LES

Glycyrrhiza glabra has a rather rapid leaf turn over rate. They are very seasonal which indicates that they are more Acquisitive than Conservative. The leaves are very focused on capturing as much light as possible. Pinnate shape of leaves, the vertical direction of the plant, and how thin the leaf is all indicate that Glycyrrhiza glabra is an Acquisitive plant. It wants to get as much sun light to as much surface area as possible. Potentially this means that it has a higher photosynthetic rate which points to an Acquisitive plant. The shape and structure of the Glycyrrhiza glabra leaves indicate that it has a better chance to re-contribute to the soil by decomposition. According to Santiago, “Specific leaf area, N_mass, P_mass, and K_mass, of living leaves were correlated with decomposition and the correlation structure among variables is consistent with the hypothesis that photosynthesis influences decomposition rate through SLA, N and P, but not K.” The ability for it to decompose readily shows that it has less defense systems in place; not so surprisingly I have found little defense systems. 

Santiago, L. S. (2007). Extending the leaf economics spectrum to decomposition evidence froma tropic forest. Ecological Society of America .

Week 9: Flowers and Pollinators

The flowers on the Glycyrrhiza glabra  small, sizing around ½ inch. The flowers are purple and whitish blue. The flowers are not particularly extravagant. Wind is the main pollinator for the Glycyrrhiza glabra. A seed will form when the wind has done its job and caused the transfer of pollen from one plant to another. If it has been pollinated there will be a pod that forms and hides the seeds for protection. Germination is about 20% effective when done by wind pollination. In order to get around this difficulty of reproduction the Licorice root has devised a way to extend its root close to the surface of the ground and then extend upwards. Ensuring its reproduction with or without sexual reproduction by pollen. (Olsen, 2007) Considering the lack of extravagance of the flower this indicates that there are generalist pollinators. Glycyrrhiza glabra is in the Class Magnoliopsida; this indicates that the, “floral organs tend to appear in multiples of five and pollen grains tend to have three pores present.” (Olsen, 2007) The flowers being clumps together suggest that they desire to be pollinated greatly and maybe the clumping attracts a generalized pollinator. They have not developed any other sophisticated means to be pollinated so they must be achieving their goals. Glycyrrhiza glabra pollen likes to be transferred to another plant of the same species but they do not tend to self-pollinate.

http://www.henriettes-herb.com/galleries/photos/g/gl/glycyrrhiza-glabra-7.html

Olsen, B. (2007). Adaptations. Retrieved 2014 from Glycyrrhiza glabra Licorice: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2012/olsen_bran/adaptation.htm

Week 7: Growth

Glycyrrhiza glabra contains stolons, which are lateral extensions from the root and provide the plant with greater potential to be successful in reproduction; also called runners. New plants can then emerge from these structure. It ensure the Licroice root that it has a high survivability. (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2014) The stolons have secondary growth in that it contains a secondary phloem, which is surrounded by a sheath of parenchyma cells. Following is the cambium of about three layers of cells and then a secondary xylem. (Vispute & Khopade, 2011) The roots are a fibrous wood, which has a degree of secondary growth. However the above ground foliage consists of thin stems.

Growth can occur year around as these roots are harvested in 3 to 4 year. In early spring there tends to be a division of rhizomes. From these rhizomes and buds new plants can begin to grow. The production of these rhizomes is essential for the propagation of the Glycyrrhiza glabra as they are what hold all the  sugars, proteins, and other nutrients needed for growth. Besides the spreading of the plant the roots and rhizomes are the desirable part to humans; this is due to its sweet taste in the form of glycyrrhizin. (Royal Botanic Gardens)

Bibliography:

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2014). Stolon. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/567047/stolon

Vispute, S., & Khopade, A. (2011). Glycyrrhiza Glabra Linn.- "KLITAKA": A review. Internation Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences , 2 (3).

Royal Botanic Gardens. (n.d.). Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice). Retrieved 2014, from KEW: http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Glycyrrhiza-glabra.htm

http://www.henriettes-herb.com/files/images/old/sayre/sayre-fig-121.jpg

http://www.anniesremedy.com/images/oils/licorice_root.jpg

Week 6: Roots!

Within the family Fabaceae the root systems are often stoloniferous. According to herballegacy.com, “the underground system is a main deep, penetrating taproot with creeping horizontal stolons (rhizomes) that branch from the main root.” In the following years the stolon buds produce more roots and the root system gets more extensive. In order to speed up the propagation of the licorice root, for production reasons; farmers will cut the stolons. The roots are the most desirable part of the Glycyrrhiza glabra. The roots however, are not ready to be harvested until the fourth year when the roots develop a woody and tough texture as well as the sweet taste. (Knuteson) Other tactics can be used to produce a sweet, good quality root such as pinching the flowers off. (Mountain Herb Estate, 2012) At this point in it maturity root and rhizome are widespread and it is particularly favorable in well-drained soils. The taproot can dig rather deep into the soil and reach water, which is not easily accessed. This gives the Licorice root advantage to the other competitors for the water present.

