THETHE MONTGOMERYMONTGOMERY NEWSNEWS Newsletter of Montgomery Botanical Center VOL. VOL. 13 NO. 1 SPRING SPRING 2005 2 WhoWho WeWe AreAre Karl Smiley, M.D. Interim Executive Director Lee Anderson Manager, Horticulture & Facilities Mary Andrews EDITOR’S NOTE: The publication of this issue marks the end of the ten year service of Dr. Terrence Manager, Development & Communications Walters as MBC Executive Director. As he departed in April among the well wishes of all his staff, Charles Bauduy Terrence Assistant Palm Horticulturist Jack Bauer Facilities Supervisor Harvey Bernstein Image Specialist Barbara Bohnsack Manager, Collections Development Dicot Biologist Mario Borroto Landscaper Juan Corona Equipment Specialist Orlando Coy Grounds Supervisor Stella Cuestas Assistant Cycad Horticulturist Laurie Danielson Palm Horticulturist Abbie Dasher Landscaper Jared Fogg Archivist Jody Haynes Cycad Biologist Barbara Judd Nursery Horticulturist Judith Kay SeedBank Coordinator Martha Lagos Housekeeper Scott Massey Dicot Horticulturist Vickie Murphy Nursery Horticulturist Sergio Najera Spray Technician Larry Noblick, Ph.D. Palm Biologist Willie Payne Landscaper Jessie Pender Landscaper Annamaria Richcreek Administrator Randy Russ Assistant Palm Horticulturist Arantza Strader Database Specialist Ansel Thomas A Farewell Letter Irrigation Specialist Hostilio Torres Terrence Walters, Ph.D. Equipment Operator Marino Valcourt Irrigation Technician Laura Vasquez Field Supervisor In December of 2004, the Montgomery strengthened out commitment to our mis- Christine Wiese Team surprised me with a wonderful get- sion, purpose, and long-term goals. Two of Cycad Horticulturist together on the Walter Haynes Overlook the most extensive, intensive, and difficult Erika Witcher Assistant HorHorticulturistticulturist to recognize my ten-year anniversary as projects that the Montgomery team under- Evelyn Young the executive director of Montgomery took during the last decade were the resto- Manager Manager,, Administration Botanical Center. As I sat back in a chair on ration of Montgomery’s Lowland Palmetum V Volunteerolunteer CoorCoordinatordinator the Overlook enjoying a piece of choco- and the design, development, construction, The MontgMontgomeryomery NeNewsws late cake, I surveyed all of the individuals and completion of Montgomery’s six-acre is published twice a year by Montgomery joining me on this special day. So many of Cycad Walk. These two extremely chal- Botanical Center, a nonprofit private institution the Montgomery team have been by my lenging projects clearly demonstrated the of science specializing in tropical plant research side for years through all of the develop- cohesiveness, commitment, and strength of collections emphasizing palms and cycads. ment, expansion, building, restoration, and the Montgomery team. Editor and Designer, Mary Andrews crises that typically occur with a quickly While reflecting back on my ten years, 11901 Old Cutler Road; Miami, FL 33156 developing organization. In the early days enjoying yet another piece of cake, I could 305-667-3800 fax 305-661-5984 there were eleven of us, while today we not help but realize how fortunate I was [email protected] www.montgomerybotanical.org number 30. Each new member joining our to work alongside such amazing and won- team added value to the organization and derful individuals. In addition to the staff, I Operating hours: M-F, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 3

have had the unique opportunity to work to show the members and our friends the Center and the Walter Haynes Overlook, with a devoted and committed team of progress, the successes, and often some my thoughts moved to one of the special volunteers, especially those working in failures during the past 12 months. The and unique opportunities Montgomery cre- the Montgomery Archive. I will always be compliments, words of encouragement, ated for me—traveling the world to obtain indebted to Montgomery’s staff and volun- and continuing support expressed during population-based collections of cycads teers for enriching my life. I wish I could the tour brings me an amazing feeling of and palms. These expeditions gave me the express in words how much each of them accomplishment and makes me proud to opportunity to spend one month each year means to me and how much I valued their be part of the Montgomery team. being a full-time field botanist and interact- support and understanding throughout the The Walter Haynes Overlook is a magnif- ing and developing friendships with other past years as I continued to struggle to icently designed hardscape at Montgomery cycad and palm scientists, horticulturists, learn to be a botanical garden executive that was designed by Joe Hibbard of Sasaki and enthusiasts. My expedition compan- director. Associates. Montgomery’s directors remain ions will always be special to me. As I looked at the beautiful surround- to this day committed to Montgomery’s From my first day at Montgomery, I ings of the Overlook, my eyes passed the 1992 master site plan and require that Joe had the long-term support and friend- Nixon Smiley Meeting Center, the site for spend one-week a year working with the ship of numerous individuals from local, Montgomery’s director and member meet- team to update, when necessary, the mas- national, and international botanical orga- ings. Seeing the meeting center took me ter site plan, and to design the planting, nizations and institutions. Thanks to my back to November of 1994 when I attend- landscape, and hardscape projects for the colleagues at Fairchild Tropical Botanic ed my first Montgomery board of directors upcoming year. Throughout the ten years Garden, The Kampong, Lotusland, National meeting. The meeting was my first experi- of working with Joe, He has taught me an Tropical Botanical Garden, The Cycad and ence with a non-profit board of directors. amazing array of concepts for landscape International Palm Societies, and University I sat quietly through the meeting, my fore- design. However, I most appreciate Joe’s of Miami and Florida International University head and palms perspiring from nervous- demonstrations on how to develop and Biology Departments, I could always count ness, and I wondered what I had gotten initiate what appear to be insurmount- on words of encouragement and support myself into—I had absolutely no experi- able and impossible projects. His land- during difficult times. Many of these indi- ence working with a board or even being scape design is now expressing itself at viduals and I have had some wonderful an