NEcology #57 - The Fabulous Forms of Fabaceae

Peas, Peanuts, Green Beans, Chickpeas, Beans, Lentils, etc. are all familiar food to many around the globe. All have something in common, all are legumes and all belong to the family Fabaceae. The third largest plant family in terms of total number of species (eclipsed only by the Sunflowers (Asteraceae) and Orchids (Orchidaceae)) these robust, nitrogen-fixing plants represent not only some of the most ecologically important, but commercially important plants on the planet. While we could certainly (and absolutely will!) cover the ecological roles these plants fill across the numerous habitats they occupy, this video focuses more on taxonomy and anatomy, while also showcasing some of our interesting New England native legumes!
Plants of interest:
Heliopsis helianthoides - "False Sunflower"
Monarda fisulosa - "Wild Bergamot"
Monarda punctata - "Spotted Bee-balm"
Chamaecrista fasiculata - "Partridge Pea"
Desmodium canadense - "Showy Tick-trefoil"
Asclepias tuberosa - "Butterfly Milkweed"
Asclepias incarnata - "Swamp Milkweed"
Hibiscus moshuetos - "Swamp Rosemallow"
Apios americana - "American Ground Nut"

[@eileenspamer]

morning from yorkshire (UK ) granny, 5;25 am here light drizzle rain just going to get cup tea and sit watch the rest thankyou for your post nature is beautifuj i have old border collie,, a baby hamster and 4 cute funny pet girl mice with me 14/7 in very large see through house,, with toys , good food

[@chomp_5412]

Senior in highschool going into conservation science next year, never stop making these, this documentation is exactly what the world needs. Hope to make this type of content about Texas fungi one day

[@NEcology]

I really appreciate that! Best of luck in your studies. The more people talking about and engaging with nature, the better!

[@internetfox]

I knew it was hopniss from the thumbnail, so gorgeous!