ASPT Newsletter
June 1998
Edited by:
Kenneth R. Robertson
Illinois Natural History Survey
607 East Peabody Drive, Champaign, Illinois 61820 USA
Phone: 217 244-2717; Fax: 217 333-4949; e-mail: krrobert@uiuc.edu
1998 ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION
The annual meeting of the American Society of Plant Taxonomists will be held 2-6 August 1998 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland. This meeting will be held jointly with the Botanical Society of America, the American Institute of Biological Sciences, the Ecological Society of America, and the Society for Conservation Biology. A mailing has been sent to all ASPT members with details of the meeting.
CLARIFICATIONS & OTHER CHANGES FOR 1998
Cooley Award eligibility includes graduate students and those within 5 years of finishing their Ph.D.s who have not previously received this award. First authorship is required. More information may be obtained from Dr. Robert K. Jansen, Department of Botany, University of Texas, Austin 78713; e-mail: <rjansen@utxvms.cc. utexas.edu>. Please choose appropriate box on electr- onic submission form. Posters will remain up for the full time as they have in the past. However, beginning this year there will be a period of time assigned when the author is to be present at the poster. This is to facilitate information exchange and give the authors a chance to answer questions. No symposia or colloquia proposals will be accepted for 1999. This is due to conformance with rules for the XVI International Botanical Congress (IBC) in St. Louis where all oral presentations are in pre-arranged congress symposia. We will meet jointly with the IBC in 1999.
ASPT CONCERN: NSF RULE CHANGES FOR DOCTORAL DISSERTATION IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
17 December 1997
Dr. James Rodman
National Science Foundation
Arlington, VA
Dear Dr. Rodman:
I write on behalf of the Council of the American Society of Plant Taxonomists. I write to convey a serious concern from the ASPT over the new way that Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships (DDFs) will be awarded and evaluated. I write you because I know you have been associated with these important awards so critically important to the development of young scientists. If it is more appropriate for someone else to receive this letter, please let me know and I will redirect it.
It is our understanding that this year the NSF changed the rules of eligibility for the Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants, now requiring that the student have advanced to candidacy prior to the submission date for proposals, and that there will continue to be only a single submission date in October. We think this is an ill-advised change for several reasons.
At many universities across the country, oral exams are scheduled for the third year of a Ph.D. program. The typical length of time required for completion of a degree is approximately five years. As the schedule now stands at NSF, a student who advances to candidacy in the third year will not be able to submit a proposal until the beginning of their fourth year. Given the usual period of time between proposal submission and the beginning of funding, should the proposal be successful, money will not be available to the student until the end of the fourth year. By this time, the large majority of a biology student's research is completed, and, for many students, data analysis and writing of the dissertation will be all that remain. For students who may have needed the additional support that a DDF would have provided to make a good dissertation an excellent one, to provide the opportunity to do field work in more remote regions, or to conduct, appropriate, but extraordinarily costly lab work, the fellowship will come too late.
Another shortcoming of the new system is that there will be little opportunity for resubmission of good proposals that do not quite make the cut on first submission. As you are well aware, many students (with a number of notable examples of current leaders in our fields) have received their dissertation grants on resubmission. The process of writing a proposal, receiving reviews, and rewriting is an important learning experience for developing scientists. It is, of course, an understatement to say that obtaining grant support is an essential part of being a successful academic scientist today. For system- atics and evolutionary biology, NSF is virtually the only source of funding in academics. Given the low success rate of initial submissions to NSF, both for dissertation grants and regular research grants, it is incredibly important that we give our students that second chance to be successful. Without it, the unwanted result will be to send them on their own with the feeling that writing a successful NSF grant proposal is beyond their ability. Another objection to the requirement that students have advanced to candidacy is more philosophical. Most universities, and the U.S. government, believe that it is not the NSF's role to dictate the guidelines for a graduate degree to institutions who wish to obtain funding from them. This change, if continued, has that effect. For instance, one person reported that a several students at their institution were forced to take their oral exams earlier than the faculty felt was appropriate so that the requirements for the NSF deadline could be met.
Many of the council with experience on the Dissertation Improvement Grant Panel wonder whether one of the motivations for the new requirement is concern for the number of premature proposals. This is a concern worthy of consideration. However, there may be other alternatives that will avoid some of the problems identified above. For instance, instead of the stipulation for candidacy, there might be a requirement that the student have completed two years of a Ph.D. program. This should result in submission of more mature proposals, without influencing institutional guidelines for Ph.D. students, and would allow students who have their orals scheduled for later in the year to be eligible to submit. If someone has a strong feeling that support is going to students who are not making expected progress toward the Ph.D., then perhaps a further stipulation could require a certification of advanced candidacy before funding can be released--though we also have doubts about the value of blocking support for excellent research on that basis.
If the NSF feels that the requirement of candidacy is necessary to guarantee the student's maturity, then we would urge that the yearly deadline for submissions be changed from October to a date in the spring. That will allow students who have recently advanced to candidacy to submit DDF proposals at the earliest possible date, and for those successful to receive funding at least 6-18 months earlier than otherwise. With general exams scheduled in the fall term, it is asking a great deal of students to also prepare in the same term a proposal of the quality required to win support from the DDF program.
I hope we have offered several alternatives that you will consider. Our first wish would be to drop the requirement for the advancement to candidacy for the many practical reasons and the philosophical consideration described above. We would be happy to work with you to come up with other ideas to insure the mature proposals that are important to the continued success of the DDF program. DDFs are important to you and us as the most cost effective way of producing top grade science and insuring some minimal support for training the next generation of scientists. As you recall, support for the DDF program was one of the foci of the most recent Committee of Visitors reports on the Systematics/ Population Biology Cluster. We are pleased to see the program continued, but hope some of these submission procedures might be changed.
Sincerely yours,
Gregory J. Anderson,
President
American Society of Plant Taxonomists
Response dated: March 3, 1998
Dear Prof. Anderson:
As promised in my letter of late December, I am writing about our discussions concerning the Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grants (DDIG) Program, in response to the issues you raised in your December 17 letter (and reiterated by Dr. Chazdon on behalf of the Association for Tropical Biology). Nearly all the program directors in DEB have joined in the discussions, along with several in the Integrative Biology & Neurosciences (IBN) Division who run the panel for the counterpart proposals relevant to the Animal Behavior and Ecological & Evolutionary Physiology programs. Informal discussions were also held with the panelists, in town for the February DDIG panel meetings.
There was unanimous support for the DDIG among both program directors and panelists. Indeed, that support was often enthusiastic, and not just from those panelists who are "alumni/ae" of the program. The benefits are numerous, and have been remarked in program annual reports and Committee of Visitors' reports, and in your letter as well. Despite the workload on staff at NSF and the extra burden of review on the community of biologists served by the DDIG program, this activity is widely seen as filling an important niche in support of graduate student thesis research.
Regarding the new candidacy requirement for the participating graduate student, there was sentiment both in support and against it, but no strong opposition. The issue goes to the heart of what the DDIG program seeks to support; it appears conjoined in your view with the more general problem of graduate student support, as you signal in labelling these awards as "doctoral dissertation fellowships". The program supports "improvement" in graduate thesis research, for projects that have been encouraged and sanctioned by the student's home institution and graduate committee. It is not a fellowship program, and never has been. It has never funded stipends for the student, and the generally modest awards typically have covered the costs of field expeditions or work at special facilities, with related analysis in the laboratory, that improve the overall quality of an otherwise approved thesis research project. The DDIG program announcement (NSF 96-132) states this theme at the very beginning. The candidacy requirement is conjoined with this focus on improvement, and helps to reaffirm the special nature of this unique program at NSF.
Candidacy itself appears to be defined somewhat differently at different institutions, but the variations that emerged from this last competition were all managed by the program directors as part of their normal interactions with principal investigators, with suitable documentation secured from all the parties concerned before the panels met. From discussions about the quality of proposals, IBN program directors felt there was a conspicuous increase in overall quality, while DEB program directors felt the quality was about the same, perhaps slightly higher. Overall numbers of proposals were down slightly in DEB but more so in IBN. With only one cycle of experience, it's difficult to conclude whether the candidacy requirement is the sole factor at work here.
Related issues about the candidacy requirement, including the timing of proposal submission and opportunities for resubmittal if declined, also were discussed. An internal working group is considering the re-writing of the DDIG program announcement, and as part of this consideration is discussing a shift in the deadline to later in the season, in November or early December (with panel review in the winter and potential awards in spring or early summer). The current October deadline leaves little time to incorporate results and ideas from that summer's field season (a northern hemisphere bias, but probably the mode for DDIG projects); a later deadline would provide greater opportunity. Candidates who can complete their qualifying examinations (or other required demonstrations of approved status) after two years in graduate school would be applying during their third year, and could plan for two years of DDIG support under an expected five-year time frame. Those candidates time-shifted by an additional year would be eligible for a year of support if constrained by the overall five years, or eligible for two years under a six-year graduate tenure. There appears to be considerable variation in the duration of the graduate school track across the country.
Opportunities for resubmission of a declined DDIG proposal must also be considered in light of the "improvement" focus to this program. For a declined proposal, the student receives reviews and a panel summary that should provide guidance and assistance in the conduct of the thesis research--feedback that should prove helpful in itself. Resubmission opportunities obviously are greater for students achieving candidacy early in their careers, and may be nonexistent for those with a late candidacy. The DDIG program, however, cannot be expected to provide unlimited opportunities for resubmission; it is improvement of an existing, approved thesis project that is at issue here, not the thesis research itself. Correspondingly, the panelists and reviewers are evaluating improvement components to thesis research; they are not, in my opinion, a "national certification board" for graduate-student theses, nor do they conduct qualifying examinations. That important work stays in the hands of the student's home institution.
But much of this discussion about the candidacy requirement may well be beside the point, if the primary anxiety concerns a perceived problem over graduate school support for students in organismal biology, as I suspect is the issue. The concern here is perhaps even broader, with support of graduate students very generally. There are ongoing studies at NSF, and likely elsewhere, about support for graduate students and about the various "vehicles" for that support: through individual research grants; as part of larger group or center awards; through traineeships such as the new IGERT competition (for Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training program); and the DDIG program, now almost exclusively a DEB-IBN activity. It seems to me a disservice to the DDIG program to expect it to carry the burden of solving all the problems that may exist in supporting graduate students in organismal biology.
James E. Rodman
Program Director
National Science Foundation
ASTP OFFICERS AND COMMITTIES FOR 1997-1998
NEW ISSUES OF SYSTEMATIC BOTANY MONOGRAPHS
Volume 50. Systematics of Oenothera section Oenothera subsection Oenothera (Onagraceae), Werner Dietrich, Warren L. Wagner, and Peter H. Raven, 234 pp., hardbound, color frontispiece, March 1997. ISBN 0-912861-50-9. US orders: $30.00; non-US-orders: $32.00.
Volume 51. Monograph of Stigmaphyllon (Malpighiaceae), Christiane Anderson, ca. 313 pp. hardbound, color frontispiece, May 1997. ISBN 0-912861-51-7. US orders: $40.00; non-US-orders: $42.00.
Volume 52. Infrageneric classification of Salix (Salicaceae) in the New World, George W. Argus, 121 pp. September 1997. ISBN 0-912861-52-5. US orders: $15.00; non-US-orders: $16.00.
Volume 53. Revision of Cuphea Section Diploptychia (Lythraceae), Shirley A. Graham, 96 pp. January 1998. ISBN 0-912861-53-3. US orders: $13.00; non-US-orders: $14.00.
Two volumes of Systematic Botany Monographs are in press: Volume 54, Monograph of Kadsura (Schisandraceae) by Richard M. K. Saunders and Volume 55, Monograph of Leucaena (Leguminosae - Mimosoideae) by Colin Hughes. Walter L. Meagher, who has so generously supported the series in the past, again donated donated $1000 toward publication costs of a volume of SBM in 1998. This year his gift will subsidize publication of volume 55.
