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GYMNOSPERMS: the Naked Truth by Carol Govan and Gail Kahn, WCFH Docents

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GYMNOSPERMS: the Naked Truth by Carol Govan and Gail Kahn, WCFH Docents Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture SPRING 2005 NEWS GYMNOSPERMS: The Naked Truth by Carol Govan and Gail Kahn, WCFH Docents Gymnosperms are a group of seed- support a vascular system bearing, vascular plants that represent an of conducting tissues for evolutionary milestone between spore- water (xylem) and sugars bearing ferns and flowering angiosperms. (phloem) so they can grow The name “gymnosperm” derives from taller and compete for the Greek words gymnos (naked) and sunlight. sperma (seed), referring to the fact that the immature seeds are (here’s the naked The development of seeds part) exposed when pollinated. Cones allowed gymnosperms or fleshy seed coats protect the seeds to inhabit more land of gymnosperms, they are not enclosed habitats than ferns in fruit as are the seeds of angiosperms since seeds, unlike (flowering plants). spores, have a protective Cladistics (or covering and a supply Formerly, plants of food. Approximately were categorized by phylogenetic 144 million years ago, Dioon spinulosum, one of two mature cycads that dominate their morphological systematics) gymnosperms were the the west end of Wet Tropic House. properties (i.e. dominant land plants. Just what they looked is a branch of as they dominated ferns in their heyday, 75-80 genera and 820 species. Compare like). Now they are biology that gymnosperms in turn were unable to this to the angiosperms’ 257,400 species classified based on compete with the angiosperm’s shorter in 13,678 genera and 450 families. their evolutionary categorizes life cycle. Gymnosperms are slow to relationships reproduce: a year may pass between Gymnosperms grow throughout most (Cladistics.) An plants. pollination and fertilization, and the of the world and can be the dominant extinct group of seed may require three years or more to vegetation in many colder and arctic plants called progymnosperms were mature. Angiosperms usually reproduce regions because many are adapted to woody plants like gymnosperms but more rapidly, which is a competitive conserving water during periods of frozen similar to ferns in that they released advantage in surviving the challenges of ground. Their leaves are covered with a spores instead of producing seeds. As changing environments. One possible heavy, waxy cuticle, and pores (stomata) the name implies, this group explanation for the extinction of are sunken below the leaf surface, both of plants is an evolutionary dinosaur species 65 million years ago of which decrease the rate of water ancestor of gymnosperms, is that the slow-growing gymnosperms evaporation or transpiration. They and represents a major could not keep up with the appetites include the tallest and longest living link in the transition of the giant herbivorous dinosaurs. individual plants: bristle cone pines from spore-bearing to Flowering plants began can live for over 4,000 years, and giant seed-producing plants. Some to dominate the redwoods can grow over 300 feet tall. gymnosperms, for instance the ecological niches left Gnetophyta, are evolutionarily by the once-prevalent We have all of the four divisions closer to flowering plants than tree ferns, conifers and of gymnosperms represented in the they are to other gymnosperms. cycads that the dinosaurs consumed. Wellesley College Botanic Gardens: Though a gymnosperm is now more of The major climatic changes of this Coniferophyta (conifers), Cycadophyta a descriptive term than a basis of plant period also resulted in a competitive (cycads), Ginkgophyta (Ginkgo biloba), classification, all have seeds (not spores) advantage for flowering plants. Today and Gnetophyta (Mormon tea or and are woody (not herbaceous) to gymnosperms represent only 15 families, ephedra). continued on page 6 1 our varied constituency. When you Notes from next visit the Gardens, be sure to stop and read the Floraphiles plant profiles, the Director check out the Plants in Bloom board and use the new Biomes and Habitats of by Dr. Duncan Himmelman, Director the WCBG guides as you explore the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens greenhouses, Hunnewell Arboretum and [email protected] Alexandra Gardens. Through these fine efforts we are compiling a core of digital Mission Statement photographs and plant information of the “The Wellesley College Botanic Farewell Tea in the Visitor Center. Duncan Gardens that will eventually be reflected Himmelman in the center flanked on left by on the Friends’ website and new Visitor Gardens are dedicated to promoting WCBG Senior Horticulturist Tony Antonucci Center displays. All of this first-rate and on right by WCBG Horticulturist David work underscores the significant role the value of plant diversity through Sommers. exceptional education, interpretation, our Friends play in “Making A Difference With Plants” and, figuratively speaking, research and public outreach.” the structural and mechanical