executive director of a not-for-profit Montgomery as the tropical plant collec- memorable times on the Overlook discuss- institution. Montgomery’s directors have tions grow and show-off their shapes, sizes, ing botany, horticulture, finances, admin- and continue to be a team of individu- and colors. To the south of the Overlook is istration, development, strategic planning, als strongly committed to supporting Nell Montgomery’s Palm Walk – probably Joe’s and all the other areas involved with ensur- Montgomery Jennings’s vision and ensur- greatest accomplishment at Montgomery. ing that Montgomery’s mission was met. ing the long-term success of our organiza- Joe and the Montgomery team spend the It was now nearing 3:30 pm; tion. From day one, the directors remained majority of Joe’s annual on-site visit work- Montgomery’s closing time. The staff began committed to supporting me with the ing on the Palm Walk design, plant by plant. leaving the Overlook to close out the tasks associated with day-to-day, month- I firmly believe that Montgomery’s Palm day’s projects. As my wife Deena, who to-month, and year-to-year operations and Walk will become one of our most memo- was also at the get-together, and I looked tasks for an organization. During my tenure rable landscape features for visiting sup- out over the vast collections of palms and with Montgomery, I had the special oppor- porters, students, educators, and scientists. cycads, the restored Lowlands, the Silver tunity to work with and learn from four Finishing up a cup of coffee, at least my Bluff Limestone Escarpment, the young board presidents. To this day, as I sit in on tenth one for the day, to wash down my crocodile that had just climbed onto Nypa our semi-annual board meetings, I remain last bite of the cake, my mind went back Island, and the Palm Walk, we knew that in awe of how the directors function as a to 2002 when the Nixon Smiley Meeting Montgomery had become a garden that team and together support our vision for Center and Walter Haynes Overlook were invokes wonderful feelings, a sense of Montgomery to become a leader in edu- used for an international cycad symposium serenity, encourages a greater appreciation cational and scientific collections of palms and workshop. With the support of the of the diversity of the tropical plant world, and cycads. directors, the staff, the volunteers, and with and that its success and reputation as an Two highlights of each and every year for funds obtained from many Montgomery internationally-recognized scientific tropi- me are: 1) Montgomery’s Annual Members friends, 13 cycad scientists representing six cal botanic garden is assured. Day – a day set aside each year during countries presented lectures and worked As I write this letter, which has been which directors, members, staff, and friends extensively on a number of systematic and quite emotionally difficult, Deena and I come together to evaluate and review the taxonomic problems that we have in the are now busy planning a new phase in previous year’s progress on our annual and scientific realm of the cycad world. The our lives together. In April of this year, I long-term goals, and 2) the on-site consul- commitment to and support of undertak- will begin working with the United States tation of Montgomery’s master site plan- ing such a symposium and workshop by Department of Agriculture in Fort Collins, ner and landscape designer Joe Hibbard the participants, the staff, and volunteers Colorado. I would like to take this opportu- of the internationally-recognized firm of was truly amazing. Due to the success of nity to acknowledge and thank each of you Sasaki Associates. Montgomery Members the symposium and workshop, the proceed- allowing my time at Montgomery to be the Day includes meetings, lectures, lunch, and ings culminated, in 2004, in Montgomery’s most educational, fascinating, and enjoy- tours of the property—always an active but first scientific volume and my first publica- able years of my life. relaxing fun-filled packed day for all attend- tion as an editor. ees. My favorite part of the Members Day As I looked at the plants in the landscape agenda is the walking tour. It is the time surrounding the Nixon Smiley Meeting 4 ON EXPEDITION

as a Paraguayan palm enthusiast talked about populations of a robust Butia in the Working out Butia swampy southern state of Neembuco, an area I had not yet explored. I also stumbled upon a statement made by the Paraguayan Puzzles from Paraguay ecologist, Michalowski, in a 1958 article in Principes, who wrote of large campos palmares of Butia yatay in the southern Paraguayan state of Misiones (adjacent to to Argentina Neembuco). Anxious to investigate both states, I led By Larry Noblick an expedition to Argentina and Paraguay MBC Palm Biologist in 2004 thanks to a grant from the International Palm Society. During that trip, I discovered that the “robust Butia” (or, as I Whyhy Butia? In An Encyclopedia of to them. The concentration of all species found, not so robust) from Neembuco was Cultivated Palms, Robert Riffle and Paul in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and not B. yatay at all but is likely an unrecog- Craft describe the genus Butia as being northeastern Argentina indicates a more nized, yet distinct, Lower Parana River form “one of the most cold hardy of all of the recent origin or radiation of the species. of Butia, which I am in the process of try- pinnate palms” and worth considering as a ing to adequately describe. potentially valuable landscape palm for the The Hunt for Butia YatayYatay in Paraguay Next, I headed for Missiones to investi- U.S. and, therefore, worthy of further study. Argentina and Paraguay is home to sev- gate Michalowski’s 1958 statement. I came Many palms in this genus have grace- eral species of Butia—and a lot of Butia upon some of the largest and most robust fully arching, bluish leaves and distinctly taxonomic confusion. One problem cen- Butia specimens ever seen in Paraguay. I rounded crowns, making them wonderfully ters around Butia yatay, one of the most also found Michalowski at least partially attractive.attractive. The ggenus’senus’s onlonlyy rrealeal drdrawbackawback is robustrobust and I think the most attractiveattractive spe- correctcorrect when I ffoundound a campos palmarpalmareses that most are slow growing and, with some cies of the genus. Originally described by in Ayolas, Misiones in Paraguay to be genu- exceptions, do not have the most attractive Martius from Argentina where B. yatay is ine Butia yatay. looking trunk, especially when