Terms: Payment in US currency must precede shipment. Not available as exchange. No discounts allowed on single orders. No refunds. Price is postpaid. Make checks payable to the "American Society of Plant Taxonomists" and send with order to: Systematic Botany Monographs, University of Michigan Herbarium, North University Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1057 USA; fax: 313-647-5719
NON-US ORDERS ONLY: Visa and Mastercharge accepted; include account number and expiration date. [FAX: 313-647-5719; e-mail: chra@umich.edu]
Standing order customers receive a 10% discount beginning with the current volume and are billed with shipment.
Information about previously published volumes and instructions for contributors may be obtained by writing to the editor, Christiane Anderson, at the above address, or from the Systematic Botany Monographs web page.
Bruce MacBryde, on 12/30/97 was accepted to take an early-out from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (after over 22 1/2 years of endeavor) and is shifting to a new career phase of his work in botany and plant conservation. (He is not retiring!) He plans and/or hopes to continue national and international botanical work-- to supplement his limited annuity with "soft" funding. He has been re-employed full time at the U.S. FWS Office of Scientific Authority until 1 May 1998. He has become a Research Associate of the North Carolina Botanical Garden of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and will stay in the Washington area (where his plant conservation colleague and wife Olga Herrera-MacBryde also is based). He will be working with various projects of the NCBG-affiliated Biota of North America Program, and probably will have a complementary institutional and/or organizational association in Washington. He will be shifting his efforts away from his general U.S. FWS managerial/-administrative/technical plant service, and closer to research synthesis and use of taxonomic and floristic botanical and horticultural information (especially with user-friendly software), for conservational and educational purposes. He noted that choosing a career shift at this time (precipitated by the federal early-out deadline) was particularly difficult because of the U.S. FWS International Division's fine present developments in implementing various U.S. responsibilities for conservation of nature and biodiversity. He may be contacted at his home-office address: 3808 Bevan Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030-4802 USA, tel. 703-273-1276, email: <bmacbryd@capaccess.org>.
Professor Sir Ghillean T. Prance, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and former President of ASPT, was presented with the Award of Excellence in Conservation by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas on 10 March 1998. Sir Iain returned to his native England in 1988 to take up the directorship of the most prestigious botanical institution in the world after a long and illustrious career at the New York Botanical Garden where he served as Senior Vice President for Science. He has published 16 books and hundreds of articles during his research career, which had been largely centered in the Brazilian Amazon. Over the years, he has, along with many of his colleagues, become more and more involved with efforts to save the planet's alarmingly shrinking plant diversity and with projects that seek to better the lives of people while simultaneously conserving the biological wealth that has been bequeathed us on this planet. This diversity makes it possible for all of us, in a very real sense, to eat, be sheltered, clothed, and medicated, to name the obvious. His position at Kew provides the means and authority to support major conservation efforts through Kew's diverse programs that are important to all of us. One of the most important projects at this time is the Millennium Seed Bank Program which seeks to provide a safe seed bank for the plants of the arid lands of Earth. Sir Iaian was knighted in July 1995 for his achievements in botany and conservation by Her Majesty the Queen of England and he thereby joined the ranks of a very prestigious group of individuals.
Peter H. Raven, Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden and former President of ASPT, was awarded the Philip Hauge Abelson Prize by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The announcement states, "Dr. Raven is being recognized for his proven service to science as one of the world's leading ecologists. A forerunner in the study of coevolution, biodiversity, and systematics, in 1971 he became Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden, where he improved finances, expanded scientific programs, and developed new exhibits. Raven is currently a member of the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology and is the Home Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences. From 1990 to 1994, he served on the National Science Board. In 1990, he and colleague E. O. Wilson were awarded the prestigious Environmental Prize from the Institut de la Vie Council. Raven continues to serve as a leader in efforts to achieve sustainable agriculture and forestry in the tropics, as well as to preserve plant and animal species around the world."
Stephen A. Spongberg, formerly of the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, became the director of the Polly Hill Arboretum, effective 16 February 1998. The Polly Hill Arboretum, located in North Tisbury, Massachusetts, on Martha's Vineyard, contains more than 1,600 taxa displayed in a rural landscape setting. Dedicated as an educational and horticultural institution for students of all ages, the Arboretum officially opened to the public on Memorial Day, 25 May 1998. Dr. Spongberg has had a long warm friendship with Polly Hill, and he has admired and supported her studies. For the past 40 years, Polly Hill has been investigating which woody plants will grow at her arboretum and most of her plants have been grown from seed. Approximately 80 of her selections have been designated as original cultivars, including rhododendrons, magnolias, stewartias, hollies, conifers, and dogwoods. The mailing address for the Arboretum is: P.O. Box 561, West Tisbury, MA 02575; phone: 508 693-3776; Fax: 508 693-5772. Dr. Spongberg's e-mail address is: <spongberg@msn.com>.
Dr. Gwynn W. Ramsey, Professor of Biology and Curator of the Lynchburg College Herbarium (LYN) for 32 years, retired in May 1997, concluding a teaching/ research career of 42 years. Dr. Ramsey is the author of the systematic treatment of Cimicifuga for the Flora of North America Volume III. He will continue to research the genus Cimicifuga, publish on Virginia floristics, and curate LYN, which has 51,000 specimens. LYN is the 4th largest collection in Virginia and is especially rich with specimens from the Central Blue Ridge Mountains and upper Piedmont of the state. LYN is the major repository for the Blue Ridge Parkway. LYN welcomes visitors and loan requests. For further information please contact Dr. Gwynn W. Ramsey, Curator, Lynchburg College Herbarium, Biology Department, Lynchburg College, 1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, Virginia 24501, Phone: (804) 544-8363, e-mail: <gwramsey@earthlink.net>.
Celebration of Charles B. Heiser's 50 Years at Indiana University. Well over 100 people gathered at the "Plant Evolution and Domestication Conference" to honor Charles B. Heiser's 50th year at Indiana University on 26-27 September 1997 in Bloomington, Indiana. The events in honor of Charley included eight presentations by former students or associates (Greg Anderson, Jeff Doyle, Don Levin, Jeff Palmer, Barbara Pickersgill, Charles Rick, Loren Rieseberg, and Doug Soltis) in areas that Charley worked (domestication, natural and artificial selection, reproductive biology, systematic patterns and processes and evolution).
A program highlight was Prof. Heiser's own talk re-evaluating the evidence for cultivated (domesticated) sunflowers in Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish. Jeff Palmer was the overall organizer and primary motive force; he was assisted by Jerry Gastony, Loren Rieseberg, and Greg Anderson. The presentations were comprehensive, and the discussions spirited with a congenial espirit de corps promoted by Charley's comments. The program was initiated Friday night by Prof. Heiser's talk, and concluded Saturday night with a banquet featuring speakers Herb Wagner talking about graduate school days at Berkeley with Charley), and Greg Anderson (former student and friend) discussing Charley's career and impact on botany (and his penchant for paisley). Of course, Charley got the last word and closed the program with comments and reminiscences. To further honor Charley's prominent contributions to botanical research and graduate training, his former students and associates, together with his colleagues at Indiana University, are establishing an endowment fund to support a Charles B. Heiser graduate fellowship in plant evolution. Contributions to this fund can be sent to Kathy Wyss, Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405. Checks should be made out to: IU Foundation/Heiser Fellowship.
Dr. Paul Alan Cox will become the new Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Tropical Botanical Garden. His appointment was ratified at the Garden's Board of Trustees meeting in November 1997, and assumed his duties as director in January 1998. Currently, Dr. Cox is serving as the King Gustav XVI Professor of Environmental Science at the Swedish Agricultural University in Uppsala and Dean and Professor of Botany at Brigham Young University. Dr. Cox succeeds Dr. William Klein, Jr., who died suddenly on 12 February 1997.
Mark A. Hershkovitz, became Research Taxonomist and Curator of the Herbarium at the U.S. National Arboretum effective 23 June 1997. His new address is: Mark A. Hershkovitz, Research Taxonomist and Curator of the Herbarium, US National Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave NE, Washington, D. C. 20002-1958; phone: 202 245-4550; fax 202 245-4579; e-mail: <namh@ars-grin.gov>.
Dr. Roy L. Taylor, Executive Director of the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, received degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa, by the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Dr. Taylor was cited for his exceptional vision and leadership to the botanical gardens community and to the field of floristics in North America, particularly his field work on the flora of the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia.
Robbin C. Moran, formerly of the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, has accepted the position of Pteridologist at the New York Botanical Garden. He started his new position in January 1998. His new address is: The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126. Phone: 718-817-8663; fax:718-220-6505; e-mail: <rmoran@nybg.org>.
Leigh Johnson has been appointed Assistant Professor and Curator of the Herbarium, Botany Department, North Carolina State University. Dr. Johnson was formerly with the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden.
IN MEMORIAM
In 1948, he completed a second B.S. in Sanitary Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana. He then began a decade-long professional association with the New York Botanical Garden; first, from 1949 to 1952, as a technical assistant while he studied for his Ph.D. (granted by Columbia University in 1952), and then from 1952 to 1960 as an Assistant and Associate Curator. It was during this period that he participated in a series of scientific expeditions organized by Bassett Maguire that brought him to some of the remotest mountains of Amazonian Venezuela. He traveled thousands of miles by river and on foot and became the first scientist to explore or to collect botanical specimens on a number of tepuis. Most notably, in 1953 he was among the party that first discovered, named, and ascended Cerro de la Neblina, a large massif on the Venezuelan-Brazilian border, which was one of the last major mountain ranges to be discovered in the world.
In 1960, John accepted an appointment as an Associate Curator in the U.S. National Museum (now National Museum of Natural History) and began a new phase in his career, working principally with the scientific collections in the U.S. National Herbarium. He made one last extended trip to Peru in 1962. Thereafter fieldwork gave way to herbarium study of the Melastomataceae, a group of tropical shrubs and trees. Altogether he described more than 700 species of flowering plants and among the more than 130 papers he published were book-length treatments of the Melastomataceae for the floras of Ecuador, Venezuela, and the Guianas.
After his formal retirement as Curator in 1991, he continued his scientific research and came to the museum daily until he was hospitalized in late December 1997. Fellow botanists have recognized his work by naming more than 140 plants in his honor. Also, in 1997 a Festschrift was published in honor of John's career and 75th birthday. He was thrilled by this recognition. (A review of the Festschrift appears in the most recent issue of Systematic Botany).
Plants were not only John's profession, but also his avocation. He was a keen gardener, growing exotic and native species at his home, and he was a charter member of the Potomac Valley Chapter of the American Rock Garden Society. His wife, Marie L. Solt, died in 1978. Survivors include two sons, Douglas, of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Kenneth, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and two sisters, Mary Darr, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Rose Moore, of Woodbridge, Virginia. -- Laurence J. Dorr
Reed Rollins, 28 April 1998. Reed C. Rollins, the Asa Gray Professor of Systematic Botany Emeritus and Director of the Gray Herbarium from 1948 to 1978, died on 28 April 1998. He was 86. Born in Lyman, Wyoming, Rollins graduated with honors from the University of Wyoming, received his masters degree from Washington State University, and his Ph.D. from Harvard in 1941. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and many professional societies. Before coming to Harverd, Rollins serves as associate professor of biology at Stanford University and as a geneticist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he worked on the Emergency Guayule Rubber Research Project during World War II. His research covered many areas in taxonomy and genetics, but the primary focus of his work was on the Cruciferae/Brassicaceae, culminating in the monumental The Cruciferae of Continental North America, published in 1993. A memorial service was held at Harvard University on 22 May in Appleton Chapel in the Memorial Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Reed C. Rollins Fund for Botanical Field Work in care of the Harvard University Herbaria, 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138. Volume 31 No. 3 (August 1982) of Taxon was a Festschrift honoring Dr. Rollins. He served as an officer of ASPT for eight years as was President in 1951. -- Adapted from a press release from Harvard University.
