. | . |
New non-photosynthesizing plant species discovered on Ishigaki island, Japan by Staff Writers Kobe, Japan (SPX) Jul 25, 2017
A new species of non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant has been discovered on the subtropical island of Ishigaki in Okinawa, Japan and named Sciaphila sugimotoi. The research team responsible for this discovery was led by Project Associate Professor SUETSUGU Kenji (Kobe University Graduate School of Science) and these findings will be published on July 25 in Phytotaxa. Some plant species have abandoned photosynthesis, instead feeding off the roots of host fungi such as mushrooms and mold. These plants (known as mycoheterotrophs) only show themselves above ground when fruiting or in flower. Many of them have very short flowering periods and are small in size, making them hard to find and classify. The discovery of a new plant species in Japan is a very rare event as the flora of this region have been thoroughly documented, but mycoheterotrophs are an exception. Professor Suetsugu is involved in documenting the distribution and classification of the mycoheterotrophic plants in Japan. In October 2016 one of Professor Suetsugu's collaborative partners Mr. NISHIOKA Tatsuki (Kyoto University Faculty of Agriculture) discovered an unknown mycoheterotroph near Mount Omoto on Ishigaki island. Professor Suetsugu investigated the morphological characteristics of the plant. The results showed that it was a relative of Sciaphila nana, but while S. nana has three spherical nubs on the head of the male flower, the new species has six nubs. The new species is named after Mr. SUGIMOTO Takaomi (Kyushu University, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences), who played an important role in the identification of the species by collecting specimens. S. sugimotoi stands 5-10cm above ground, with violet flowers roughly 2mm in diameter. Mycoheterotrophic plants live as parasites within forest ecosystems. In order to thrive, they need a healthy, stable ecosystem with resources to spare. The discovery of mycoheterotrophic species reveals the existence of a rich habitat beneath the forest floor, including a fungal network that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The existence of S. sugimotoi is further proof of the importance of the Mount Omoto area.
Washington (UPI) Jul 17, 2017 Scientists believe a rare tube worm species found in the Gulf of Mexico is the longest-living animal on Earth. According to their latest research, the species, Escarpia laminata, can live for more than 300 years. Escarpia laminata are known to colonize cold seeps on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico at depths between 3,200 and 10,000 feet. The deep-lying tube worms aren't as well-studied ... read more Related Links Kobe University Lands Beyond Beyond - extra solar planets - news and science Life Beyond Earth
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |