideae, when compared to individuals collected from vegetable and cereal fields. Seventeen species of plants were recorded as ‘insectary plants' (one providing substantial floral resources) in the entomophage park. Such parks may play an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of natural enemies and enhancing natural pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues for the application of ethnographic practice, specifically participant observation and semi-structured interviewing, in the development of a corporeal aesthetics of flora. The study is characterized as an ethnography of botanists and, building upon emerging work in cultural ecology and human-plant geographies, is situated within the proposed context of cultural botany. During the Southwest Australian spring wildflower season between August and October of 2009 I conducted interviews with professional and amateur botanists, as well wildflower enthusiasts and tourists, at two places of remarkable floristic diversity: the Lesueur-Eneabba region and the Fitzgerald River National Park. Interview transcripts suggest the possibility of a corporeal aesthetics as a postcolonial countermeasure to the predominantly visual, scientific construction of the aesthetic value of wild flora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meconopsis integrifolia and Primula sinopurpurea are ornamental plants native to high elevations in the Himalayas, thus cultivating them at lower altitudes poses challenges. In order to understand the physiological adaptability of M. integrifolia and P sinopurpurea to the different environments which are needed for the introduction and domestication of wild flowers, this study investigated their photosynthetic performance at lower altitudes in a nursery at an altitude of 3,260 m asl, and their photosynthetic responses to varying light and temperature conditions. On a clear day, the maximum photosynthetic rates in both species occurred at approx. 11:00 h, then decreased, indicating photo- inhibition at midday. Stomatal limitation played an important role in the depression of photosynthesis at midday. Although M. integrifolia had a lower light-saturated photosynthetic rate than P sinopurpurea, the daily mean photosynthetic rates of the two species were not significantly different. Photosynthesis in both alpine flowers was considerably sensitive to high temperature. The significant decreases in photosynthetic rates in P sinopurpurea and M. integrifolia at higher temperatures would limit their photosynthetic performance and growth at low altitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creation of permanent, semi-natural strips may contribute to increased plant diversity in agricultural areas if they function as habitats for new species. Non-fertilized strips that were ploughed and either unsown or sown with a grass and meadow herb seed mixture were created in a grass crop field, in order to test the establishment of several meadow herb species, to investigate to what extent creation of sown and unsown strips increased plant species numbers and the number of meadow herbs, and to assess the contribution of species dispersal from an adjacent semi-natural field margin into the created strips. The strips were cut each autumn and plant material removed. Plant species composition was studied in permanent quadrats in the strips and in the surrounding grass crop during four years. Four of the 22 sown meadow herb species did not establish in the strips. Sowing increased both the number of meadow herbs and plant species diversity (calculated by the Shannon index) compared with the grass crop. Creating unsown strips did not increase the number of meadow herbs or plant species diversity. The created strips were colonized by woody species originating from the adjacent semi-natural field margin, but the meadow herbs present in the field margin did not colonize the strips. In the short term, establishment of sown strips would improve biodiversity locally. However, such strips will not serve as suitable habitats for the most vulnerable meadow herbs, and thus creation of new strips cannot compensate for loss of existing species-rich, semi-natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus conradinae is a flowering cherry species with high ornamental value. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. conradinae was obtained using a genome skimming approach. The cp genome was 158,019 bp long, with a large single-copy region of 85,910 bp and a small single-copy region of 19,247 bp separated by two inverted repeats of 26,431 bp. It encodes 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. conradinae is closely related to the congeners P. maximowiczii, P. takesimensis, P. speciosa, P. serrulata var. spontanea, P. discoidea, and P. matuurai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changnienia amoena S. S. Chien is mainly distributed in the mid-subtropical hilly areas of central and eastern China at an altitude of 200–1700 m. It has important academic significance in the orchid phylogeny, and is an excellent wild flower and precious medicinal plant. The species was once abundant but has become rare and endangered in recent years and has been identified as Endangered (EN) under criteria A2c (The IUCN Red List and Threatened Specis) because of the habitat fragmentation and unduly commercial collections. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of C. amoena was determined using next-generation sequencing. The entire cp genome was determined to be 156,818 bp in length. It contained large single-copy (LSC) and small single-copy (SSC) regions of 84,847 and 18,141bp, respectively, which were separated by a pair of 26,915 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. The genome contained 133 genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes.The overall GC content of the genome is 37.1%. A phylogenetic tree reconstructed by 48 chloroplast single-copy coding gene reveals that C. amoena is closely related with Calypso bulbosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus itosakura is a flowering tree species with high ornamental and economic values. We determined the first complete chloroplast genome of P. itosakura using genome skimming approach. The cp genome was 157,813 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 85,931 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,120 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,381 bp. It encodes 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. We also reconstructed the phylogeny of Prunus sensu lato using maximum likelihood (ML) method, including our data and previously reported cp genomes of related taxa. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. itosakura is closely related with Prunus subhirtella var. subhirtella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus rufa is a species of Prunus native to the Himalayan region. We determined the first complete chloroplast genome of P. rufa using a genome skimming approach. The cp genome was 157,723 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 85,860 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,081 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,391 bp each. It encodes 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. We also reconstructed the phylogeny of Prunus sensu lato using maximum-likelihood (ML) method, including our data and previously reported cp genomes of related taxa. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. rufa is closely related to Prunus cerasoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Philadelphus calvescens, belonging to the family Saxifragaceae, is a beautiful shrub with white fragrant flowers which is widely distributed in southwest China. In this study, we sequenced the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. calvescens to investigate its phylogenetic relationship in Saxifragaceae. Total length of the cpDNA genome was 157,237 bp, consisting of a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,481 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,728 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRs, 26,014 bp). The genome contained 114 genes, namely 79 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA. The overall GC content was 37.8%. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that Philadelphus was closely related to Deutzia. The present study was the first report on complete cp genome of Philadelphus so it could afford important genetic information for further researches on the genus and related genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents photographs of the Death Valley in California and Nevada. Desert Gold wildflowers on volcanic rock; Wildflowers and geology of the Greenwater Mountains; Desert Dodder near Salsberry Pass.