L.A.S. (Lawrie) Johnson, 1925--1997. With the death on 1 August 1997 of Lawrence Alexander Sidney Johnson, Australia lost its most notable, honoured, and outspoken plant taxonomist, and a Corresponding Member of ASPT. Lawrie's career was wholly at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, apart from a year as Australian Botanical Liaison Officer at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. He was Botanist 1948-1972, Director 1972-1985, and Honorary Research Associate 1986-1997. On his retirement he was appointed Director Emeritus. He received many awards, among them Membership of the Order of Australia and Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science, as well as Corresponding or Honorary Memberships of the Botanical Society of America, the Linnean Society of London, and of ASPT.
Johnson's work included systematic and evolutionary studies of Oleaceae and Zamiaceae; Casuarinaceae and Juncaceae with Karen Wilson; Proteaceae, Myrtaceae and Restionaceae with myself, and Persoonia with Peter Weston. Most of all he is associated with studies of Australia's largest and most characteristic tree group, the Eucalyptus and its allies, for which he produced classifications covering the more than 800 species and studies of many groups in detail. Laurie worked jointly with Lindsay Pryor of the Australian National University and colleagues Ken Hill and Don Blaxell. His eucalypt coworkers especially shared his enthusiasm for studying plants in the field. His 13 years as Director of Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens transformed it into a more vigorous and forward-looking organisationUnder Lawrie's guidance satellite gardens were planned and developed and the scientific and community programs were expanded, with more emphasis on obtaining the information needed for scientifically based biodiversity conservation.
Lawrie always made a point of generously acknowledging his predecessors and colleagues, as well as appreciating the support and kindliness of younger staff members after his retirement. All who worked closely with Lawrie gained much from this experience. They saw his intensive but broadly based style of investigation, combined with insight based on wide-ranging thought and knowledge. His long-standing enthusiasm for understanding the evolution and biogeography of these primarily Southern Hemisphere families was heightened when the new techniques of DNA analysis began to bring insights not imagined at the start of his career.
He died as he would have wished, working actively on the classificationof eucalypts up to his last few hours of consciousness. Johnson published more than a hundred papers but further joint work is still being brought to completion by colleagues. He is survived by his wife Merle, who gave outstanding support to him throughout his career, four sons, a daughter and eight grandchildren. Lawrie appreciated the help of colleagues and friendship with many botanists locally and internationally. He was a leader and guide to many younger botanical associates and his lively wit, humour, and wide-ranging erudition will long be remembered. An issue of Telopea (Volume 6 part 4), dedicated to Lawrie by his colleagues and published on 1 July 1996, includes accounts and discussions of his career and botanical work. -- Barbara G. Briggs, Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. [Dr. Johnson was a Corresponding Member of ASPT.]
The two co-authors of the most often consulted reference work in systematic botany recently died within a month of one another. Frans Stafleu's single volume Taxonomic Literature: A selective guide to botanical publications with dates, commentaries and types was published in 1967. This work was so well received that a much expanded, multi-volume second edition was spawned, and Frans Stafleu was able to develop an extremely productive collaboration with Richard S. Cowan. The first volume of the second edition of Taxonomic Literature, known to taxonomists as "TL-2", was published in 1976, and an additional 6 volumes followed. For decades to come, plant taxonomists will be indebted to the massive effort of work that Drs. Stafleu and Cowan put into Taxonomic Literature.
Richard S. Cowan passed away on 17 November 1997 in Perth, Australia. He was born 23 January 1921 in Crawfordsville, Indiana, received his undergraduate degree in 1942 from Wabash College, a M.S. degree in 1948 from the University of Hawaii, and Ph.D. from Columbia University and the New York Botanical Garden in 1952. After serving as an assistant curator at the New York Botanical Garden from 1952 to 1957, Dr. Cowan moved to the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, where he was Associate Curator in the Department of Botany from 1957 to 1962, Assistant Director from 1962 to 1965, and then Director of the Museum from 1965 to 1973. In 1970, Dr. Cowan was President of ASPT. In 1973, he resumed research as Senior Botanist in the Department of Botany until his retirement in 1985. He soon moved to Australia and had an appointment with the Western Australia Herbarium. A detailed obituary by Dan Nicolson will be published in Taxon. Cowan was President of ASPT in 1970.
Frans A. Stafleu, died 16 December 1997. He was born on 8 September 1921 in Velsen, northwest of Amsterdam, enrolled at the University of Utrecht in 1939, and received the Ph.D. in 1948 from the same University. The topic of his dissertation was a monograph of Vochysia and Salvertia. After spending less than a year in Indonesia, Stafleu returned to Utrecht to assist J. Lanjouw with the Flora of Suriname project and the newly established International Association for Plant Taxonomy. From its inception in 1950 until 1992, the journal Taxon was largely the product Stafleu's efforts. He also co-authored with Lanjouw several volumes of Index Herbariorum (both herbaria and collectors parts) and worked on the Index Nominum Genericorum project. Of course, most working taxonomist today associate Stafleu's name with botanical nomenclature. His name first appeared on the Stockholm code of botanical nomenclature published in 1952 and continued through the Leningrad code of 1978; he was Rapporteur-Général at the international botanical congresses in Seattle (1969) and Leningrad (1975) and chair of the editorial committee that produced the corresponding codes. As mentioned above, the slim, single volume Taxonomic Literature: A selective guide to botanical publications with dates, commentaries and types of 1967 led to the collaboration with Richard S. Cowan to produce the 6-volume Taxonomic Literature "Two". A moving tribute by Werner Greuter was published in Taxon 47: 3-36. 1998. Stafleu was a Corresponding Member of ASPT.
Thomas C. Dent, 12 July 1997. Thomas Dent, Emeritus Professor of Biology, Gordon College, died on 12 July 1997 in Medina, Ohio. A native of Canton, Ohio, Tom received his undergraduate degree from Akron University in 1962 and the Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma in 1969. This dissertation was on the relationships of two groups of sugar maple in central Oklahoma to Eastern and Western species. After one year of teaching at Kent State University, Tom went to Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, where he stayed until his retirement in 1991. During his time at Gordon College, he lead many student field trips to the Atlantic Coast, Florida, Belize, and Mexico, and he was also instrumental in the building of a greenhouse for the College. In 1986, Tom received the Senior Professor Excellence in Teaching Award. After his retirement, Tom moved to Morgantown, West Virginia and became an adjunct professor at West Virginia University and was involved with the ECHO (Educational Concern for Hunger Organization) Plantation in North Ft. Meyers, Florida. Tom was a member of ASPT, AIBS, New England Botanical Club, and the National Association of Biology Teachers.
Royce L. Oliver Who Lived Botany (1929 - 1997). Royce Landell Oliver was born 15 June 1929 in Winters, Texas and died of pancreatic cancer on 22 February 1997 after a brief illness at his home in College Station, Texas. Toward the end, Royce was in close contact with Dr. Sy Sohmer, Director of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) at Ft. Worth, where Royce provided a gift to establish the Royce Oliver Belize Project. An endowment fund has been created at BRIT, and those who wish to contribute to the Royce Oliver Fund to further his dream of completing a Flora of Belize are invited to do so (send contributions to BRIT, 509 Pecan Street, Ft. Worth, TX 76102). Below are two remembrances, the first by Walter H. Lewis and the second by Joan W. Nowicke.
One remembers the early years with a colleague and friend most clearly, and sometimes towards the end as well, though too often not much in the middle as each goes in different directions professionally and geographically. This is especially true of many students we have the pleasure to teach for short periods of time, who may become good friends and associates, but they move on to fulfill academic or other professional careers. So it was with Royce Oliver and me: I remember vividly the early years of our acquaintance, meager in the middle and usually restricted to brief encounters at the annual systematics symposium held at the Missouri Botanical Garden, and then toward the end a prolonged and meaningful visit to enjoy an October day wandering around Washington University's campus that proved to be his farewell, known to Royce but not to me.
We met in the September heat of East Texas in 1960, not too long after Royce had finished driving a tank in Korea and I had started teaching at Stephen F. Austin State (now) University. Before going to Korea, Royce had completed his undergraduate degree at Arlington State College (now the University of Texas at Arlington). We were nearly the same age and both very much into plants. He enrolled in a master's program, and besides taking a full course load he helped me build a local herbarium, assisted in my undergraduate labs, and in numerous field trips to the Big Thicket of eastern Texas, nearby Louisiana, western and southern Texas, and Mexico looking for Rubiaceae, particularly Hedyotis, though searching for what became his special interest, Sisyrinchium, as well as plants in general which we suspected needed chromosomal data. Royce completed his master's in 1962, with a thesis on Sisyrinchium cytotaxonomy; he went on to teach high school biology and I went to England for my postdoctoral.
Our paths soon crossed again. I invited Royce to join me in 1964 at Washington University and the Missouri Botanical Garden as Research Associate (WU) and Assistant (MBG herbarium). That year he had been working with Dr. Lloyd Shinners at Southern Methodist University, Dallas. What a help he was setting up the new lab in cytology and palynology at WU. He was particularly helpful at the Garden where we often worked well into the night for more nights that I would care to remember unpacking and recurating returned loans in the herbarium and sending out requested loans; many requests had just been placed in piles since Dr. Robert Woodson's death the previous year. Support staff in 1964 were almost nonexistent, but by 1965 when the new Director, Dr. David Gates, was appointed, additional help became available. Time could then be spent in research: cytology of Claytonia with collecting trips throughout eastern North America, palynology of Convolvulaceae and Rubiaceae, and numerous field excursions to Mexico and particularly Panama to revitalize collections for the Flora of Panama project. Royce played an important role in all these activities, as revealed in part by his publications listed below, but more often working quietly and patiently for the good of the project rather than for his own edification. He was a modest man clearly dedicated to the task at hand as long as it involved plants.
Early in 1972 a permanent position opened in Botany at the Smithsonian Institution. Although he would be sorely missed in St. Louis, I encouraged Royce to move on to this new challenge. He left for Washington, DC to assist Drs. Raymond Fosberg and Marie-Helene Sachet and he he remained there until he retired. The Smithsonian inherited a fine plant cytologist, an experienced field researcher, and an herbarium curator par excellence. -- Walter H. Lewis, Washington University.
It was in St. Louis, when I returned to graduate school at Washington University, that I first met Royce Oliver. He was working as a research assistant for Walter Lewis, my Ph.D. advisor. That first summer (1965) Royce nominally supervised my pollen preparations of Ericaceae and its allies. He always examined my light microscopy slides (32 years ago, that's the only prep we did!), but had few comments. I couldn't see any differences in the pollen among the Ericaceae, but I thought Walter would tell me what I was missing. As it happened, pollen of Ericaceae does not show much variation at the level of light microscopy. When Walter looked over my results, he suggested a different group, the Phytolaccaceae. I guess Royce did not want to rain on my Ericaceae parade.
I think that the reason that Royce and I got along so well and for so long was that we thought alike. The articles in the Washington Post newspaper that I thought were outrageous had the same effect on him. In 20 years of going out to dinner together about once a month, we gossiped and held the same opinions of many of our mutual acquaintances. When he retired and moved back to Texas, it left a gap in my social life--he always drove up from Woodbridge, VA, and I supplied the libations.
I was looking forward to seeing Royce at the 1996 Annual Systematics Symposium in St. Louis. I was stunned by his appearance -- he told me that the doctors could not reach a diagnosis about the cause of his pain and severe weight loss. I asked him if he was going to get better, and he said he certainly hoped so. But when the doctors did make a diagnosis and Royce realized that he did not have long to live, he asked me to visit him in the spring. He wanted to show me how spectacular the Texas wild flowers could be. Once a Texan, always a Texan. But, unfortunately, it was a date he could not keep. -- Joan W. Nowicke, Smithsonian Institution.
Publications for Royce L. Oliver will appear in the next issue.
Persons in the job market should consult the Newsletter/ Current News section of the ASPT homepage <http: //www.csdl.tamu.edu/FLORA/aspt/aspthome.htm> for detailed descriptions. Below are very abbreviated listings of job notices that have appeared on that source; complete information needed for applications is not included here. For many positions, the deadlines have passed, and the positions may be filled. The listing here is primarily for readers who might be interested in what organizations have had openings in the general area of plant systematics. The date the positions were posted is in square brackets [month/ day/year].
