The Mustard family (Brassicaceae) is a large, diverse, and economically important group. They are identifiable based on their small flowers, usually with four yellow or white petals; their distinctive, elongated fruit structure called a silique; and leaves that give off a pungent smell when crushed. Over 50 species of Mustards have been found growing wild in New York City. The most abundant species in NYC are the invasive Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) and the non-native Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), but there are also a number of common native species such as Virginia Pepperweed (Lepidium virginicum), Cut-leaved Toothwort (Cardamine concatenata), and Bog Yellowcress (Rorippa palustris). How many Mustards can you find this May?
Posted on
May 1, 2024 02:49 PM
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glyptostrob0ides
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For anyone interested in Brassicaceae and following the growing body of research on the relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plants:
“Of the current plant families, 95% include species that either associate
beneficially with or are absolutely dependent on mycorrhizal fungi for their survival…
…Not all plants form mycorrhizal associations. Some groups of non-mycorrhizal plants include
carnivorous and parasitic plants, several aquatic species, and some plants that inhabit extremely harsh habitats, such as deserts or arctic and alpine sites. A more commonplace group of non-mycorrhizal plants are members of the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae), which are often referred to as brassicas. In addition to not associating with mycorrhizal fungi, the roots of brassicas contain chemicals that are potentially toxic to soil fungi.”
From:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/flpmcar13137.pdf
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