The Bokkeveld Plateau is situated at the interface between the Cape Floristic Region and the Succulent Karoo and has high levels of endemism and plant biodiversity. During spring, the area attracts tourists to view the wildflowers in bloom. Wildflower tourism has been suggested as a means to protect the plant biodiversity of the region. A questionnaire survey was used to estimate the value of flower tourism and to explore visitors' preferences for different attributes of their experience. The travel-cost method, conjoint modelling and direct questions were used. It was estimated that R2,35 million is spent annually in the area. According to the travel-cost analysis, the average consumer surplus was R28 per person. On average, 37 per cent of visitor enjoyment came from seeing expanses or carpets of flowers and 26 per cent from seeing the variety of flowers. The average length of stay would be reduced to 37 per cent of its original length if there were no flowers present. The conjoint analysis showed that seeing carpets of flowers contributed by far the most to the scores given to scenarios, as compared with seeing a variety of species of flowers or bulbs. Biodiversity conservation will therefore depend on marketing the biodiversity and other attributes of the area rather than relying on the visual displays that are highly weather dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the ruins of an abandoned West Berlin railway yard has risen a remarkably rich postwar growth of wild flora and fauna. Conservationists fighting to save the unique urban wilderness face an acute city planning dilemma involving public servants, private citizens--and both East and West Germany.

Cerasus kumanoensis is a recently described wild cherry species from the Kii Peninsula, Japan. Here we determined the first complete chloroplast genome of C. kumanoensis using genome skimming approach. The cp genome was 157,898 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 85,926 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,070 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,451 bp. It encodes 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. Besides, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Prunus using maximum likelihood (ML) method, including our data and previously reported cp genomes of related taxa. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. kumanoensis is close related with a group including Prunus takesimensis and P. speciosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus matuurai is an endemic flowering cherry on Taiwan Island, China. Here, we determined the first complete chloroplast genome of P. matuurai using genome skimming approach. The cp genome was 157,928 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 85,904 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,104 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,460 bp. It encodes 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. matuurai is closely related to P. speciose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the weather of Texas Hill Country, U.S. Topics discussed include views on summer days that involves heat and humidity throughout the Hill Country; information on the spring season that offers wildflowers all over the Hill County; and views on weather forecasts says tornadoes are common in north and east of Hill Country.

Among 80 types of yeast isolated from wild flowers in Daejeon, Korea, two species that have not yet been identified by phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) genes and 26S rDNA sequences were identified as Candiiia sp. 44-C-i and Cryptococcus sp. 9-D-1. Neither of the newly identified species formed ascospores, while Candida sp. 44-C- 1 formed pseudomyceliwn and Cryptococcus sp. 9-D-1 did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the Snowy Range in Wyoming, a mountain range with lakes, talus fields and surrounding boreal forest. It cites that the paved access road is open only during the summer months, citing the mountain activities such as blooming of wildflowers, swift-moving thunderstorms and changing light as the sun traverses in the sky.

The chemical composition of the essential oils of two species of Tagetes growing wild in Bolivia was investigated. We found in the oil of T. aff. maxima (Z)-tagetone (31%), dihydrotagetone (27%) and (E)-ocimenone (22%). The oil of T. multiflora contained as major components (Z)-tagetone (47%), (E)-ocimenone (17%) and (Z)-β-ocimene (13%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]