Thanks, Chadwell ji ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "C CHADWELL" <[email protected]> Date: 18 Nov 2016 5:15 am Subject: Photographing Geraniums To: "J.M. Garg" <[email protected]> Cc:
> I have started (with the species I am most familiar with) to inspect postings of Geranium on eFI. > > Although some species are quite distinctive, others can be complicated with several species little known > and the possibility existing of new species to be described. > > The collinum-pratense-himalayense alliance is certaintly confusing. > > As I will continue to repeat, members must always be mindful that plant identification has traditionally been > based upon the examination of dried, pressed specimens in herbaria by comparison with reference specimens > which have been reliably identified (determined). A specimen is assigned to a family, genus and then, if the > specimen is adequate, on the basis of characteristics which can be observed from the specimens - at times @ > x10, x20 or sometimes higher magnification. > > In the past, photos, even with the best lenses available often did little more than show the habit of the plant and > some floral and foliage information. It was far too expensive to take lots of photos of each plant. Very occasionally you > will find black & white prints of photos taken in the field which accompany the specimens - these are a considerable > help when this was done. > > With the advent of digital cameras, especially during the past few years, even compact models with good macro lenses > can, if quality, in-focus shots are taken, provide a remarkable level of detail. > > Nevertheless, which parts of the plant should be focussed upon, vary from genus-to-genus. These need to be learnt. The > standard photo showing the "pretty bits" (if this is a description which applies to the species you are photographing) only, often > fails to reveal essential characteristics for reliable identification - and make the task of attempting to identify from one or two > non-close-up images often challenging. > > I thus consider it will be helpful for keen photographers, willing to make an additional effort, to know which parts of Geranium > to photograph. Having images of such parts of each geranium will greatly aid identification and enhance our > understanding of the genus in the Himalaya - and perhaps you can help with the locating and identification of a > species new-to-science! > > Decades ago I was provided with some tips on collecting pressed specimens of Geranium for herbaria by the late Peter Yeo (a much-missed > Geranium specialist who worked at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, UK). I shall reproduce these below as they give a good > indication of what to photograph and any field notes which can be made to accompany the images you may subsequently post. > As with field notes to accompany specimens to be deposited in herbaria, one should record anything which cannot be > seen in the specimen(s) or may change e.g. colours during the drying process. The better the photos, the better the results - > just as the better the pressed specimens (and field-notes) the better the results. Taking additional time and effort makes a > big difference. > > IF only the first one or two flowers have come out don't bother to collect as the form of inflorescence will not be evident. > > The rootstock is important; get enough to show whether compact or creeping, or annual. You can photograph the base of the > plant which should provide this information. Clearly, one requires permission from the authorities to uproot a plant. There is still > a need and indeed role for the collection of pressed specimens for herbaria in India but that is primarily the domain of staff of botanic gardens/ > institutions. > > In the early stages of flowering look out for the best-developed unripe fruits available. > > If fruit is ripe try to include both dehisced and undehisced states. > > If the fruits are falling with the seeds inside them, collect some (many geraniums disperse their seed explosively but some seed is > often retained). > > Include some loose petals when pressing (detach if necessary). Expose stamens to show filament shape and hairs by taking 2 or 3 sepals off a flower from which petals have recently dropped. > > Smoothing out one or two leaves and flowers as you close the press may be helpful; a few separately pressed basal and lower/middle stem leaves are often useful. > > Wilted specimens can be very misleading. > > Notes should be taken as to flower posture, colour and patterning of petals, colour of stigmas, anthers and distal parts of filaments (not necessary if your photos show these). > > And don't forget to ensure the stipules are clearly shown - something that would have been obviously in pressed specimens, so > not mentioned above. > > > Best Wishes, > > > Chris Chadwell > > > 81 Parlaunt Road > SLOUGH > SL3 8BE > UK > > www.shpa.org.uk > > > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "efloraofindia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. 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