Identification

John Bryan johnbryan@worldnet.att.net
Thu, 07 Jul 2005 16:16:19 PDT
Dear Richard:

With interest I read your comment, that alleles and genes be chosen so
that they reflect some morphology. I would like to answer-comment on
your point.

My understanding of 'morphology' is the study of form, particularly
external structure. For years it seems gardeners, horticulturists have
been identifying plants by their external structure. A form in which a
gene may appear and while 'allele' give rise to different expressions of
a character, it has been the external structure (morphology), as seen by
the observer, that has been used to identify a plant.

In my opinion, such should continue, or else we will be in a state of
confusion. The DNA of plants and the relationships, presently unknown
without such studies, is of importance, one might ask to whom? Breeders,
botanists, those who study genetics etc.. Certainly not the general
public, gardeners or horticulturists as they strive to identify plants
by their external structure (morphology). Such people (as a general
rule) would, I suspect,  be thrown into confusion. Such might well
happen if, as an example, Drimiopsis be lumped into Ledebouria. 

How to take advantage of new and advanced studies is thus a good
question. Such are essential for our understanding of plants, no
question about that. But must such change the identification of plants
by their morphology? I feel molecular differences should not trump
floral and foliage form. 

It seems to me a new table, list or whatever it should be called, is
needed to be devised. 

Mention was made recently about classifications used in flower shows.
Such are Horticultural Classifications, which are changed almost on a
regular basis. Viridiflora tulips, as an example, are now part of the
horticultural classification as they have become much more popular than
they were. Horticultural classifications are, in my opinion, very
important, but they change according to the popularity of forms. 

Perhaps it is because I am getting to old to think about changes, one
thing is certain, the more things change, the more they remain the same.
Certainly this is true (one might add thank goodness) with the plants we
love, they change not. Cheers and thanks for your comment. John E.
Bryan


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