young. abundant, it has often been confused with While examining a sample of their inflo- As a palm scientist, the main reason I am Butia paraguayensis. This is a puzzle I rescence I could compare it to a now attracted to this genus is that I like puzzles, was determined to solve. But first I had to mature population growing at MBC that and there are so many interesting questions determine if Butia yatay truly existed in was propogated from seeds collected in surrounding this genus. For example, it was Paraguay. this area during a 1996 MBC expedition, as initially believed that Butia was the ances- I could not find evidence from avail- well as to numerous herbarium specimens tral genus to the more abundant Syagrus able herbarium material that a genuine of B. yatay from Argentina. The wild popu- genus, but research recently uncovered Butia yatay has ever been collected in lation in Ayolas produced the same charac- that it’s more likely Butia evolved from Paraguay, though there are reports of pop- teristic branches with densely congested Syagrus species rather than giving birth ulation sightings. On the last day of a flowering clusters that are typical of inflo- 2002 expedition, my interest was captured 5

rescences of this species. I could, therefore, Exploring conclude that Paraguay is home to genuine Butia yatay. Western Investigating Across Two Borders When first attempting to come to terms Panama with variations seen in the Butia yatay/ Butia paraguayensis complex, I found great difficulty making any determination Jody Haynes from sketchy herbarium specimens. The MBC Cycad Biologist only way to resolve it was to intensely collect from the populations in southern Paraguay and northern Argentina. When I waswas hiredhired as Glassman (1979) suggested that B. para- MBC’sMBC’s Cycad BiologistBiologist in 2003, guayensis may only be a smaller variety of I quickly came to understand the B. yatay since the species is complex and importance of choosing expedition destinations care- extremely variable. After spending field fully and meticulously planning them several years in Jody digitally captures time with both buteas, I found evidence advance. Ironically, the two MBC expeditions I have his colleagues, (front to that disagrees with Glassman’s theory. I undertaken to date have also convinced me that it back) Gregg Hamann, found both species are distinct in their is important to take advantage of opportunities that Greg Holzman, and the own right. Hybridization, though, is still a arise serendipitously. guide, Rogelio as they stow possibility with crosses and back crosses My most recent trip to Panama in 2004 came about herbarium specimens of between the two species or with other after a friend sent me digital images of some unusual the “groove” Zamias. Butia forms that I am in the process of Panamanian cycads. Because MBC had undertaken describing. In order to understand this several expeditions to Panama in the past, I didn’t questionable “hybridization,” I needed to place any priority on these plants until I showed the first understand both parents. photos to one of my cycad-savvy friends. He was Putting it All Together at MBC shocked to learn of cycads growing on beaches Fortunately I was able to collect seeds near saltwater, and encouraged me to contact the from populations over a broad range to original photographer to obtain more information introduce into MBC’s collection for further about the plants. research. Together with the observations I It turned out that the person who originally carefully documented in the field and new discovered and photographed the plants, Gregg herbarium specimens I made, I have every- Hamann, was an avid cycad enthusiast. To my sur- thing I need to finally piece together the prise, he was willing to fund and assist on a 10-day scientific picture of this intriguing palm expedition to Panama to document and collect seeds puzzle. Look for my results in an upcoming of this intriguing plant for MBC’s Cycad Collection. research paper in 200__. ■ With considerable additional help from Dr. Alberto Taylor, cycad researcher at the University of Panama and long-time MBC collaborator, and cycad horticulturist, Greg Holzman, the expedition was planned in record time. In September 2004 we headed off to investigate the islands and the mainland of Bocas del Toro in western Panama for the reported cycads and collect ripe seeds from both palm and cycad populations. This was my first trip to Panama and I was amazed at the rich plant diversity packed into such a small country—and how much we could accomplish in such a short time. For palms, we collected 259 seeds representing six taxa and seven new accessions, including Colpothrinax cookii, a new taxon for MBC. But it was the cycads that gave us our most exciting find. We located, as Gregg’s original photos promised, a beautiful “groove-leafed” Zamia cycad species, not only thriving on salt-laden beaches but also inland in a very different habitat. With that discovery came a lot of taxonomic confusion. We could confidently identify a mainland population of Zamia skinneri and and foundfound one that resembled Z. neurophyllidia, but there were other populations with sig- nificant differences. At least undescribed species are present that I working with my fellow collaborators to describe. We were able to document and collect from four island populations and two mainland populations including the plant’s pollina- tor beetles. Panama, I learned, is world famous for its biodiversity—one of the richest in the Americas with over 10,000 vascular plant species. I was thrilled from having expe- rienced just fraction of it. They say that a Panama experience can only be surpassed if you come back, and I am very much looking forward to it. ■ 6 RESEARCH & EDUCATION

On-Sightings First Botanical Fellows Inducted in Program’s Innaugural Year

Representingepresenting diversediverse areasareas of tropicaltropical botany,botany, fourfour researchersresearchers werewere selectedselected byby MBC’sMBC’s Board of Directors last November to become the first Montgomery Fellows. Dr. Mark Bonta, Assistant Professor of Geology at Delta State University, has devel- oped expertise in areas that cross traditional academic boundaries making him adept in biogeography, botany, social justice, as well as website construction. Dr. Bonta is known to be passionate about tropical botany research, and committed to disseminating this information to students, colleagues, and the general public. He recently collaborated with During their eighth consecutive annual visit, MBC’s cycad biologist on a 2004 cycad expedition to Honduras which is already having Drs. John Dransfield and Natalie Uhl a positive impact on the conservation of that country’s dioons. examine characters of the Hyophorbe Dr. John Dowe, botanist at the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, lagenicaulis as they finalize revisions to their next edition of Genera Palmarum. specializes in the floristics and ecology of tropical riparian vegetation. He is considered one of the world’s top palm researchers leading projects involving sytematics, ecol- ogy, cladistics, biogeography, and reproduc- Research Notes tive biology. Besides having an impressive Dr. William Hahn, Georgetown scientific publication record and describ- University, obtained palm leaflet material ing over 25 new species, Dr. Dowe is from 29 palm taxa for his DNA analysis highly respected in the horticultural com- for a phylogenetic study of Butinae and munity, a photographer, illustrator, and past Cocoeae. editor of three botanical publications. Dr. Donna Tremonte, Harvard Researcher Silvia Salas conducts stud- University, obtained seeds from MBC’s ies and programs at the Mexican scientific cycad collection for her research on adap- Drs. Brad Bennett and Scott Zona use institution, SERBO. One of the country’s tive evolution of phytochrome A and its MBC’s conifer collection to give a hands- leading collaborator, teacher, and scientist,, role in the ecological success of the first on botany lecture to their class of Florida angiosperms. she is a respected expert in the unique, International University students. Jennifer Petersen, University of diverse floristics found in key areas around California, Davis, obtained leaves from 13 Oaxaca and the dry forests of Mexico. Her accessions of MBC’s Chrysophyllum collec- projects focus on inventories, vegetation tion for her research to develop genetic sructure, conservation, sustainability, and markers for use in her studies of the strategy planning for better quality of life Sapotaceae. for indigenous communities. During a two-week stay at the MBC Dr. William Hahn, Associate Dean guesthouse, Julie Sannier, Université at Georgetown College, is noted for his Paris-Sud, examined palm pollen grains for comprehensive work on palm systematics her work on the diversity of pollen aper- ture ontogenesis in monocotyledons and and introducing innovative approaches in gave a research seminar presented by the molecular phylogenetic analyses. In edu- Coalition for Excellence in Tropical Botany. cation, he brings creative and new ideas Ralph Tompson, Berea College, Kentucky, Dr. Hong Liu, Tropical Research and to college program development and has and his graduate assistant obtained and pho- Education Center, University of Florida and 32 publications to his credit. Dr. Hahn tographed vegetative and reproductive samples Dr. Bob Pemberton, USDA, Agricultural has been a recipient of 12 grants/awards from MBC’s Lysiloma collection to make her- Research Service, Invasive Plant Research for scientific research, including the 2002 barium specimens for his revisional work on initiated a study on the life history of NSF-funded study he co-investigated with genera. sewer vine (Paederia cruddasiana) using MBC’s palm biologist, Larry Noblick on the plants found in MBC’s natural areas. phylogenetic and biogeographic studies of Gary Wilson, Curator, Queensland Herbarium and James Cook, Australia and subtribe Butiinae (Cocoeae, Palmae) . specialist in the systematics and biology Supported by a grant from the Kelly of Bowenia, examined FoundationFoundation in 2004, the MontomerMontomeryy FFellowsellows MBC’s cycad ProgramProgram waswas designed to supportsupport researchresearch collection. of top tr tropicalopical botanists using MBC’ MBC’ss col- lections and prprovideovide opporopportunitiestunities fforor stu- dents to benefbenefitit frfromom the eexpertisexpertise of the FellowsFellows while theythey areare conducting studies onsite. FellowsFellows areare nownow eligibleeligible to submit Cycad scientist Dr. Piet Vorster, Stellenbosch proposalsproposals to supportsupport researchresearch projectsprojects and University, South Africa, and MBC Cycad MBC or to underwrunderwriteite pubpublicationlication costs fforor Horticulturist Christine Wiese exchange MBC-relatedMBC-related researchresearch papers.papers. ■ information as they take the Cycad Walk. 7

Dear Dr. Walters

Kathy Smith, a program enrichment volunteer for the Michigan school system, put together a presentation about Montgomery Botanical Center after her first visit and tour of the garden. She conveyed her own interest and enthusiasm in what she learned through anecdotes, photo- graphs, posters, and specimens.

MBC’s staff was pleased to learn of the mixture of awe, excitement and curiosity about our Center and collections expressed by the young students of Oakview Elementary School in St. Johns, Michigan.The fol- lowing exerpts are taken from a sheaf of 48 delightful letters sent by one class of potential researchers treated to her presentation. The artwork was taken from the letter written by Hayley Barnes.

“My name is Taylor Schroeder and I live in “My favorite thing aout the pictures was “Hello, my name is Jared Eckley from St. Johns, Michigan...I learned from Mrs. the different color seeds the cycads had, Oakview South Elementary School tell- Smith that the palm trees with coconuts and the different sizes they were. Some ing you what a great place the Mont- can be used in 1,000 different ways! Wow, were red, black, pink, and some were big gomery Botanical Center is and what that’s amazing!!” and some were small, so that was cool... great pictures we got to see...I like how Sincerely, Janel Thornton” you have many palms and cycads, even “So, scientists from all over the world Kapok trees.” come to your Botanical Center...I would “I love how big your land is but how do love to meet so many scientists and to you water a 120 acres? You must have one “I loved the pictures of your beautiful become one ever since I knew what it huge water and plumbing bill! ...I hope I garden...I never knew that palms and was...Well I think that what you do for the hear about or see your wonderful botani- cycads used to be 30% of the world”s plants that are endangered is very marvel- cal center again. Spencer Dean.” plants and now they’re 3%. I hope I get ous and wonderful for the world. ..With all to see your center someday in real life. my respect, Tara Mather P.S. Keep up the “Hello! My name is Hayley Barnes. I’m ten From Jeff Makarauskas.” wonderful work.” years old...I had