Abstract
Galax urceolata (Diapensiaceae) is a common evergreen herb of southern Appalachian forests. During the fall and winter, leaves of plants in high light produce substantial amounts of anthocyanins. Oddly, rhizomes in these plants also accumulate anthocyanins. The purpose of this observational study was to identify seasonal trends in anthocyanin production in above- and below-ground tissues of
Galax. We measured anthocyanins and chlorophyll in
Galax using standard extraction and spectrophotometric procedures from plants in sun-exposed and shaded locations; one population at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area in fall 2007 and two at Grandfather Mountain in fall/winter 2008-09.
Citation
Neufeld, Howard S.; Poindexter, Derick B; Murakami, Paula F.; Schaberg, Paul G. 2011. Observations on the relationship between above- and below-ground anthocyanin production in
Galax urceolata (Poir) Brummitt growing in sun-exposed and shaded locations. Castanea. 76: 84-98.