Manager, Plant Sciences, Plant Sciences and Biodiversity Division, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Australia: Lead a diverse and active research program in plant conservation, biodiversity and systematics. Ph.D. degree; extensive research experience in botany; a record of achievement in leadership, innovation, and management; excellent communication skills. Contact Virginia Henderson on (03) 9252 2300 or <receptn@rbgmelb.org.au> for a Position Description and salary level, or Dr. Tim Entwisle on (03) 9252 2313 or <tentwi@ rbgmelb.org.au> for further information. Manager, Human Resources, Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141 by 1 July 1998. [06/01/98]
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Australia: Pacific Dunlop Research Fellowship in the field of bryophyte systematics, preferably liverworts, up to 3-year Tenure. Ph.D. and experience in modern bryophyte systematics. Available to start between June and December 1999. For a position description contact Virginia Henderson (+61-3-9252 2300, fax: +61-3-9252 2350, e-mail: receptn@ rbgmelb.org.au). For further information contact Dr. Tim Entwisle, +61-3-9252 2313, fax: +61-3-9252 2350; e-mail: <tentwi@rbgmelb.org.au>. Human Resources Manager, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia by 8 July 1998. [06/01/98
Research Plant Taxonomist, Brooklyn Botanic Garden: To use traditional and modern techniques to study the New York Metro Flora. Ph.D. in plant taxon- omy; desire to write floras; knowledge of northeastern flora. Personnel, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225 or FAX (718) 857-2430. [05/22/98]
Executive Director, Flora of North America program with headquarters at Missouri Botanical Garden: To provide overall leadership to the program and coordinate all aspects of the project with the advice and consent of the project's Management and Editorial Committees. Ph.D. in botany or related field; seven plus years experience; record of published accomplishment in floristic and/or monographic research; exceptional written and oral communication skills; and demonstrated leadership and administrative ability. Missouri Botanical Garden, Human Resource Management, Attn: ED-FNA, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166-0299. e-mail: <rland@ admin.mobot.org>. [05/04/98]
Lectureship in botanical aspects of biodiversity at the School of Plant Sciences, Department of Botany, University of Reading: Research interests in biodiver-sity information systems and informatics. Ph.D. Salary in the range [sterling]21,016. The appointment is intended to be "permanent" subject to satisfactory completion of a three year probationary period. Informal inquiries to <f.a.bisby@reading.ac.uk>. Personnel Office, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, P.O. Box 217, Reading RG6 6AH UK. +01 18 931 6771; e-mail: <Persorineloreading.ac.uk>. [05/05/98]
The New York Botanical Garden: Has added a new set of pages to its website, entitled: Employment Opportunities at the New York Botanical Garden Herbarium <http:// www.nybg.org/bsci/herb/herb2.html>. At this site, those interested can find out about positions that are currently available. [05/04/98]
Botanist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of International Affairs, Office of Scientific Authority, Arlington, Virginia: Staff specialist responsible for a broad range of scientific aspects of implementation of the CITES treaty, including evaluation of the conservation status of plant and animal species subject to international trade. Personnel Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, N.W., Mailstop: WEBB-308, Washington, DC 20240, 703-358-1743 (TTY) 358-1796. [03/25/98]
Plant Systematist, University of Massachusetts Boston: Assistant Professor, active research laboratory supported by extramural grants, preference for molecular techniques to address evolutionary or systematic problems at population or higher taxonomic levels in plants. Ph.D. and postdoctoral or equivalent experience. Dr. Kamaljit Bawa. Chair of the Search Committee, Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125. Fax: 617-287-6650; e-mail: <heatley@umbsky.cc.umb.edu>. Deadline 1 April 1998. [0-3/20/98]
Automatic Diatom Identification and Classification, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh: Three-year fixed term position to create a system for identifying diatoms automatically by computer. Strong taxonomic component and will use existing database-management and image-analysis software to build a computerized database of names and digital images of diatoms. Ph.D. or equivalent. Priority given to EU nationals. Salary ca. [sterling]15,000-17,000. For further details contact Stephen Droop at address below or by e-mail at: <s.droop@rbge.org.uk>. Personnel Department, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR, U.K. Closing date 20 March 1998. [02/26/98]]
Interim Assistant Professor of Botany, University of Oklahoma: One-year or possibly two-year appointment. Responsible for instruction in General Botany in addition to a course in Economic Botany. The initial appointment for August 16, 1998 through May 15, 1999. Deadline 15 April 1998. Dr. Gordon Uno, 770 Van Vleet Oval, Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019. [02/26/98]
Collections Manager, Botanical Research Institute of Texas: Available 1 July 1998 and open until filled, assuming the present availability of funds. Ph.D. degree or equivalent; 3-5 years of related experience; grant proposal writing experience; knowledge of database systems, PC software and Internet/Worldwide Web; knowledge of use and maintenance of collections-related equipment; fumigation procedures; knowledge of health and safety standards, CITES regulations, import/export procedures; Latin and Spanish reading and writing comprehension a plus. Dr. S. H. Sohmer, Director, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 509 Pecan Street, Fort Worth, TX 76102-4060 USA. 817 335-8158; Fax: 1-817-332-4112; e-mail: <ssohmer@brit.org>. [02/21/98]
Mycology Curatorial Assistant Position, New York Botanical Garden: To participate in the incorporation of fungus collections recently donated by Kansas State University, funding for one year, pending confirmation of NSF grant. Job duties: segregate exsiccati from non-exsiccati specimens, repair damaged specimen packets, update nomenclature on specimens, catalog specimens into NYBG's institutional specimen database, and file specimens in the herbarium. B.S. or M.S. in botany or mycology, with emphasis on taxonomy preferred. Barbara M. Thiers, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126. e-mail: <bthiers@ nybg.org >. 02/17/98]
Senior Herbarium Assistant, Missouri Botanical Garden, Research Division: To expedite and facilitate identification, labeling and storage of plant material entering the herbarium; assist curators with daily management of research projects; and provide editorial assistance in writing of scientific reports and proposals. Position may include field work and assist researchers in gathering bibliographic and electronic data. B.A. in botany or related field with M.S. and previous herbarium and field experience preferred. Knowledge of computer database management and familiarity with botanical literature required. Reading knowledge of foreign language helpful. Missouri Botanical Garden, Human Resource Management, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO 63110-0299. e-mail: <rland@ admin.mobot.org>.
Collections Supervisor, New York Botanical Garden Herbarium: To supervise mounting and filing of vascular plant herbarium specimens, to monitor use of herbarium supplies and reorder as needed, to curate sections of the vascular plant herbarium, to file specimens, to database specimens, to assist visiting scientists and students in the use of the Herbarium, and to lead tours for public groups. B.S. or M.S. in botany, emphasis on plant taxonomy preferred; at least two years of herbarium work experience preferred; experience with computer databasing and word-processing; organized, neat, detail-oriented; and good verbal and written communication skills. Human Resources Department, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458-5126. For information: contact Dr. Jackie Kallunki, (718 817-8638) or Dr. Patricia Holmgren (718 817-8626). [01/26/98]
Research Officer (Urban Ecology), Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology: A major new agency established by the Royal Botanic Gardens, with support from the Baker Foundation, for scientific studies of biodiversity and ecological processes in urban natural areas. Activities will encompass basic and applied research, postgraduate training and research, community education and consultancy services. Degree in biology and postgraduate or equivalent experience in plant taxonomy, ecology or natural resource management. Based at Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne and at the School of Botany at The University of Melbourne. Manager, Human Resources, Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141 Australia. Deadline: 28 January 1998. [01/26/98]
Senior Assistant Director, Botanic Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney: Responsible for maintaining the living plant collections in the Gardens and the open space in the Gardens and the Domain, to maximize their value to the community, through science, education, conservation programs and recreation. Required are excellent leadership, vision, communication and negotiation skills, University qualifications, practical professional experience and accumulated knowledge and interest in relevant fields of science, horticulture, education and/or heritage. Closing date 13 February 1998. Information package: Linda Bojarski (02) 9231 8035; inquiries Frank Howarth, Director, (+61-2) 9231 8112. Debbie Pinches, Personnel Officer, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, Mrs. Macquarie's Road, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. [01/25/98]
Director, Museum of Natural History, University of Connecticut: Chief administrative officer of the Museum of Natural History, responsible for all Museum operations, including events for the public and the university community, educational outreach, exhibit development, and collections management. The ideal applicant might combine a doctorate with a record of museum experience or an advanced degree with a record of substantial and experience in the research, government, private, or non-profit sectors. Closing date 16 March 1998. Dr. Kent E. Holsinger, Chair, Museum Board of Directors, Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, U-43, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3023. [01/13/98]
Curators in Diatoms and Lichens, Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, London: Two curator posts with responsibilities for managing either the lichen or diatom collections but will have curatorial duties throughout the herbaria. Preparation of loans, answering inquiries, assisting visitors to the lichen or diatom collections, capturing specimen information on computer database. Degree in a relevant subject and a diploma or post graduate qualification in museum studies and a knowledge of and interest in either lichens or diatoms. Initially a fixed period of 3 years, salary range [sterling]12,671-16,895. Closing date 23 January 1998. Vicky Watts, Personnel Section, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK. e-mail: <v.watts @nhm.ac.uk>. 01/13/98]
Database Supervisor, New York Botanical Garden: Part of NYBG's planned initiative to move information about all collections at the Garden into a central database system. This position is for two years. Duties include maintaining economic botany authority files, overseeing new data entry from economic botany data files containing collection and sample information about economically useful plants, and working with development group. The Database Supervisor will also spend 1/4 of his/her time on economic botany research under the direction of Dr. Michael Balick. M.S. or B.S. in Economic Botany, Anthropology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, or other field involving economic botany, and computer skills, especially database experience in economic botany. Human Resources Coordinator, The New York Botanical Garden, 200th Street and Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458-5126. e-mail: <lreyes@nybg.org>. [01/12/98]
Scientific Editor, Flora of North America, Missouri Botanical Garden: Head of the scientific publications department, oversee all aspects of scientific editing and review of the Annals, Novon, the Monographs series, and occasionally other scientific publication projects. Ph.D. in botany or related field, strong knowledge in botany, taxonomy and nomenclature, 5 years' related experience; familiarity with the publishing process; botanical literature and library facilities; sensitivity to deadlines; knowledge about the botanical community and current publications; and ability to select appropriate reviewers. Ability to read Spanish desired. Missouri Botanical Garden, Human Resource Management, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166-0299. e-mail:<rland@ admin.mobot.org>. [01/12/98]
Technical Editor, Flora of North America, Missouri Botanical Garden: Technically edit manuscripts so they conform to the strict requirements of Flora of North America; works closely with editors, authors, and reviewers to provide highest quality style, form, and consistency as well as adherence to terminology rules, parallel construction within treatments, and correct use of literature citations ensuring highest quality manuscripts for print- and web-based publication. M.S. degree in Botany/Biology or related field or equal combination of education and experience; knowledge of scientific conventions, botanical terminology and publications experience required; demonstrated relevant experience in natural sciences technical editing preferred; word processing and spreadsheet experience essential. Missouri Botanical Garden, Human Resource Management, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166-0299. e-mail: <rland@admin.mobot.org>. [12/23/97]
Organismal Biologist, Grinnell College: Tenure-track faculty position as an Assistant Professor of Biology to begin in August, 1998. Organismal biologist committed to teaching and research in a liberal arts environment; qualified to teach introductory courses such as "Structure and Function of Organisms" and "Evolution and Ecology", an advanced course in an area of specialty, and a general education course. Post-doctoral research experience. Deadline 19 December 1997. Dr. Clark A. Lindgren, Search Chair, Department of Biology, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA 50112-0806. e-mail: <lindgren@ ac.grin.edu>. [12/16/97]
Mapping Editor, Flora of North America, Missouri Botanical Garden: Produces, tests for accuracy, edits, and prepares for publication the distribution maps for the Flora of North America. Also, assures the reliability and completeness of geographic information submitted by authors and reviewers; identifies and corrects inaccurately cited botanical names and botanical geography; and corresponds with authors and taxon editors and maintains informational files. Bachelor's degree in Botany, Biology, or related field plus a minimum of one year's related experience; strong knowledge of computers required; GIS applications knowledge helpful. Missouri Botanical Garden, Human Resource Management, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, MO, 63166-0299. e-mail: <rland@admin.mobot.org>. [12/01/97]
Functional/Evolutionary/Developmental, Iowa State University: Tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. Research interests in functional, evolutionary, and/or developmental aspects of plant form and structure. Expected to establish a competitive research program, and contribute to graduate and undergraduate teaching, including teaching a course in plant anatomy. Review begins 15 December 1997. Dr. Robert S. Wallace, Search Committee Chair, Department of Botany, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-1020. e-mail: <rwallace@iastate.edu>. [12/01/97]
Charles Babcock Chair of Botany, Wake Forest University: Expected to have internationally recognized research program; research interests and teaching philosophy should complement the existing departmental strengths. Responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, advising M.S. and Ph.D. students, and maintaining an active research program. Closing date 15 January 1998. Dr. Gloria K. Muday, Chair, Charles Babcock Chair of Botany Search Committee, Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109-7325. [11/14/97]
Senior Curator in Cryptogamic Botany, Swedish Museum of Natural History: Besides curatorial management the successful applicant is expected to perform independent research within the subject field. Competence in creating, leading, and financing an independent research group will be taken into account. Ph.D. degree, expertise in the systematics of a bryophyte or a non-lichenized fungus (preferably basidiomycetes) group; a track record of research and publication success in taxonomy and phylogenetic systematics; experience in herbarium curation; proficiency or interest in web-publishing is also desirable. Will be required to work with administrative duties and to participate on various museum committees. Foreign applicants are expected to speak Swedish after two years. Closing date 1 December 1997. Professor Anders Tehler, telephone: +46 8 666 4160; e-mail: <anders.tehler@nrm.se>. The Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, S-104 05 Stockholm, Sweden, no later than. [11/13/97]