a blast learning about your Center and your trees. “ “It must be nice to have everything “Holy moly, boy did I enjoy those pictures green all year round. I learned about or what...I couldn’t believe how many “I wish I could go there to see all the flow- flowers and all different kinds of trees. kinds of plants there were...Oh sorry. I was ers and trees. I like the cycads because How do you keep the Montgomery so into the plants I forgot to introduce my- they have like pine cones on the bottom Botanical Center clean all the time? It self. My name is Colin Wilson...Good luck or top. From, Kylie Cuningham” must be hard...It is great to learn about on your research.” things so far away...Your friend, Nicole “Mrs. Smith showed us amazingly beautiful Sheltrown” “If I ever go to Miami I would go to the pictures from the fascinating garden. All Montgomery garden and use 100,000 rolls of the trees are so exraordinary, all those “My name is Megan Stoddard and I love of film, the pictures are so much like para- bright and spectacular colors. It looks your garden. I like the cycads and the dise...It’s great that you are trying to keep amazing...Jamie E. Cheeney” pokey Kapok tree. I have never seen a the place in good condition and reusing cycad until today. I hope your garden all you can. The world should all do that! “When I first saw both trees, the palms stays nice for a long time.” From, Jennifer Ashley and cycads, I thought they were both the same thing but when I felt them the palm “Wow! It must be awesome to be a “It was so cool when Mrs. Smith...gave was soft and the cycads were pointy and great part of the Montgomery Botanical us some of the facts from Montgomery sharp...From, Monique” Center! ...My favorite plant is the red Botanical Center. It is so cool with all the cycads! ...It has been an honor to write neat palm trees and cycads. If I ever come “ Hi, I’m Lexy Krasovec...Your garden is to you and to learn about the wonderful to Miami, I will definitely come to the very nice. It has plants I never would have Montgomery Botanical Center! All due Montgomery Botanical Center because it dreamed existed. Thank you for making respect, Danielle Gyger” sounds so fun and interesting...” By, Chelsea such a beautiful place.” Hetherington 8 HORTICULTURE

for moisture, the other for extra cold pro- tection during the dry winter months. One of our most ambitious projects that spanned several years was to develop a suitable growing environment for MBC’s collection of cold-sensitive tropical palms. We sited a large area on the property that is bordered by a mature hardwood hammock on its west and north sides, and where the Colonel added tropical fruit trees to the wonderful Florida natives already grow- ing on the property. The hammock barrier would provide a lot of protection from pre- vailing winter winds and the existing trees would shade some plantings. But to com- plete the microhabitat, much more devel- opment was needed. Hundreds of trees and shrubs were needed for additional shade and protection. We also decided to select some species that were deciduous so their leaf drop would help build the soil. I looked on this as a great opportunity to further diversify MBC’s Dicot Collection by using a variety of both native and exotic flowering MBC Dicots: trees that would provide a colorful contrast to the green of the palms. For the backbone of the open area to Guardians in the Garden the east, I chose not only the dependable gumbo limbos, pigeon plums, and mahog- anies, but also rarer natives like Prunus As MBC’s dicot horticulturist, I am fre- As we begin developing a microhabi- myrtifolia and Ilex krugiana—both of quently asked this question: “Since MBC tats, we first consider sites most like the which are indigenous only to Miami-Dade focuses on scientific collections of palms required habitat. This was the case when County in the U.S. Three cannonball trees and cycads, how does the Dicot Collection we developed the section of The Cycad (Couroupita guanensis) were planted fit into MBC’s mission?” My eyes light up Walk to grow tropical zamias. Collected in because they not only produce unusual aro- when I hear the question because I love the rainforests of Panama, Colombia, and matic fruit and flowers but also drop their talking about the important role dicots play Ecuador, they required plenty of moisture, leaves up to three times a year. Another fra- in MBC’s overall purpose. drainage, shade, and wind protection. grant tree, Michelia champaca, was plant- But first, a bit of history: after purchas- The area we selected already contained ed along a new access road. I chose several ing the property in 1932, Robert and Nell a number of dicots. The natives, including legumes for their massive canopies and the Montgomery began a bold planting scheme. oaks, gumbo limbos, and mahoganies, along nitrogen they add to the soil. To complement his main collection of with a few exotic specimens would provide We are especially grateful for the wonder- palms and cycads, the Colonel planted a strategic shade and wind protection. We ful selection of trees donated by high qual- wide diversity of tropical flowering trees had to relocate the beautiful but deciduous ity nurseries. Chris Oppenheimer/Botanics and plants he acquired from all over the Psuedobombax ellipticum since it could Wholesale donated several Lonchocarpus globe. A December 1939 inventory listed not provide shade several months out of violaceus that, along with creating a wind well over 500 individual flowering, tropical the year. A dominant canopy was still miss- block, produce beautiful lilac flower clus- fruit, citrus, foliage, and native hammock ing so we needed to identify a species that ters (see cover photo). Freund Flowering Tree species. Many of these plants have survived would provide deep shade and was tough, Nursery contributed a Senna didymobotrya to become impressive in size and age. dependable, evergreen, and available. (pictured above), a frequently yellow-flow- We have added to this historic collec- After much debate and discussion, ering legume. Leslie Veber of Veber’s Jungle tion by researching, planting, and nurturing the decided winner was Bucida buceras Garden donated many native Coccoloba many new dicot species. This valuable col- (black olive). We procured and planted 18 diversifolia and Piscidia piscipula. lection is increasingly accessed by scien- trees ranging from 10-30 feet in precise As you can see from just two examples, tists, educators, and students. locations throughout the area. After the MBC’s dicots are more than just an impres- But the Dicot Collection serves an even young cycads were planted in beds raised sive collection of tropical trees. Although larger purpose at MBC. Species are cho- for good drainage, another wind block was their beauty will always be an attraction sen primarily to support the development created by the palm team with the planting on MBC tours, they work—just like our of microhabitats where where they serve several Chamaedorea cataractum. MBC’s staff—to support MBC’s mission to advance as guardians for environmentally-sensitive irrigation team finished off the habitat with research, education, and conservation in populations of palm and cycad taxa. the addition of two watering systems: one tropical botany. ■ 9 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Quick Takes

