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Nov 20, 2009: Caltha leptosepala var. leptosepala
Nov 21, 2007:
Adansonia digitata
Nov 21, 2006:
Juncus sp.
Nov 21, 2005:
Nerine pudica
March 10, 2009 : Calliarthron sp.
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Plant Family / Families: Corallinaceae
Scientific Name and Author: Calliarthron sp.
Ruth continues with the UBC Research Week series:
Patrick Martone is a UBC Assistant Professor. His laboratory studies the biomechanics, evolution and functional morphology of marine algae.
Patrick writes: "One central research theme in my lab is to understand how intertidal seaweeds resist the relentless barrage of waves breaking on shore. Past studies have shown that, by being flexible, seaweeds reconfigure and reorient in flow to reduce drag. This paradigm holds even for many erect calcified algae, which locally decalcify to form flexible joints between calcified segments. Recent studies in my lab have investigated the biomechanical properties and chemical composition of the joints in the articulated coralline Calliarthron, which often dominates wave-exposed coastlines in California. We discovered that the joints in this red alga contain lignin, a primary component of wood in terrestrial plants, and are stronger, stiffer, and tougher than other algal tissues."
Daniel adds: Monterey Bay Aquarium has more details about this genus of algae and a few others.
Posted by Daniel Mosquin at March 10, 2009 5:06 PM
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Comments
Posted by: Melinde at March 10, 2009 6:30 PM
Cool! I wonder if there's any analogues between how calcified algae & the corals they look like are able to move. Coral isn't intertidal, though, I guess. Also, any particular reason these things are purple? Really neat to see things like this!
Posted by: mountain laurel at March 10, 2009 6:32 PM
BORING
Posted by: andy at March 10, 2009 6:37 PM
This is an amazing photo. The color is unreal. If a plastic plant like this was sold for my aquarium I wouldn't buy it if I wanted a 'natural' look.
Posted by: Heidi at March 10, 2009 6:53 PM
It is rather an unexpected shade but, aside from that, I was most interested in the flexibility explanation. Look forward to tomorrow's snippet!
Posted by: Annie Morgan at March 10, 2009 7:25 PM
So lovely, so Seuss, so Martian!!
Thanks to everyone, from a newcomer to the B.P.O.T.D., for all of the great exotic genera and families
Posted by: Quin at March 10, 2009 7:52 PM
Lignin?!
That's amazing! You'd think that lignin was a characteristic feature developed when plants colonized the land. Now I'm wondering if this could add new information to evolutionary relationships :)Thanks for the post.
Posted by: carol at March 10, 2009 8:08 PM
Stunning. Thanks for something different.
Posted by: Katy S at March 10, 2009 9:12 PM
AMEN TO:
Stunning. Thanks for something different.
Posted by: Morris B. at March 11, 2009 12:37 AM
I love Research Week!
Posted by: bev at March 11, 2009 1:51 AM
Awesomely beautiful. good research work.
Posted by: Mohammed Tohaa at March 11, 2009 6:40 AM
Do land plants use the same method to compensate for strong winds in their groth area?
Posted by: Duane Anderson at March 11, 2009 7:04 AM
Wow. That does look like something out of Dr. Seuss. It's amazing how much beauty is stored under the water where not just anyone can go.
Posted by: SoapySophia at March 11, 2009 8:41 AM
But is it edible?
Posted by: Old Ari at March 11, 2009 1:09 PM
Ah! It's good to see an old friend from my skin/scuba diving days.
Posted by: Eric Simpson at March 11, 2009 1:25 PM
wonderful
i live in florida coral reefs all around me and many in trouble and down in the keys
mote marine in sarasota is not far
from where i live - do you have
any work on the red tide not a
reef but a misery when it arrives
thank you i reall do
Posted by: elizabeth a airhart at March 11, 2009 4:04 PM
Great to be introduced to this plant and what an amzing discovery. All this time we though having lignin, that holds land plants erect, was a major evolutionary difference between algae and tracheophytes. This must be shaking up the scientific world. Good summary article of discovery at http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2009/january28/cellwall-012809.html
Thanks, Ruth.
Posted by: Dee at March 11, 2009 10:01 PM
Love the colour! Fascinating about the lignin in the joints of this beautiful alga. I love learning about the different aspects of the plant kingdom through BPotD...ah, which kingdom are algae in?! Oh...all of the natural world is amazing :D
Posted by: ingrid at March 12, 2009 7:04 AM
At first I thought it was autumnal sweet fern, and wondered if they had been messing with the species names again!
Posted by: Karen Vaughan at March 12, 2009 9:34 AM
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
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Unexpectedly lovely.