baselahsan's Journal

Fomes is a genus of perennial woody fungi in the family Polyporaceae - it is typically hoof-shaped. The name comes from Latin fomes, meaning "tinder", from the use of Fomes fomentarius, also known as the tinder fungus. It has been used in medical contexts to absorb blood and other fluids. Medically, it has also been used to cure hemorrhoids, treats bladder disorders, stomach cancer, uterine cancer, and also acts as a laxative. It grows throughout northern North America and parts of Eurasia, as well as in the cooler areas of Africa.

The observation chosen for this journal entry is Lindley's Aster, also known as Symphyotrichum ciliolatum
In terms of phylogenetic placement, this plant is located in the Kingdom Plantae and its classification is:
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Symphyotrichum

One common adaptation between all of my ten observations was that each specie contained leaves - leaves of different shape, length and color. Leaves play a crucial role as they serve as a means to store sunlight for photosynthesis alongside transporting essential nutrients, cooling and protecting the plant.

One unique adaptation of Lindley's Aster is that it grows flowers on it. Flowering occurs between late July and October. The ray florets are blue or bluish purple, and the disc florets are yellow, becoming reddish purple with maturity. Nectar and pollen from these plants are an important fall food source for butterflies, moths, bees, and other beneficial insects.