With hands-on assistance from Dr. Larry Noblick, Steve Gardina, wildlife biologist at the Florida National Wildlife Refuge, is carefully positioning the last of 16 native Florida Royal Palms donated by MBC for habitat restoration within the refuge. Equipment Specialist Juan Corona (front right) and Grounds Supervisor Orlando Coy are making sure the truck is loaded securely for the trip. The Incomparable MBC provided guesthouse accommoda- tions to Dr. Stephen Palumbi (Stanford University, California) Florida International CYCAD 2005 Universities Glaser Distinguished Lecturer for a week in December while he was here Staff and researchers representing MBC MBC Member and Botanical Consultant to presented a week-long suite of lectures at had a busy and productive time participat- Dr. Tim Gregory was assisted by Jody on his FIU. Terrence Walters gave Dr. Palumbi and ing in the 7th International Conference on poster presentation, “Key to the Species of his FIU host, Dr. Kalai Mathee, a tour of MBC. Cycad Biology earlier this year. Dioon.” Tim’s further contributions to the International Institute of Ecological conference included the self-explanatory Agriculture was provided digital images Addressing cycad pest problems, MBC taken by MBC staffer Mary Andrews of MBC’s Cycad Horticulturist Christine Wiese pre- paper, “A Summary of the Results of the Nypa collection for Alcohol Can Be a Gas, a sented a paper on MBC’s management Montgomery Botanical Center/Instituto de book they are producing on ethanol as an of scale. She followed up with a produc- Ecologia Universidad Veracruzana/SERBO alternative fuel to gasoline. tive Q&A that brought the concern to a 2004 Dioon Expedition to Western Mexico,” Judy Kay hand pollinated Microcycas calo- world-wide level needing continuation of a that he co-authored with MBC Executive coma plants for Florida Tropical Botanic broader discussion in the near future. Director, Terrence Walters and MBC Fellow Garden with pollen obtained from MBC’s Jody Haynes, MBC Cycad Biologist, Silvia Salas-Morales. historical specimen. MBC.s SeedBank and shared results and offshoots of his last two Not wasting a moment, Tim and Jody FTBG will equally share the resuling seeds. research trips. From his most recent expe- organized a special focus meeting of the Marie Selby Botanical Garden Cycad Database Working Group. Mark and (Sarasota, Florida) requested and received dition to western Panama, he coauthored documents associated with how MBC handles a paper presentation on Zamiaceae of that Silvia were among the participants. Tim, hurricane preparations. region with three of his field partners. Jody, and Mark also participated in a break- Mark Weathington, Director of Jody’s 2004 Honduran expedition with out meeting of the IUCN/Species Survival Horticulture, Norfolk Botanical Garden, MBC Fellow, Dr. Mark Bonta, was especially Commission Cycad Specialist Group meet- Norfolk, Virginia, was given a tour of the fruitful. Jody gave a presentation on cycad ing led by chair, Dr. John Donaldson. facilities, property, and palm collection by Dr. flora of Honduras and authored the Capping off the trip, Christine visited Larry Noblick . poster,poster, “The TTreeree Dioons.Dioons.”” JJodyody and with local horticulturistshorticulturists and n nurseriesurseries Robert and Julie Smith (son of Robert Mark produced a paper on taxo- while JJodyody and Silvia enjoenjoyedyed the 12-da12-dayy Fitch Smith, architect of MBC’s historical nomic changes to Dioon mejiae” post-conferencepost-conference tour of cycad popula- buildings) visited MBC for a tour and to tions in MexicoMexico organizedorganized and lead byby review the Robert Fitch Smith Archive and worked together to organize Collection and moderate a 4-hour workshop Dr.Dr. GregoryGregory and JeffJeff Chemnick.Chemnick. MBC hosted the Sixth Annual MBC/ on Honduran cycads. Mark pre- Information from the conference FNGLA Event and Tour on NoNovembervember 13. sented, “Ethnobotany of Honduran will be made availableavailable in a book of The event included a reception and a tour Cycads” and the paper, “Cycads in proceedingsproceedings while therethere is expectedexpected of MBC’s flowering tree collection given by the Vernacular: A Compendium to be an explosionexplosion of lectures,lectures, arti-arti- Dicot Horticulturist Scott Massey. of Local Names” that he co-wrote cles,cles, and actions bbyy individual attend- with Dr. Roy Osborne ees and presenters.presenters. ■ 10 INSIDE MBC The Villagers Help MBC Preserve Historical Treasures

Part of this was accomplished in 2000. MBC was granted funds by the Kelly Foundation to convert a garage space into an environmen- tally controlled room to preserve the histori- cal documents, original blueprints, early pho- tographs, correspondence, original art, books, and the ongoing history of the Center. Thanks to a generous grant from The Villagers, the oldest historic preservation organization in Miami-Dade County, we were able to install two new high-efficiency air conditioning systems to maintain uniform temperature and humidity year round for all open rooms and spaces on the first floor of Nell’s House. Among the more interesting treasures, we can now display there with more confidence are a 1903 oil painting of the Colonel’s mother by New Hope artist, Mary Smyth Perkins, botanical watercolors by Lee Adams, a rare collection of Orchid Dr.Dr. TerrenceTerrence WaltersWalters gratefullygratefully accepted a cerceremonialemonial (and actual) checheckck frfromom wood block prints, a jade snuff box collec- The Villagers for their 2004 support of the Montgomery Archive. Pictured from tion, and over ____ antique Asian sculptures left to right are Becky Matkov, Judy Pruitt, Bobbi Rosenberger, Lisa Chaffin, and carvings. Terrence Walters, Ellen Uguccioni, Claire