Subj : ES Picture of the Day 27  2022
To   : All
From : Dan Richter
Date : Tue Dec 27 2022 11:00:30

 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Patterns in the Dieffenbachia Plant

   December 27, 2022

    Menashe_varegation_Picture1

    Menashe_varegation_Picture2

   Photographer:  Menashe Davidson

   Summary Author:  Menashe Davidson

   In our apartment-garden, located in the city Rishon-LeZion, Israel, we
   grow in containers about 100 species of plants. Annuals and perennials,
   low plants, bushes, climbers and trees. Most of them flowering
   ornamentals, for the  beauty of their seasonal bloom. But the most
   prominent plant, all the yearlong and not just seasonal, is the
   Dieffenbachia seguine plant, known as  dumb cane from the family
   Araceae. The focal point of a dieffenbachia is the beautiful patterns
   of the foliage, which are variegated, all year long if properly
   cultivated.

    Variegation is the appearance of differently colored zones pf a
   plants’ leaves. Dieffenbachia leaves, are generally large and ovate,
   have irregular areas of splotches with lighter green, yellow or even
   cream color. In the first picture we already see the patterns appear on
   the eternal juvenile leaf of the vegetative bud. It then maintains this
   same appearance regardless of the plants’ age (second picture).

   The variegation is caused by mutations that affect  chlorophyll
   production. This is 'built' into the plant DNA. Note that in some
   portions of the leaf tissues there’s a lack of chlorophyll pigments.
   The purpose of variegation is still a matter of debate. Regardless,
   gardeners enjoy harnessing the pattern traits that produce the most
   desirable, eye-catching plants.


   Rishon-LeZion, Israel Coordinates: 31.9730, 34.7925


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    More...

Plant Links

     *  Discover Life
     *  Tree Encyclopedia
     *  What are Phytoplankton?
     *  Encyclopedia of Life - What is a Plant?
     *  USDA Plants Database
     *  University of Texas Native Plant Database
     *  Plants in Motion
     *  What Tree is It?

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   Earth Science Picture of the Day is a service of the  Universities
   Space Research Association.

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