Plant Systematist/Evolutionist, California State University, Chico: Tenure-track assistant professorship beginning in the 1998-99 academic year. Ph.D., a specialization in plant systematics and evolution, experience with traditional and molecular techniques, knowledge of field botany, a ability or potential to develop a vigorous research program, teaching experience at the undergraduate level, and a strong interest in teaching excellence. Postdoctoral experience is preferred. Responsibilities include teaching upper-division courses in vascular plant taxonomy and systematics, teaching lower-division organismal and introductory biology courses, developing a graduate course in area of specialization, and establishing a research program with potential for external funding that will involve undergraduate and graduate students. Closing date 16 January 1997. Dr. Michael Abruzzo, Chair, Attn: Plant Systematics Position, Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Chico, Chico, CA 95929-0515. [11/12/97]
Fungal or Plant Geneticist, University of Wyoming: Tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the area of molecular genetics. Must have the potential for interacting with other Ph.D. programs in the department (mycology, plant systematics, plant physiology/cell biology, and ecology), and participate in research, teaching (introductory genetics, general biology, and advanced courses) and student advising. Development of an externally-funded research program is expected. Ph.D. with post-doctoral experience is desired. Closing date 12 January 1998. Dr. Gregory K. Brown, Genetics Search Committee, Department of Botany, University of Wyoming. Laramie, WY 82071-3165. 307 766-2214; fax: 307 766-2851; e-mail: <gkbrown@ uwyo.edu>. [11/11/97]
Evolutionary Biology, Department of Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology, University of Colorado: Tenure-track faculty position (Assistant Professor) in any area of evolutionary biology. Closing date 2 January 1998. Dr. James Hanken, Department of EPO Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0334. [11/07/97]
Two positions, Department of Biology, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield: Tenure-track positions at the level of Assistant Professor for fall 1998. Ph.D. Duties include teaching, student advisement; research and publication; and involvement with the graduate (master's) program. The two positions are as follows: Plant taxonomy: Teaching duties include a course in general botany and introductory and advanced courses in plant taxonomy and systematics. Plant ecology: Teaching duties include courses in introductory biology and plant ecology. Dr. Alicia Mathis, Chair, Search Committee, Department of Biology Southwest Missouri State University Springfield, MO 65804-0095. Phone: 417 836-5699; fax: 417836-4204; e-mail: <sam477f@ vma.smsu.edu>. [11/06/97]
Botanist/Plant Taxonomist, Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado: Tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level starting August 1998. Strong commitment to undergraduate education; excellence in teaching and supervision of students in an active undergraduate research program are essential. Teaching responsibilities include general botany, plant taxonomy, genetics, plant anatomy or morphology, and a biology course in the College's liberal arts program. The ability to supervise undergraduate students conducting floristic surveys of the Gunnison Basin and research experience with montane flora desirable. Closing date 29 December 1997. Botanist Search Committee, Biology Program, Western State College, Gunnison, CO 81231. [11/06/97]
Vascular Plant Systematist, University of Tennessee: Vascular plant systematist for a tenure-track assistant professor appointment to begin 1 August 1998. Ph.D., postdoctoral experience preferred. Applicants should combine field-oriented, whole-plant floristics or taxonomy with the informed application of state-of-the-art technology. Graduate supervision and external research support expected. Teaching duties include participation in introductory courses and development of appropriate advanced courses. Closing date 31 December 1997. Dr. Ronald H. Petersen. Department of Botany, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-1100[10/29/97]
Plant Systematics, Appalachian State University: Pant systematist at the Assistant Professor level. Entry level tenure track position. Ph.D. Responsibilities include: teaching undergraduate courses in systematic botany, general botany, and general biology; teaching selected graduate courses; serving as a mentor for undergraduate research and Master's theses; maintaining herbarium; seeking extramural funding. Should have expertise in flora of eastern U.S. Closing date 1 December 1997. Dr. Douglas Meikle, Chair, Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, 572 Rivers Street, Boone, NC 28608. 704 262-3025. [10/2897]
Curatorial Assistant II, Harvard University Herbaria: Assists with the general curation of the vascular plant collections; sorts and files mounted specimens; assists with processing of loans and exchanges; orients and assists users to the Herbaria; answers questions and correspondence related to the collections; other curatorial duties. College degree with specialized courses pertaining to the taxonomy of vascular plants and to herbarium/museum collections preferred; word processing and data entry skills. Closing date 5 December 1997. Ms. Mary C. Reynolds, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. [10/08/97]
Assistant Professor, Plant Molecular Evolution, The Pennsylvania State University: Tenure-track, Assistant Professor. Use molecular techniques to address issues of importance in speciation, phylogenetics, gene flow in natural populations, conservation genetics, and/or biodiversity. Ph.D. in biology, botany, plant sciences or a related area. Expected to establish a vigorous, externally funded research program, and to participate in the department's commitment to quality undergraduate and graduate education. Closing date 15 December 1997. Chair, Plant Molecular Evolution Search Committee. Department of Biology, 208 Mueller Lab, Box EV, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802. [10/22/97]
Biological Science Support Specialist, The Laboratory of Molecular Systematics, Smithsonian Institution: To provide support for phylogenetic analysis under the supervision of Dr. David L. Swofford and includes the following responsibilities: computer support and technical assistance in phylogenetic and molecular sequence analysis for other LMS and NMNH scientists; participation in all phases of the design, documentation, dissemination, and technical support of computer software for phylogenetic analysis developed at the LMS; assists with the operation and maintenance of LMS computing facilities. M.S. or Ph.D. degree; thorough understanding of the principles and methods of phylogenetic analysis (both parsimony and model-based approaches). Closing date 12 November 1997. Dr. Matthew Kane, 301 238-3444, ext. 108; e-mail: <kane@ onyx.si.edu>. [10/22/97]
Diversity and Evolution of Non-flowering Land Plants, University of
Connecticut: Tenure-track position in evolution and diversity of
non-angiospermous land plants at the level of Assistant Professor, although all
ranks will be considered. Expertise in one or more extant or extinct land plant
groups with an established and innovative research program focusing on the
origin, diversity, evolution or systematics of land plants. Teaching includes
introductory biology/botany and a specialty course in land plant diversity and
evolution, or paleobotany. Ph.D. in biology, botany or a related area;
post-doctoral experience desirable. Closing date 16 January 1998. Cynthia
Jones, Chair, Land Plant Evolution Search Committee, Department of Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology, Box U-43, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
06269-3043. 860 486-4150;
e-mail: <cjones@uconnvm.uconn.edu>.
[11/22/97]
Curatorial Assistant in Phanerogamic Herbarium, New York Botanical Garden: Phanerogamic Herbarium, collections processing (label preparation, processing of ummounted sheets and annotation and filing of mounted specimens, computer data entry, and related project tasks. B.A. or equivalent in botany or a related field; some postgraduate education preferred; familiarity with systematic botany and herbarium methods; computer experience, data entry preferred; speaking knowledge of Portuguese or Spanish a plus. For information, contact Dr. Jacquelyn Kallunki <jkallunki@nybg.org>. Ms. Karen Yesnick, Head, Human Resources Department, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458. [10/11/97]
Curatorial Assistant II, Farlow Library and Herbarium, Harvard University: Assist in the re-housing and renovation of the bryological and part of the lichenological collection; participate in packing collections for temporary storage; help integrate moss specimens from 2 separate collections into one collection; participate in the return of collections into newly renovated space with compactorized storage units; repair and repacket specimens; organize and sort material. College degree with specialized courses in taxonomy and/or herbarium/museum collections preferred; word processing and data entry skills, preferably with knowledge of the DOS/Windows 95 environment and specimen databases. Ms. Mary C. Reynolds, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. [10/08/97]
Curatorial Assistant in Cryptogams, New York Botanical Garden: One-year position to perform curatorial tasks associated with accession, preparation and shipment of specimens of algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens; database specimens of bryophytes as part of the North American Bryophyte Catalogue project. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biology; coursework in taxonomy and/or herbarium experience preferred. For information, contact: Dr. Barbara M. Thiers, Administrative Curator, Cryptogamic Herbarium, New York Botanical Garden. e-mail: <bthiers@nybg.org>. Ms. Karen Yesnick, Head. Human Resources Department, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458. [11/08/97]
Plant Taxonomist, University of Northern Colorado: Plant taxonomist, full-time, tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level for August 1998. Responsibilities include instruction, scholarship, service responsibilities, and advising and directing student research for undergraduates and graduates; teach courses in plant taxonomy, evolution, vascular plant anatomy/morphology, and introductory biology and may teach other biology courses in areas of expertise. Closing date 15 October 1997. Curt M. Peterson, Professor and Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, 501 20th Street, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639. 970 351-2650; fax: 970 351-2335; e-mail: <cmpeter@ bentley.univnorthco.edu>. [10/04/97]
Systematics/Evolution, University of Alberta: Two tenure-track positions at the level of Assistant Professor to build upon our international reputation in Systematics/ Evolution. We seek applicants specializing in insects /invertebrates or vascular plants for July 1998. Ph.D. Closing date 15 October 1997. Dr. S. E. Jensen, Chair, Department of Biological Sciences, CW405 Biological Sciences Bldg., University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9. e-mail: <susan.jensen@ualberta.ca>. [10/04/97]
Manager/Greenhouse, Botany Laboratories, and Herbarium, Central Michigan University: Provides and maintains day to day operation of greenhouse and herbarium in the Department of Biology at Central Michigan University. Bachelor's degree, M.S. preferred, in biology, botany, horticulture, or related field; two to three years qualifying experience, including one year supervisory experiences; experience with greenhouse operations and techniques; computer systems experience; herbarium practice/training and an understanding of plant systematics. Closing date 24 October 1997. Central Michigan University, Staff Personnel Services, 109 Rowe Hall, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859. [10/04/97]
Research Bryologist, The Natural History Museum, London, U.K.: Initial appointment for 3 years with possibility of extension to five years and eventual permanency. Good research degree and publication record, and ability to plan, organize and attract external funding to support a research program on Bryophytes. Starting salary range [sterling]16,895-27,321. Closing date 24 October 1997. Gilda Paul, Personnel Section, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK. [09/30/97]
Herbarium technician, The Brooklyn Botanic Garden: To assist the Curator in the care of the Garden's collection of about 300,000 herbarium specimens; prepare and file specimens; assist with handling specimens and record-keeping for loans, gifts, and exchanges; enter data into herbarium databases; supervise and coordinate volunteers; and travel to meetings, workshops, and training seminars as necessary. BS or AAS in scientific subject; or High School diploma and three years work in a related field. Personnel, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225. fax: 718 857-2430.[09/30/97]
Plant Systematics, Auburn University: Plant systematics, prefer an individual trained in plant systematics who applies modern biochemical and molecular approaches to its study. Teaching duties involve developing and teaching a one-quarter course for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in plant systematics; also teach in the General Biology Program as needed. Ph.D., postdoctoral experience and demonstrated ability to establish a strong, independent, and extramurally funded research program preferred. Dr. Robert Locy, Search Committee Chairman, Department of Botany and Microbiology, 101 Life Sciences Building, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849. e-mail: <locyrob@mail.auburn.edu>. [09/22/97]
Senior Scientific Appointment, The Natural History Museum, London, U.K.: Research leader of international reputation and good management skills for the post of Associate Keeper and Deputy Head of The Department of Botany. Will work closely with the Head of Department (the Keeper) in developing and implementing Departmental policies and in setting the scientific and curatorial agenda; also contribute to, and carry out research within, the Departmental Research programs and be active in obtaining grants or other research funding. Closing date 24 October 1997. Gilda Paul, Personnel Section, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD, UK.[09/16/97]
Director, NSW Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney, Australia: Required are outstanding achievement in management at a senior executive level; experience in the sciences or horticultural studies relevant to the management of a multi-disciplined organization; superior liaison, consultative and communication skills with interest groups, business leaders and the government; proven ability to provide strategic advice and sound judgment; ability to lead the agency and meet the challenges facing it, and to communicate its vision to a wide range of interest groups; ability to develop a harmonious working environment in an agency with a diverse skill base; commitment to ethical work practices and employment equity. Closing date 17 October 1997. Acting Assistant Director-General, Public Sector Management Office, NSW Premier's Department, GPO Box 5341, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia. [09/15/97]
The Award Committee of the Lawrence Memorial Fund invites nominations for the 1998 Lawrence Memorial Award. Honoring the memory of Dr. George H. M. Lawrence, founding Director of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, the Award ($1,000) is given biennially to support travel for doctoral dissertation research in systematic botany or horticulture, or the history of the plant sciences, including literature and exploration. Major professors are urged to nominate outstanding doctoral students who have achieved official candidacy for their degrees and will be conducting pertinent dissertation research that would benefit significantly from travel enabled by the award. The committee will not entertain direct applications. A student who wishes to be considered should arrange for nomination by his/her major professor; this may take the form of a letter which covers supporting materials prepared by the nominee. Supporting materials should describe briefly, but clearly, the candidate's program of research and how it would be significantly enhanced by travel that the award would support. Letters of nomination and supporting materials, including seconding letters, should be received by the committee no later than 1 May 1998. Dr. R. W. Kiger, Hunt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890; phone: 412 268-2434.
