Hello readers! On February 16th, 2023 our Botany Class took a field trip to Laurel Dell in Mt. Tamalpais State Park, and I am excited to share my experience with you. We hiked along the Cataract Creek Trail and observed a variety of plant species in their natural habitat. I will show some species that stood out to me on this hike.
Taxon Name: Scoliopus
Taxon Common Name: Fetid adderstongue
Parent Taxon: Liliaceae
Description:
Ecology: Moist, shady redwood forest. Stem: short. Leaf: 2-3 basal, mottled, oblong-shaped, parallel venation. Inflorescence: umbel. Flower: monocot, heavily lined purple or dark brown, ill-scented (defense against predators)
Taxon Name: Polystichum minitum
Taxon Common Name: Sword Fern
Parent Taxon: Dryopteridaceae
Description:
Ecology: found near/under redwood trees. Leaf: generally 50-120, pinnate, elliptic, alternative segments w/ alternative serrations on each segment. Sporangia: located on the bottom of each segment, linear (lines of 2 sori on each segment), brown
Taxon Name: Woodwardia fimbriata
Taxon Common Name: Chain Fern
Parent Taxon: Blechnaceae
Description:
Ecology: located near streams & streams. Leaf: evergreen, wide at base, each segment is lobed. Sporangia: have elongated sori located underneath each lobed segment.