Whitehurst, and Patsy Rodriguez. A popular gathering place for our his- torical tours, the rooms are also available throughout the year for small events and meetings. For more information about the Renowned internationally as a scientific collection, tours or room rental, contact institution, Montgomery Botanical Center, it Evelyn Young, 305-667-3800 x101. ■ is not as well known that MBC also houses an impressive historical collection of documents, memorabilia, art, and furnishings entrusted to the Center by Nell Montgomery Jennings. The MBC BY NUMBERS nucleus of the collection is displayed in Nell’s House, the main building of an original complex 2004 Collection Inventory built by Colonel Robert Montgomery in 1932 during the heyday of the Art Deco Movement. Planted in Growing in Total in Designed by notable architect, Robert Fitch the Ground Our Nursery3 Collection4 PALMS Smith, it is a one of the finest examples of his 1 173 483 work and of the period. Taxa 400 2 Today the sweeping lines of the staircase, Accessions 1,788 603 2,333 majestic fireplace, and stylized Deco designs Plants 5,755 2,328 8,083 on the first floor of Nell’s House integrate with CYCADS the art and other objects displayed there as Taxa1 202 161 257 part of MBC’s Montgomery Archive. Accessions 2 725 1,684 Currently in the early phases of a seven-year 1,033 Plants project to preserve the historical collection, 2,758 2,663 5,421 much needed renovations are planned to main- OTHER tain architectural details, ensure a secure, pro- Taxa1 395 18 403 tective environment for the historical and art Accessions 2 1,940 32 1,968 pieces, and provide a place for informal meet- Plants 2,296 66 2,586 ings, receptions, and fundraising events. Since Florida’s summer heat and humidity can take a great toll on natural materials, the For detailed information on MBC’s taxa and accessions, contact Collections Development, ext. 103 1 2 first step we took was to ensure the collection Species, subspecies, varieties, etc. A collection of seeds from one source or locality 3 Includes seedlings and plants was housed in a stabilized environment. 4 A taxon or accession may be represented in both the ground and nursery 11 TEAM NEWS ThanksThanks Erika W Witcheritcher joined for your support in 2004! MBCMBC i inn a newnew assis-assis- tant hor horticulturistticulturist posi- The Executive Director, managers, and the entire MBC team wish tion. PrimarilyPrimarily focusingfocusing to acknowledge the following individuals, foundations, companies, and associations on the dicots, she also who help make a difference. will help with palm and cycad hor horticulture.ticulture. FINANCIAL Robinson, Nettie Belle Hart, Dabney Francisco-Ortega, Javier ErikaErika is an experiencedexperienced CONTRIBUTIONS: Sacher, Ana and Charles S. Jensen, Robert Garden of Delights biologicalbiological plant tec techni-hni- INDIVIDUALS Sacher, Dorothy and Kelly, Eileen and Loyd Gregory, Julie and Tim Baltin, Sylvia and Lee cian, has collaborated Charles P. Kjelson, Betty and Lee Ironmonger, Suzi Benzie, Jim Smith, Julie and Robert Lagos, Marta and Bruce with scientists on investigations, and is Besse, Libby and By Stark, Jean and Gene Lummus, Donna Jeter, Mark knowledgeable about scientific data collec- Bills, Jeanne Bellamy Trust Stephens, Phyllis and Steve Manz, Sally and David Kelly, Eileen and Loyd tion methods. She is a welcome, and much Boorman, Lisa and Ken Sternberg, Karen and Paul Miller, Harriet and George Krapovickas, Antonio Brown, Edwin III needed, addition to our plant programs. Tazi, Sadek Moylan, Lena and Edward Lorenzi, Harri Brownson, Anna Tyson, Christiane and Chris Nance, Mayna McDaniels, Allison Brusberg, Marian Jennings Vartanian, Christabel Kelly Oswalt, Margaret Adams and Irv Vickie Murphy of officiallyficially assumed the Byrholdt, Katherine Vissers, Hans Schutt, Josephine Menzel, Jill responsibilities of nursery horticulturist in Cadenas, Hilda Whitelock, Eva and Loran Seligman, Rena and Jerry Mereles, Fatima January. After 5 year’s experience on MBC’s’ Cantrell, Lynn and Terrence Whitelock, Loran Stedman, Beth Moore, Cindy and Randy Chait, Jeffrey Wiese, Christine Walker, Josephine Petrine, Louise palm team, Vickie brings not only relevant Curry, Louise Wood, Lane and Charles Walters, Deena and Terrence Popenoe, John knowledge, but new ideas and a great deal Curtis, Mary Ann and Alan Wright, Lise and Jim Wemyss, W. H. Read, Betsy of enthusiasm to her new position. Randy Davis, Joan Zierer, Frances Young, Amanda and Stephen Rios, Thomas Russ was promoted from landscaper to fill Dearden, Arden Zeigler, Mary and William Sacher, Martini & Sacher Decker, Sonya and Don IN HONOR OF Schinini, Aurelio the Vickie’s vacated position of assistant Delevoryas, Ted WALTER HAYNES AND IN MEMORY OF Shomonski, Jeff palm horticulurist. DeMott, Caryolyn and John TERRENCE WALTERS DR. ROBERT READ (Parrot Jungle Island) Larry Noblick, who served as MBC’s Dudrow, Barbara Jennings Beaty Family Fund of The Read, Betsy Smith, Donald Community Foundation Collections Development manager and Dunlap, Mary and Tully Smith, Julie and Robert Eide, Elling for the National Capital FINANCIAL South Coast Palms Region (Terry Beaty) palm biologist for the past nine years, Fessenden, Lillian CONTRIBUTIONS: Vanni, Ricardo decided to focus more time and energy on Francisco-Ortega, Javier ORGANIZATIONS Verrengia, Jody IN MEMORY OF Glasser, Juliette and Jeff Action Theory (The Barnacle) research and building the Palm Program at JEANNE BELLAMY BILLS Beaty Family Fund Walters, Deena and Goldstein, Joy and Larry Bellamy, Mable and Thomas Montgomery. Barbara Bohnsack, chosen Botanic Treasures Terrence Graves, Kenneth Dunlap, Mary and Tully for her superior organizational skills and Botanics Wholesale Whitelock, Loran Gregory, Julie and Tim Haynes, Gaye and Walter leadership, left her position as field super- Grieneisen, Charles Coconut Grove Garden Club Kelly, Eileen and Loyd KSG’s Farm & Nursery PLANT DONATIONS visor to assume the role of Collections Guendelsberger, Debra Manz, Sally and David Cycad Gardens Hamann, Gregg Palm Beach Palm and Cycad Development manager. At the same time, Musgrove, Martha and Society Del Tredici, Peter Haynes, Gaye and Walter Charles Southeastern Land & Appraisal Fairchild Tropical she will serve as MBC’s dicot biologist. Haynes, Marion , who has proven herself as Pearson, Stephen The Cycad Society Seedbank Botanic Garden Laura Vasquez Hemmes, Don Sacher, Dorothy and Tazi, Sadek a field specialist, was promoted to fill the Hibbard, Joseph Charles P. GRANT FUNDS RECEIVED The Cycad Center