The Greenman Award--a certificate and a cash prize of $1,000, is presented each year by the Missouri Botanical Garden. It recognizes the paper judged best in vascular plant or bryophyte systematics based on a doctoral dissertation published during the previous year. Papers published during 1997 are now being accepted for the 30th annual award, which will be presented in the summer of 1998. Reprints of such papers should be sent to: Dr. P. Mick Richardson, Greenman Award Committee, Missouri Botanical Garden, P. O. Box 299, St. Louis, Missouri 63166-0299 U.S.A. In order to be considered for the 1997 award, reprints must be received by 1 June 1998. The winner will be announced at the August 1998 annual meeting of the Botanical Society of America in Baltimore, Maryland.
A number of awards were announced at the AIBS/BSA/ASPT meetings held in early August in Montreal, Quebec.
At the ASPT banquet held on 5 August 1997, Dr. Daniel J. Crawford of The Ohio State University was awarded the Asa Gray Award. A formal announcement of this award will be in a forthcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
At the Botanical Society of America banquet held on 6 August 1997, ASPT awarded Andrea D. Wolfe of The Ohio State University the annual George R. Cooley Award for the best paper presented in plant systematics. The paper was co-authored by Qui-Yun Xiang and Susan R. Kephart and entitled: "Old wine in new skin -- reassessing hybridization in Penstemon using micro- satellite-based markers."
The Botanical Society of America presented BSA Merit Awards to Nels Lersten (Iowa State University), Elbert Little (former Chief Dendrologist with the U.S. Forest Service), and Grady Webster (University of California, Davis). These awards are for outstanding contributions to botanical science. All three award recipients this year are members of ASPT.
James (Jay) P. Therrien, a graduate student at the University of Kansas and member of ASPT, received the Edgar T. Wherry Award for the best paper in the Pteridological Section of the BSA; his paper was entitled "Evolution and diversification of the Selaginellaceae." Jay also received a John S. Karling award from BSA for his project entitled "Phylogeny of the Selaginellaceae and related lycopsids." Justin Michael Ramsey, University of Washington, also received a Karling Award for his project entitled "Processes of polyploid evolution in the Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae) complex."
The Charles E. Bessey Award, given by the Teaching Section of BSA for outstanding contributions in botanical teaching, was presented to ASPT member Joseph E. Armstrong of Illinois State University.
The 1997 Jesse M. Greenman Award has been won by Elena Conti for the publication "Circumscription of Myrtales and their relationships to other rosids: Evidence from rbcL sequence data," coauthored by E. Conti, A. Litt, and K. J. Sytsma, and published in American Journal of Botany 83(2): 221-233 (1996). This study is based on a Ph.D. dissertation from the University of Wisconsin under the direction of Dr. Kenneth J. Sytsma. See the "Award Opportunities" section for information on application procedures for the 1998 award.
The New York Botanical Garden presented its Henry Allan Gleason award to Armen Takhtajan, Komarov Botanical Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia. Dr. Takhtajan is a Corresponding Member of ASPT. This award is in recognition of an outstanding recent publication in the fields of plant taxonomy, plant ecology, or plant geography.
Donna M.E. Ware, of the College of William and Mary, is the recipient of the 1997 Elizabeth Ann Bartholomew Award. The award is presented by the Southern Appalachian Botanical Club.
Listed in chronological order. Descriptions may have been edited for space considerations, contact appropriate sources for complete information.
1998
A Workshop on the Compilation, Maintenance, and Dissemination of Taxonomic Authority Files, Raddison-Barcelo Hotel, Washington, DC, 22-23 June 1998. The purpose of this workshop is to provide a forum in which members of the systematics and library communities can describe their respective domains, and identify the concepts, practices, and technologies that could be shared to promote consistency in the cataloging, indexing, and retrieval of biological information. The two-day workshop will consist of formal presentations by 21 invited speakers, questions for speakers, and opportunities for general discussion at the end of each session. See full agenda at:< http://raptor.keil.ukans. edu/taf/>. To register, send e-mail to the organizer (below). There is no registration fee. Rooms have been reserved at the Radisson-Barcelo Hotel (near Dupont Circle, Washington, DC) under a special group rate of $120/night. If you would like to take advantage of this discount contact the organizer (below), NOT the hotel, BEFORE 20 MAY 1998. ORGANIZER: Stan Blum, Natural History Museum, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045. e-mail: <sblum@ falcon.cc.ukans. edu>.
Third International Symposium on the Taxonomy of Cultivated Plants to be held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scotland, 20-26 July 1998. See ASPT Newsletter 10(2,3,4).
Fifth International Botanic Gardens Conservation Congress, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa 14-18 August 1998. A first circular has been issued for the Fifth BGCI Congress, which will be hosted by the National Botanical Institute of South Africa, with working sessions at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Prof. Brian J. Huntley, National Botanical Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont, South Africa 7735; phone: +27 21 762 1166; fax: +27 21 761 4687; e-mail: <bgci98@nbict.nbi.ac.za>.
International Organization of Plant Biosystematics VIIth International Symposium: "Evolution in Man-Made Habitats," University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 10-15 August 1998. See ASPT Newsletter 11(1).
III Symposium on the Fauna and Flora of the Atlantic Islands, Ponta Delgada, Azores, 21-25 September 1998. See ASPT Newsletter 10(2,3,4) or the following URL: <http://www.uac.pt/nova/infgpt/ eventos/congres.htm>. A second circular on this symposium is now available.
Monocots II: Second Circular, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, week of 28 September 1998. See ASPT Newsletter 11(1).
VII Latin American Botanical Congress, 18-24 October 1998. The Latin American Botanical Society is sponsoring the VII Latin American Botanical Congress in Mexico City. For the open programme posters on any branch of botany will be welcome, and students are particularly encouraged to come and present their work. Registration will be open to any person interested in botany. Fees: before 31 March, regular members-- $100 US; student members--$50.00 US; after 31 March, all members--$150 US. Submission of abstracts deadline: 15 May 1998. Abstracts should be sent to: Dr. Ramon Riba, Presidente del VII Congreso Latinoaméericano de Botánica, UAM-Iztapalapa, Apdo. Postal 55-535, 09340 Mexico, D.F. <socbot@alquimia.encb.ipn.mx> or <clb@xanum.uam.mx>. See the Web site at: <http:// www.iztapalapa.uam.mx/clb/>.
1999
The Inaugural Conference of the Southern African Society of Systematic Biology. This is the first southern African systematics conference, and we hope to attract all systematists working on the southern African biota. The conference will launch a new society for southern African systematic biology, and will be associated with several workshops and a postcongress tour. The conference will be held in Stellenbosch, South Africa, some 50 km from Cape Town, in the mountainous Cape winelands region. It will take place from 11 to 15 January 1999. The conference will include the following focussed sessions: An Historical Overview of Southern African Systematic Biology, Systematics and Conservation of Southern African Biodiversity, Systematics, Large Datasets, and Large Genera Infraspecific Variation and Hybridization, Biogeography of Africa, especially southern Africa. In addition to the focussed sessions, there will be opportunities to present contributed papers. Contact Peter Linder at postal address: Bolus Herbarium, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7700, South Africa; voice:+21 650 3398; fax: +21-650 4041; e-mail: <plinder@botzoo.uct.ac.za>.
XVI International Botanical Congress, St. Louis, Missouri USA. 1 August 1999. See ASPT Newsletter 11(1).
Recombinant DNA Laboratory Courses, Indiana University, June 1998. This summer, Indiana University will offer two laboratory-based short courses that provide the opportunity to learn and apply recombinant DNA procedures and the technologies of sequencing, PCR analysis, and RFLP analysis. Participants in the courses learn to perform these techniques and may arrange to work on a sample of genomic DNA from their own research organism. The first course is "Recombinant DNA Technology" and is scheduled for 7-12 June 1998. The second course is "Application of Recombinant DNA Technology: RFPL and Fingerprinting Analysis, FAPD Analysis, and DNA Sequencing" and is scheduled for 14-19 June 1998. For information, contact: Jane Clay, Division of Continuing Studies, Indiana University, Owen Hall 204, Bloomington, IN 47405; phone: 812-855-6329; e-mail: <jclay@indiana.edu>.
Workshop in Molecular Genetic Analysis, San Francisco State University, August 1998. The Biology Department, San Francisco State University, is seeking applicants for a Workshop in Molecular Genetic Analysis Applied to Evolution, Ecology, and Systematic Biology, 1-14 August 1998, San Francisco, California. For further information, contact: Dr. Frank Bayliss, Department of Biology, San Francisco State University,1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132 USA.; phone: 415-338-1071; fax: 415-338-0927.