elements, growing the Gardens! thus ensuring the continued legacy of this The years ahead will certainly be ones of The Blizzard of 2005 resulted in some important component of the Wellesley continued growth and development for of the most picturesque scenery in the College Botanic Gardens for students, all aspects of the WCBG. I am pleased to Gardens in years! Yes, it also left us faculty, staff, and area visitors. have been here to build the foundation beneath two feet of snow, making it Reflecting on other, less stressful events for much of this anticipated change, difficult to maneuver our way to the of the past several months, I realize one of the mandates of the directorship Gardens. But the warm refuge provided how quickly time flies by yet how much which I undertook when I started in by the Ferguson Greenhouses made progress we have made here at the the summer of 2001. Personally, as I the effort worth it. The houses held up Gardens within that time. The plants write this, I am on the cusp of moving admirably under the snow load, and the in the Ferguson Greenhouses have been along in my career to a new, creatively plants made it through unscathed. This successfully reorganized to underscore challenging position outside of the was good news, considering the leak a stronger vision for the collections: College. Though sad to be leaving, I that erupted in the steam pipes in the economically important plants from around have truly enjoyed sharing the energy, Cryptogam House the prior week as the the world. The Hydrophyte House has enthusiasm and commitment of the temperatures plummeted! Thankfully, the been embellished with water lilies, Friends to these cherished Gardens. pipe fitters came in and repaired it before taro, and species of bamboo that were My passion for all things horticultural any damage to the plants could occur. not previously included. The annual has been reflected in theirs, serving as With a mere one inch of double-paned chrysanthemum display was the best it’s inspiration for me to work diligently at glass standing between life and death for been in years according to comments from improving the Gardens. The Friends the tropical ferns, this event reminded both visitors and Friends of Horticulture. are a strong, focused group that is fully us of how important the structural Wellesley College fine arts classes, public capable of generating new ideas and goals integrity of the greenhouses is to our tours and educational programs continue to enhance their role in the Gardens invaluable collection of plants. Looking to fill the Ferguson Greenhouses with and achieving them through thoughtful to the future, the Greenhouse Planning excited “plant-speak” on a daily basis. All creativity. Thank you all for your kind Study done in 2003 provides the basis of this vibrant activity emphasizes the words and good wishes! I have taken for bringing new life to the Ferguson value of the Gardens to the College and great pleasure in working with you, and Greenhouses, including an overhaul of all greater Wellesley communities. will sincerely miss my community of people here at the College and in the Supporting these wonderful programs Wellesley College Friends of Horticulture surrounding area. I wish you well as you requires many hours of dedicated staff and move forward to a robust and rewarding 106 Central Street volunteer time. To this end, the Friends Wellesley, MA 02481-8203 future! I leave you with the following have worked unstintingly to develop a quote: 781-283-3094 broader base of assistance through both [email protected] “people power” and educational materials. “A garden is never so good as it This fall we offered a third season of will be next year.” Editorial Committee: the revised Docent Training Program THOMAS COOPER Carole M. Jansson Ely ’79 that has “graduated” approximately 25 Nancy Dean Kingman ’53 new members since 2002. These men Elizabeth Reece and women are producing exciting new Nancy Webb resources to serve the unique needs of 2 Spring Fling by Nancy Dean Kingman ’53 Spring comes early to Wellesley College’s structures (modified with one seed leaf or Margaret C. Ferguson Greenhouses. leaves) attached to a flat cotyledon. Like grasses, During February and March, the display basal plate that actually is orchids, philodendron, house is awash with scents and sights the stem from which the and spiderwort, they of flowering plants. Various species of roots grow downwards. show several similar, blooming narcissi, crocus, hyacinths, A papery outer cover specific characteristics. tulips, lilies and amaryllis crowd protects the bulb. They Look closely and you’ll greenhouse benches—a certain spring are members of the Lily see flower parts in threes, tonic for the winter-weary visitors. family along with lilies or multiples thereof, and While these hardy bulbs are natives and muscari (Grape leaves clasping stems with, of the Mediterranean area and central Hyacinths). Lilies, by the usually, parallel veins. Asia, they are often planted in New way, do not have that Narcissus by Sarah Roche So important are spring England gardens.
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