Hitting the ground running

Since returning from the stimulating training in Chicago, seed collecting has been in full throttle. We have taken collections from 7 species and 3 of those 6 we have taken multiple collections. One of the most challenging collections we made was of Tripterocalyx micranthus. The fruits of these plants have wings and are found in clusters at the apex of the stems of the plant. Unfortunately this is not where we found the fruits. We were a day or two late and found these lovely little winged fruits scattered everywhere on the ground throughout the population area. The proximity of the fruits to the plants did slow the collection process but it did not stop us from making a decent sized collection.

Figuring out the proper collection technique for the species being collected has been one of the most interesting parts of the job and naming these techniques has been one of the most entertaining. For example the technique used on Hesperostipa comata is called the New Mexican strip and see. This species of grass has an inflorescence with multiple seeds and one awn per seed. When these seeds are ready, the awn curls and bends at nearly a 90° angle while the awns on the seeds that aren’t ready remain straight. Our technique is to grab the inflorescence with your hand and pull upwards, which generally strips the seeds that are ready off of the plant and leaving the unripe seeds on the plant – which is where the name is derived. Some of the other techniques in use are the Texas tickle which we used to collect Tradescatia occidentalis or the claw we used on the Aristida purpurea.

To sum up this internship thus far is to say it has been an experience and I mean that in a good way. Learning new plant species and collecting seeds have been rewarding. We have also had the opportunity to go out in the field with others from the office which has given us an idea of what else is happening in our region. Exploring the region on the weekends has also been thrilling. I feel lucky for the opportunity to take part in this program.

Cheers internet people! Catch you next month.