Systematics of Tropical Plant Families, Miami, Florida, May 1998. Course I: Dicots (17-22 May 1998); Course II: Cycads & Monocots (24-29 May 1998). As part of the NSF Chautauqua Short Courses for college faculty, these workshops are designed to facilitate instructors in incorporating tropical plant materials in their courses. They will be conducted at Fairchild Tropical Garden and the Montgomery Foundation, Miami, Florida, where participants are encouraged to photograph and collect specimens. Costs include travel, lodging, incidentals, a $125 lab fee, and a $40 application fee. Applications from the Science Education Center, University of Texas (512) 471-7354; e-mail: <jamesb@mail.utexas. edu>. For questions about content, contact the instructor: Roger Sanders, Botanical Research Institute of Texas, 509 Pecan Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102-4060; phone: 817 332-4441; e-mail: <rsanders@brit.org>.
NEW SERIALS AND NEWS ABOUT SERIALS
Lundellia. The Plant Resources Center of The University of Texas at Austin is pleased to announce the first number of Lundellia, a journal of botanical systematics, named in honor of the late Dr. Cyrus L. Lundell. The contents of the first number are:
This first issue is available at a cost of US$20 for individuals and US$30 for institutions. For more information, contact:
Dr. Carol A. Todzia, Phone: 512 471-9437; Fax: 512 471-3878; e-mail: <ctodzia@mail.utexas.edu>.
Information provided by Janet R. Sullivan, Book Review Editor. The selection of reviewers and books to be reviewed in Systematic Botany are left to the discretion of the Book Review Editor. However, members of ASPT who are interested in serving as reviewers should contact Janet Sullivan at <janets@christa.unh.edu>.
A Catalog of Type Specimens (Cormophyta) in the Herbaria of China (in English and Chinese) edited by Shuyin Jin, revised by Yilin Chen. 1994. 716 pp. ISBN 7-03-003476-7 Chinese Yuen 68.00 (hardback). Beijing: Science Press. -- A useful tool for taxonomists who want to access type specimens of land plants in herbaria in China.
Cucurbits edited by N. M. Nayar and T. A. More. 1998. xi + 340 pp. illus. ISBN 1-57808-003-7 $75.00 (hardback). Enfield, NH: Science Publishers, Inc. -- This book comprises 17 chapters covering different aspects of this agriculturally important family. Topics include taxonomy, distribution and ethnobotanical uses, cytogenetics, sex expression and sex modification, morphology and embryology, palynology, and biochemistry, as well as various aspects of cultivation.
European Garden Flora: A Manual for the Identification of Plants in Europe, Both Out-of Doors and Under Glass, Volume V, Dicotyledons (Part iii) Limnanthaceae to Oleaceae edited by J. Cullen, J. C. M. Alexander, C. D. Brickell, J. R. Edmondson, P. S. Green, V. H. Heywood, P. M. Jorgensen, S. L. Jury, S. G. Knees, V. A. Matthews, H. S. Maxwell, D. M. Miller, E. C. Nelson, N. K. B. Robson, S. M. Walters, and P. F. Yeo. 1997. xviii + 646 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-42096-2 $155.00 (hardback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- The most recent issue in this series. Volume IV will be reviewed in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
The Evolutionary Biology of Plants by Karl J. Niklas. 1997. xix + 449 pp. illus. ISBN 0-226-58082-2 $65.00 (cloth), 0-226-58083-0 $19.95 (paper). Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
The Ferns and Allied Plants of New England by Alice F. Tryon and Robbin C. Moran. 1997. xv + 325 pp. black and white photos, SEM micrographs, line drawings, silhouettes, and maps. ISBN 0-932691-23-4 $49.95 (hardcover). Lincoln, MA: Massachusetts Audubon Society. -- A beautifully designed book, and packed with information. It will be the main reference work on the ferns, horsetails, and lycopods of New England for a long time to come.
Ferns of Britain and Ireland, Second Edition by C. N. Page. 1997. xx + 540 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-58380-2 $125.00 (hardback), 0-521-58658-5 $64.95 (paperback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
Flora Malesiana: Series I -- Seed Plants (Volume 13: Rafflesiaceae, Boraginaceae, Daphniphyllaceae, Illiciaceae, Schisandraceae, Loranthaceae, Viscaceae) edited by C. Kalkman, D. W. Kirkup, H. P. Nooteboom, P. F. Stevens, and W. J. J. O. de Wilde. 1997. vi + 454 illus. ISBN 90-71236-33-1 Dfl. 125,00 (paperback). Leiden, The Netherlands: Rijksherbarium/Hortus Botanicus. -- Contains taxonomic revisions of seven flowering plant families for Malesia, i.e. the area covering the countries Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.
Flora of North America, Volume 3, Magnoliophyta: Magnoliidae and Hamamelidae edited by the Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1997. xxiii + 590 pp. illus. ISBN 0-19-511246-6 (cloth). New York: Oxford University Press.
Flora of the USSR, Volume XXII: Solanaceae to Scrophulariaceae edited by B. K. Schischkin and E. G. Bobrov. 1997 [English translation]. xl + 745 pp. illus. ISBN 1-886106-40-1 $175.00 (hardback). Enfield, NH: Science Publishers, Inc. -- This is the English translation of the 1955 volume. It includes keys and descriptions of the representatives of the Solanaceae (45 numbered and 21 unnumbered species) and the Scrophulariaceae (602 numbered and 6 unnumbered species).
Flore de la Polynesie Française, Volume 1: Cannabaceae, Cecropiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Moraceae, Piperaceae, Ulmaceae, Urticaceae by Jacques Florence. 1997. 393 pp. illus. ISBN 2-7099-1387-4 100 FF. Paris: Institut Français de Recherche Scientifique Pour le Développement en Coopération.
Flowering Plant Origin, Evolution and Phylogeny edited by David Winship Taylor and Leo J. Hickey. 1996. ix + 403 pp. illus. ISBN 0-412-05341-1 (cloth). New York: Chapman and Hall. -- Twelve chapters derived from papers given at a symposium entitled "The Origin, Early Evolution, and Phylogeny of Angiosperms" held at AIBS in Iowa, 1993.
Genetics and Analysis of Quantitative Traits by Michael Lynch and Bruce Walsh. 1998. xvi +980 pp. illus. ISBN 0-87893-481-2 $64.95 (hardback). Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, Inc. -- Distinguishing features of this text are the inclusion of recent advances in quantitative-genetic thinking in evolutionary biology, an outline of the basic principles of complex pedigree analysis, and a broad overview of the newly emerging array of techniques for quantitative-trait loci (QTL) analysis.
The Grasses and Bamboos of India, Volumes 1 & 2, by S. Moulik. 1997. 700 pp. illus. ISBN 81-7233-141-X (cloth). Jodhpur: Scientific Publishers. -- A comprehensive, illustrated account of the Poaceae of India. Keys are provided to species within each genus. Details are given on distribution, flowering period, and economic note.
A Guide To Species Irises: Their Identification and Cultivation edited by The Species Group of the British Iris Society. 1997. xv + 371 pp. 128 color photos, 26 line drawings and 26 maps. ISBN 0-521-44074-2 $105.00 (hardback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
The Identification of Flowering Plant Families, 4th Edition by J. Culles. 1997. xii + 215 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-58485-X $59.95 (hardback), 0-521-58550-3 $21.95 (paperback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- A short, user-friendly guide to identifying 286 plant families in northern temperate regions. An illustrated discussion of floral structure and terminology precedes the keys and brief descriptions. Families are arranged according to Engler and Prantl.
Identifying Characteristics of Crop Varieties by R. L. Agrawal. 1997. xi + 124 pp. illus. ISBN 1-886-106-90-8 $29.50 (paperback). Enfield, NH: Science Publishers, Inc. -- This book describes the characteristics used for identifying crop varieties. Included are chapters on descriptive terminology, cereals and millets, pulses, oil seeds, fibers, sugar cane, forage legumes, vegetables, and grasses.
Intermountain Flora: Vascular Plants of the Intermountain West, USA, Volume 3, Part A, Subclass Rosidae (Except Fabales) by Arthur Cronquist, Noel H. Holmgren, and Patricia K. Holmgren. 1997. 446 pp. illus. The New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY. -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
Introduction to Mushroom Science (Systematics) by T. N. Kaul. 1997. xviii + 198 pp. 26 black & white photos and line drawings and 7 color plates. ISBN 1-886106-95-9 $49.00 (hardback). Enfield, NH: Science Publishers, Inc. -- Intended for use by amateurs and beginners in the study of fungi, this book is written from the naturalist's standpoint. This volume covers a general introduction to fungi and systematics of "larger fungi (mushrooms)." A second volume is intended to cover cultivation technology, prominent biological features, and mushroom conservation.
John Wurdack, Festschrift edited by L. J. Dorr and B. Stergios. 1997. BioLlania, Edición Especial Volume 6: i-xi + 571 pp. + errata. [Available for $10.00, postage included, from: L. J. Dorr, Department of Botany, MRC-166, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560-0166. Checks should be made out to "Smithsonian Institution."] -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
Leaf Surfaces of Central European Woody Plants: Atlas and Keys by Christian Westerkamp and Helmut Demmelmeyer. 1997. 632 pp. 250 figures with approx. 1900 high resolution SEM images. ISBN 3-443-01034-2 DM 168,-/ US $99.00. Stuttgart: Gebrüder Borntraeger Verlagsbuchhandlung.
Malesian Seed Plants: Spot-Characters by M. M. J. Van Balgooy. 1997. 154 pp. illus. ISBN 90-71236-31-5 Dfl. 50,00 (paper). Leiden: Rijksherbarium/Hortus Botanicus. -- The flowering plants of the Malesian region are estimated to include 36,000 species, of which only about 15% have been revised and treated in Flora Malesiana. The series Malesian Seed Plants is designed to aid in identification to family or genus using lists of spot-characters.
Marine Botany, Second Edition by Clinton J. Dawes. 1998. xiv + 480 pp. illus. ISBN 0-471-19208-2 $79.95 (hardback). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. -- This edition reflects the latest research since the 1981 original. The diversity and environmental dynamics of marine plant life are explored, including micro-and macroalgae, seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes as well as phytoplankton and benthic communities. The structure and dynamics of marine plant communities are examined and different types of anthropogenic stresses are detailed, concluding with possible management and restorative techniques.
Metaphysics and the Origin of Species by Michael T. Ghiselin. 1997. xi + 377 pp. ISBN 0-7914-3468-0 $24.95 (paper). Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
Molecular Embryology of Flowering Plants by V. Raghavan. 1997. xxi + 690 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-55246-X $150.00 (hardback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- This book presents a general picture of our current understanding of plant embryology from the formation of floral organs concerned with embryological processes to the genetic manipulation of embryos. Chapters highlight the development of male and female reproductive units, male sterility, incompatibility, fertilization, embryo and endosperm development, storage protein synthesis, and adventive embryogenesis in flowering plants.
Molecular Evolution and Adaptive Radiation edited by Thomas J. Givnish and Kenneth J. Sytsma. 1997. xi + 621 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-57329-7 $105.00 (hardback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
New England's Mountain Flowers: A High Country Heritage by Jeff Wallner and Mario J. DiGregorio. 1997. xiii + 221 pp. 114 color photographs. ISBN 0-87842-337-0 $17.00 (paper). Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Co. -- This guide presents color photos and short essays for 85 wildflower species that inhabit New England's uplands. Information is provided on morphology, habitat, rarity, and flowering period.
New Flora of the British Isles, Second Edition, by Clive Stace. 1997. xxvii + 1130 pp. black & white photographs and line drawings. ISBN 0-521-58935-5 $85.00 (plastic). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- A thoroughly revised edition of the 1991 publication, this volume covers over 4,500 taxa (native, naturalized, crop plants, and recurrent casuals). Designed to be user-friendly, this book has become the standard for identification of plants in the British Isles.
The 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants edited by Kerry S. Walter
and Harriet J. Gillett. 1998. ISBN 2-8317-0328-X $45.00. Gland, Switzerland and
Cambridge, England: The World Conservation Union. -- This book provides the
first-ever published list of vascular plants recorded as globally Rare,
Vulnerable, Endangered, or Extinct. The volume lists 33,798 species as
threatened-- over 12.5% of the world's vascular flora. This volume is the
result of close collaboration between the World Conservation Monitoring Centre
and Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, and incorporates data sets from
organizations worldwide. To order call 718-817-8721;
fax 718-817-8842, or
e-mail <scipubs@nybg.org>.