Hicks, Patricia vacancy left by Barbara. ■ Saffir, Herbert Ajax Foundation Hobbs, Horace Shehan, Jean Ellen D. Center for Nonprofit ON-SITE Horvitz, Carol Montgomery Staff: Management, University of VOLUNTEERS Howard, Karen and Bob Anderson, Lee Miami Adams, Molly Ironmonger, Suzi and Bruce Andrews, Mary Florida Nurserymen, Aronson, Larry Remembering Johnson, Beverley Bohnsack, Barbara Growers, and Landscaper Banks, Duane Volunteer Mike Kambour Jude, Sallye and James Judd, Barbara Association–Dade Chapter Bell, Ed Kelly, Barbara, and Nicholas Noblick, Larry International Palm Society Bernstein, Harvey Mike Kambour, Kelly, Eileen and Loyd Richcreek, AnnaMarie Kelly Foundation Biggane, Jackie an MBC volun- Kelly, Luisa and Patrick Strader, Arantza Stanley Smith Horticultural Byrholdt, Katherine Kinj, Faical Walters, Terrence Trust Caroni, Paula teer since 1996, Lagos, Martha The Villagers of Coral Gables, Cousins, Randi passed away this Lewis, Howard IN MEMORY OF MAYNA Florida Douglas, Bettye January. He will Mahaffey, Libby and Bruce ADAMS HUTCHINSON Edwards, Tomy always be remem- Marler, Thomas Adams, Barbara and Morton GOODS AND SERVICES Friedlieb, Lysa McNaughton, Patricia and Adams, Gail Andrews, Mary Gregory, Tim bered for his Robert Alfele, Patricia and Fred Banyan Tree Service Griffis, Judy friendliness and Menzel, Jill Andrews, Mary Besse, Libby Harte, Marietta loyal dedication. Merritt, Michael Aronson, Larry Broome, Cindy and Tom Hicks, Trish Mike applied his Moore, Cindy and Randy Avent, Ann Cristobal, Carman Hutchinson, Bob Cutts, William expertise in pho- Noblick, Florence Banks, Marguerite and Duane Hutchinson, Mayna Nutt, Carol and Randy Batchelor, Dolores Cycad Society of South Africa Johnson, Marilyn tography to raise Parks, Lyn and Bob Benzie, James Escuela Agricola Panamericana, Jordan, Vivian the bar for scien- Pearson, Stephen Borden, Virginia and Paul Honduras Master Gardeners tific imaging in our Collections Database Pierson, Milton Byrholdt, Katherine Evans, Don Scherban, Bernard Fairchild Tropical Botanic Program, spending many hours in the Priegues, Lazaro Connor, Margaret Siegal, Sima Prieguez, Manny Diggers Garden Club Garden Smiley, Dr. Karl garden recording plant growth and devel- Randolph, Lynda and William Dodd, Carolyn and Stanley Fisher, Jack Stark, Jean opment. Thanks, Mike, for sharing your Riffle, Robert Ebsary, Richard Florida Nurserymen, Growers Taintor, Ann & Landscape Association Roatta, Claude Goggin, Majorie Trombetta, Nerisse precious time and being a true friend of Dade Chapter Montgomery. ■ Roberts, Susan and Alfred Hall, Anne Wentzel, Jean InIn thisthis issue...issue... from Passing of the Torch ...... 2 THE MONTGOMERY ARCHIVE Solving Butia Puzzles ...... 4 Panama Expedition ...... 5 Research & Education ...... 6 Natural Inspiration: MBC’s Dicot Program ...... 8 Community Connections ...... 9 Inside MBC ...... 10 MBC’s Botanical Thanks to Donors ...... 11 Archive: Botanical Art ...... 12 Art Collection About the Cover: A bee is tapping into the pol- len of the inflorescence of a Lonchocarpus viola- From its very inception, Montgomery ceus, one of ____ saplings donated by Botanics Botanical Center was the blending of art Wholesale. A part of MBC Dicot Program, these and science. Since Nell Montgomery’s trees provide a wind shield for young palms. love of plants extended into her per- Photography by Mary Andrews sonal artistic expression, it is not sur- prising that her vision for a research and educational center included MONTGOMERY BOTANICAL CENTER “landscape design excellence”— the chief impetus behind MBC’s Officers and Board of Directors Olmsteadean-designed garden that Walter D. Haynes, President provides access to our scientific Karl Smiley, M.D., Vice President plant collections. Charles P. Sacher, Secretary-Treasurer Nell not only created her own Loyd Kelly, Assistant Secretary work (pictured below) but was Libby Besse an avid collector of botanical art, Nicholas Kelly both antique and contemporary. Peter Manz Much of her collection was inherited by Botanical Consultants MBC and now featured in The Montgomery Archive. John Popenoe, Ph.D. One fascinating piece is an original edition of Curtis’s Timothy Gregory, Ph.D. Botanical Magazine, Vol XIV, 1800. This journal (shown above) contains 35 hand-colored engravings by botanical illustrator, S.T. Edwards with accom- Heritage Members panying text about each plant. William Curtis, an apothecary with a life-long Libby Besse passion for flora and fauna, launched the publication in England in 1787. The Marian Jennings Brusberg journal began as an ongoing authoritative source for horticultural information Liz Davis on the multitude of plants Britain was importing from all over the world, and Timothy Gregory, Ph.D. it is still being published today. Considered Walter D. Haynes the greatestgreatest scientificscientific periodicalsperiodicals of al time, Beverley H. Johnson Loyd Kelly the journaljournal has the added distinction of L. Patrick Kelly being the oldest periodicalperiodical in existanceexistance that Nicholas Kelly includesincludes coloredcolored plates. Stanley Kiem The illustrations quickly became David Manz the journal’sjournal’s chiefchief gloryglory and sourcesource of Peter Manz success.—thesuccess.—the sheersheer numbernumber ofof platesplates Ina Monhollen appearingappearing on its pagespages overover the centuriescenturies Randal Moore exceedsexceeds 1 11,000.1,000. T Throughhrough t thehe j journal,ournal, John Popenoe, Ph.D. CurtisCurtis providedprovided an invaluableinvaluable trainingtraining Charles P. Sacher ground and public outlet for some of Charles S. Sacher the most talented botanical artists of Karl Smiley, M.D. the day. Their beautiful work helped Mark Smiley launch the Victorian obsession with Scott Smiley botanical illustration that lingers with Tom Smiley us in the digitaldigital age.age. Loran Whitelock Of all the worksworks of artart Nell entrustedentrusted to the Center,Center, Christabel Vartanian the botanical illustrationsillustrations resonateresonate most perfectlyperfectly with MBC’sMBC’s mission.mission. WE CARE ABOUT CONSERVATION Researchers and art connoisseurs alike appreciate the combination of scien- MBC uses recycled paper. We encourage you to recycle it again by passing it along to an inter- tific rigor and artistic beauty represented in these works. And like our scientific ested friend when you have finished reading it. plants and data, the collections and information about them are available to scholars, students, and enthusiasts who wish to view or study them.