Lomatium dissectum [Fernleaf Biscuitroot]

[Andrea B.]

Blum, A.G. (2013) Lomatium dissectum (Nutt.) Mathias & Constance (Apiaceae) Fernleaf Biscuitroot. Flowers photographed in visible and ultraviolet light. http://www.ultraviol...af-biscuitroot/

 

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA

02 May 2013

Wildflower

 

Synonyms:

• Desert Parsley
  
• Giant Lomatium or Giant Parsley
  
• Ferula dissoluta S.Watson
  
• Leptotaenia dissecta Nutt.
  

Comment:

Native to Western America, Lomatium's tuberous roots are edible and can be dried for grinding into flour. The leaves taste somewhat like parsley. L. dissectum, the largest member of the genus, has 3-5x pinnately divided leaves from which it gets its common name. The plant has antiviral/antibiotic properties and was used by Native Americans. The umbel of flowers, which never completely open, is unremarkable in UV.

 

Pollinators⁽²⁾:

• Andrena and Micrandrena as Lomatium pollen specialists in the wild.
  
• Honeybees, Halictus and Lasioglossum bees in cultivation.
  

Reference:

1. Kershaw, MacKinnon & Pojar (1998) Fern-Leaved Desert-Parsley, page 113. Plants of the Rocky Mountains. Lone Pine Pub., Edmonton, Canada

2. Natural Resources Conservation Service (2013) Fernleaf Biscuitroot Plant Guide. US Department of Agriculture. http://plants.usda.g...pdf/pg_lodi.pdf

 

Equipment:

[Nikon D600-broadband + Nikon 105mm f/4.5 UV-Nikkor]

[Nikon Coolpix A]

 

Visible Light [f/11 for 1/500" @ ISO 400 in Sunlight with Baader UVIR-Block Filter]

 

Visible Light [f/9 for 1/1000" @ ISO 200 with Coolpix A]

 

Visible Light [f/5.6 for 1/800" @ ISO 200 with Coolpix A]

 

Ultraviolet Light [f/11 for 1/125" @ ISO 400 with SB-14 UV-modified Flash and Baader UV-Pass Filter]