Orchid Monographs, Volume 8 edited by E. F. de Vogel. 1997. iv + 272 pp. illus. maps, 85 line drawings, 7 color plates. ISBN 90-71236-34-X Dfl. 100,00 (paperback). Leiden: Rijksherbarium/Hortus Botanicus. -- This volume includes: Revision of Agrostophyllum section Appendiculopsis, with notes on the systematics of Agrostophyllum by A. Schuiteman; Revision of the genus Mediocalcar by A. Schuiteman; Revision of the genus Bromheadia by J. Kruizinga, H. J. van Scheindelen, and E. F. de Vogel; Taxonomic revision of Acanthephippium by S. A. Thomas; and Revision of the orchid genera Chrysoglossum, Collabium, Diglyphosa, and Pilophyllum (subtribe Collabiinae) by W. van der Burgh and E. F. de Vogel.
Pearl Millet Science by Ratikanta Maiti and Pedro Wesche-Ebeling. 1997. xiv + 232 pp. illus. ISBN 1-886106-96-7 $58.00 (hardback). Enfield, NH: Science Publishers, Inc. -- This is an expanded edition of material published in El Mijo Perla by Editorial Trillas. Chapters include taxonomy, origin, distribution and domestication, ecology, and biotechnology.
Phaseolus Spp.: Bean Science by Ratikanta Maiti. 1997. xx + 534 pp. illus. ISBN 1-57808-007-X $79.00 (hardback). Enfield, NH: Science Publishers, Inc. -- This book covers a variety of subjects, from origin and evolution to morphology, anatomy, genetics, growth physiology, production techniques, stress factors, and biotechnology.
The Plant Book: A Portable Dictionary of the Vascular Plants, Second Edition by D. J. Mabberley. 1997. xvi + 858 pp. ISBN 0-521-41421-0 $49.95 (hardback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- An indispensable reference for anyone working with plants. This book provides information on taxonomy, distribution, and uses for all families and genera of vascular plants. An index I find most useful is that to authors' names. This second edition has been completely revised, with almost 2,500 new entries.
Plant Breeding Reviews, Volume 15 edited by Jules Janick. 1997. ix +395 pp. illus. ISBN 0-471-18904-9 $145.00 (hardback). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. -- A compilation of nine papers on topics such as self-incompatibility, genetic mosaics, doubled haploid breeding, cloning, gene action, and selection.
Plant Collectors in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands by Laurence J. Dorr. 1997. xlvi + 524 pp. illus. ISBN 1-900347-18-0 [sterling]58.00 (hardback), 1-900347-24-5 [sterling]24.00 (CD). Kew: Royal Botanic Gardens. -- Madagascar and the Comoro Islands have an unusual, highly endemic, and rich flora. This book provides biographical and bibliographical information on over 100 individuals who have collected herbarium specimens in these islands. Entries contain references to portraits itineraries, collecting companions, and handwriting samples, as well as information on the location of exsiccatae, herbarium specimens, and manuscript materials.
Plant Collections Directory, edited by Richard V. Piacentini. 1998. 154 pp. $15.00 for AABGA members; $20 for nonmembers (paperback or 3.5" disk for PC compatibles). Kennett Square, Pennsylvania: American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. -- Detailed information on 166 botanical gardens and arboreta in the United States and Canada. Included for each garden is information on: speciality gardens, major collections of groups of plants, basic and applied research projects, staff and contact information, and climatic information.
Plant Functional Types: Their Relevance to Ecosystem Properties and Global Change edited by T. M. Smith, H. H. Shugart, and F. I. Woodward. 1997. xiv + 369 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-48231-3 $80.00 (cloth), 0-521-56643-6 $44.95 (paper). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
Plant Life Histories: Ecology, Phylogeny and Evolution edited by Jonathan Silvertown, Miguel Franco, and John L. Harper. 1997. xviii +313 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-57495-1 $29.95 (paperback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- Review to appear in an upcoming issue of Systematic Botany.
Plants and UV-B: Responses To Environmental Change (Society for Experimental Biology Seminar Series: 64) edited by Peter Lumsden. xx + 355 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-57222-3 $105.00 (hardback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- Seventeen papers explore the consequences for plant growth and productivity of increased UV light (in particular, UV-B) resulting from stratospheric ozone depletion. The authors consider the problem at various levels, from cellular to community.
Pleurocarpous Mosses of the West Indies by William R. Buck. 1998. 400 pp. illus. 150 plates. ISBN 0-89327-418-6 $49.00. Volume 82 of the Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden series. Bronx, NY: The New York Botanical Garden. -- The pleurocarpous mosses of Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the West Indies are keyed, illustrated, and described. Thirty families, 125 genera, and 254 species are treated in the orders Hookeriales, Leucodontales, and Hypnales.
Reaching for the Sun: How Plants Work, by John King. 1997. viii + 232 pp. ISBN 0-521-58738-7 $16.95 (paper), 0-521-55148-X $54.95 (cloth). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- A casual, nontechnical account of how green plants live and grow. The book covers such topics as nutritional and energy needs, growth and development, and responses to seasonal variations and environmental stresses.
A Revision of the Genus Cinchona (Rubiaceae-Cinchoneae) by Lennart Andersson. 1998. 120 pp. illus. 36 plates [combined with Systematics of Erisma (Vochysiaceae)] ISBN 0-89327-416-X. $24.00. Volume 80 of the Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden series. Bronx, NY: The New York Botanical Garden. -- The author considers more than 330 names and recognizes 23 species in this revision of Cinchona. Three new species are described. This and volume 81 [Systematics of Erisma (Vochysiaceae)] are bound together as one book.
Second International Rubiaceae Conference: Proceedings edited by E. Robbrecht, C. Puff, and E. Smets. 1996. 432 pp. illus. ISBN 90-72619-29-3 (paper). Meise: National Botanic Garden of Belgium. [Opera Botanica Belgica volume 7.] -- A compilation of 27 papers presented at the Second International Rubiaceae Conference in Meise, Belgium, in 1995.
Species Pools of Seed Plants in Eastern Asia and North America by Shiyou Li and Kent T. Adair 1997. 375 pp. illus. 7 color photos. ISBN 0-938361-13-9 $59.95 (hardback). Nacogdoches, TX: Arthur Temple College of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University. -- This monograph offers a comprehensive presentation of the geographical, taxonomic, ecological, and evolutionary patterns of the species pools of seed plants in eastern Asia and North America with emphasis on boreal and temperate forests. The authors stress the floristic relationships and lack of convergence between eastern Asia and eastern North America and the concept, nature, and development of species pools as well as extinction.
Systematics of Erisma (Vochysiaceae) by Maria Lucia Kawasaki. 1998. 120 pp. illus. 36 plates. ISBN 0-89327-417-8. $24.00. Volume 81 of the Memoirs of the New York Botanical Garden series. Bronx, NY: The New York Botanical Garden. -- There are 16 species of Erisma in the tropical family Vochysiaceae. They are tall trees occurring in forests of the Amazon region. An overview of morphology and anatomy is provided, and patterns of distribution and ecology are discussed. This and volume 80 [A Revision of the Genus Cinchona (Rubiaceae-Cinchoneae)] are bound together as one book.
Taxonomy, Phylogeny, and Wood Anatomy of Alstonia (Apocynaceae) by Kade Sidiyasa. 1998. 230 pp. illus. ISBN 90-71236-35-8 Dfl. 100,00 (paperback). Blumea Supplement 11. Leiden: Rijksherbarium/Hortus Botanicus. -- This taxonomic revision includes a cladistic analysis based on macromorphology and pollen morphology, as well as a study of comparative wood anatomy of three of the five sections of the genus.
Tropical Mycology edited by K. K. Janardhanan, C. Rajendran, K. Natarajan, and D. L. Hawksworth. 1997. xviii + 315 pp. illus. ISBN 1-886106-63-0 $89.00 . (hardback). Enfield, NH: Science Publishers, Inc. -- This volume comprises 20 contributed papers dedicated to C. V. Subramanian on his 70th birthday. Topics include aspects of the biology and diversity in tropical fungi.
Vegetation of Southern Africa edited by R. M. Cowling, D. M. Richardson, and S. M. Pierce. 1997. xxxiv + 615 pp. illus. ISBN 0-521-57142-1 $225.00 (hardback). New York: Cambridge University Press. -- Twenty-three chapters provide a comprehensive account of the vegetation of southern Africa. The book is divided into three parts: Part 1 provides physiographic, climatic, biogeographic, and historical background, Part 2 includes systematic descriptions of the major vegetation units, and Part 3 elaborates on selected ecological themes, such as grazing, fire, invasives, and conservation.
Wildflowers of Ohio by Robert L. Henn. 1998. 240 pp. illus. 287 color photos. ISBN 0-253-21167-0 $14.95 (paperback). Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press. -- This user-friendly, full-color guide to the 286 species of wildflowers growing in Ohio is written for a popular audience. Photographs are arranged by flower color and show each species in its natural habitat. There are brief descriptions of field characteristics, comments about each plant's biology, and its uses by humans, the range of distribution in Ohio, habitat, and blooming period.
Wild Orchids of the Northeastern United States: A Field Guide by Paul Martin Brown. 1997. x + 236 pp. line drawings, maps, and 192 color photographs. ISBN 0-8014-8341-7 $17.95 (paper). Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. -- This book describes and illustrates 71 orchid species and varieties, and supplies information on more than 50 forms and hybrids. It includes keys to genera and species, and a checklist of NE wild orchids.
There are many links on other web sites (start with <http://www.isc.tamu.edu/FLORA/tfplinks.html>) to pages that have information applicable to plant taxonomy. On this current page, we will add new sites as they come to our attention. If you have a new or revised Web site that may be of interest to the membership of ASPT, please send the URL address to the editor of the Newsletter. This section is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all sites useful to plant taxonomists.
There is a web site for Agricultural Conferences, Meetings, and Seminars (http://www.agnic.org/mtg/). This calendar, maintained by the National Agricultural Library, has information about and links to more than 1,200 major national and international agricultural conferences, with emphasis on those of apparent scientific significance. Local-, regional-, and organization-specific events are included if they are considered scientifically significant. In addition to general coverage of all agricultural subjects, the calendar includes sections that focus on several specific subject areas.
Data from Index Herbariorum are available for searching from the New York Botanical Garden at this URL:<http://www.nybg.org/bsci/ih/ih.html>. Presented here is an updated subset of the information from Index Herbariorum that changes most frequently. The updated information presented here is only for U.S. herbaria.
The Plant Trivia Timeline from the Huntington Botanical Gardens contains a fascinating timeline that gives world history from the viewpoint of a botanist. It is the story of plant discovery and use, and demonstrates the roles of plants in human civilization. An incredible amount of information is listed chronologically, beginning with the formation of life on Earth about 5 million years before present and continuing up to 1997, with many of the facts documented in an extensive bibliography. This is a long list of trivia, well over 50 printed pages! For more botanical trivia, see the listing of R. A. Howard, An Almanac of Botanical Trivia, in ASPT Newsletter 11(1).
Three interesting sites on various aspects of the North Carolina flora have been developed by Alice Russell. All of these sites (and others) can be accessed through her homepage as Extension Specialist in Consumer Horticulture, N.C. State University, or at the URLs given as follows: Poisonous Plants of North Carolina, <http://russell4.hort.ncsu.edu/poison/poison.htm>; Urban Trees of North Carolina, <http://russell4. hort.ncsu.edu/Landscape/lands.htm>; Trees of the Maritime Forest, <http://russell4.hort.ncsu.edu/ maritime/maritime.htm>.
The ASPT Membership electronic directory is included in the Directories of Biologists page from BIOSIS, the publisher of Biological Abstracts and Zoological Record. The Directories page includes links to over 60 electronic directories. The URL is: <http://www.york.biosis.org/ zrdocs/desktop/biol_dir.htm>.
This is the end of ASPT Newsletter 12(1).