Glycyrrhiza glabra roots have developed a symbiotic relationship with bacteria. While the bacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen for the roots, the plant gives the bacteria some carbon to feast on. (Olsen, 2007) It has been found through extensive research that there are symbiotic properties between Glycyrrhiza glabra and these nitrogen fixing bacteria: Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Agrobacterium and Paenibacillus.  (Li, Sinkko, & Montonen, 2011)

Bibliography

Knuteson, M. (n.d.). Licorice. Retrieved 2014, from Herbal Legacy: http://www.herballegacy.com/Knuteson_Location.html

Li, L., Sinkko, H., & Montonen, L. (2011). Biogeography of symbiotic and other endophytic bacteria isolated from medicinal Glycyrrhiza species in China. Federation of European Microbiological Societies , 79.

Mountain Herb Estate. (2012). Article-Liquorice. Retrieved 2014, from Mountain Herb Estate: http://www.herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/article_liquorice.htm

Olsen, B. (2007). Adaptations. Retrieved 2014, from Glycyrrhiza glabra Licorice: http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2012/olsen_bran/adaptation.htm

(Image)  http://www.erowid.org/herbs/licorice/images/licorice_summary1.jpg

Week 5: Water

Glycyrrhiza glabra is found in subtropical or temperate climates. This indicated a wet and humid climate. The Licorice root is found naturally in the Mediterranean. It grows well in free draining soil which allows for a strong root systems to form. Water is not a problem for these plant due to their location. It can endure frosts and likes to have a cold, dormant season. Licorice root "benefits by the defined cold period, which induces the translocation of properties to the underground rhizomes. If plants are mulched thickly, to deter weeds and retain moisture, they will require little attention." (Shipards Herb Farm, 2009) The use of the Licorice roots are for their sweetening benefits found in the roots and rhizomes. The period of cold weather allows for these important properties to hibernate within the rhizomes of the plant. In order to help the Licorice root retain water a mulch or leave and compose mixture can be placed over them during the cold season. 

The Licorice roots does not have large leaves meaning they don't necessarily need alternative ways to get water. Water is not a major limiting source to the Licorice root in its natural location of growth.

The sun could be limiting at time of the year which causes it to go into this dormant state. However, the Glycyrrhiza glabra has evolved to ensure the best use of this dormant time by the movement of the sweet properties into the location protected from the weather. 

Overall, the licorice root is tough and can with stand nasty weather.

Bibliography:

Shipards Herb Farm. (2009). Herbs are special for health and well-being. Retrieved 2014, from Licorice: https://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/licorice.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-mediterranean-climate-of-los-angeles

My Plant #3

Glycyrrhiza glabra are located in semi-shaded areas this could be a lightly wooded area or field. Therefore these plants do not need to be of a significant height. Underground stems called rhizomes occur in the Licorice root. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary rhizome are, “thick plant stem that grows underground and has shoots and roots growing from it.” From the rhizome there is upward growth that can reach 3 to 5 feet tall (1-1.5 m). Branching of the main stem is a dozen or so petioles reaching up to 20 cm long. Further branching occurs, called leaflets that appear to be oval leaves. The leaves are oriented opposing each other and in a more vertical direction indicating they want to allow more light to the lower leaves. These leaves have a pinnate shape with one large vein called the midrib extending the length of the leaf and smaller veins branching off. This allows for a large amount of light to be absorbed across the leaf. These young leaves are a little sticky to touch which could play a defensive role or as a water repellant.

The light blue flowers that emerge eventually give rise to brown pods that contain a few seeds. Glycyrrhiza glabra are deciduous perennials however, the exact time that the leaves fall I could not find. Flowering occurs during June and July; I would assume that the leaves would fall off during the cold winter seasons. 

My Plant #2

Licorice root is a common plant that people see on a daily basis. There is also 18-20 species of this plant; the most common is Glycyrrhiza glabra for its ancient medical uses. Licorice is a plant that can be used in flavoring common foods and drinks however, the roots can be used for medicinal purposes. I will focus on the Licorice root as this is the part most beneficial and has historically had an impact on the health of people.  A peeled licorice roots can be found in dried or powdered forms and is found in the store in the form of capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. However, long term use of licorice root can lead to medical issue such as high blood pressure, salt and water retention and lower potassium levels. In order to prevent this glycyrrhizin a main active ingredient is removed; leaving deglycyrrhizinated licorice. This in turn allows for long time use of the licorice root if needed.
Glycyrrhiza glabra is a member of the pea (Leguminosae) and bean (Fabaceae) family and its name comes from its properties. glykys means "sweet" and rhiza means "root" so; literially a sweet root. The sweetness comes from the compound glycyrrhizin which, is said to be up to 50 times sweeter than sugar.  (Crawforth & Tredwell)

Now that we are more aware of common uses the preceding information about the seeds, dormancy and germination processes will give us a more in-depth view of the properties of this plant. Glycyrrhiza glabra has a mechanism in which it produces pods to protect the seeds inside. This allows for the seeds to be successively distributed by the wind. However, the germination of these pods is rather unsuccessful. In commercial settings often the seeds will be soaked for 24 hours and can be planted in a greenhouse. A year in the greenhouse is sufficient until they are ready to be planted in late spring. These are slow growing seeds and the hope is by autumn they have substantial root systems to support themselves through the winter.

The seeds are located on the flowering part of the plant. This is so the wind can carry them a far distance. Another mode of transportation is the seedpods themselves have a spike on them allowing them to attach to any bypasses, animals can therefore move these seeds long distances.  The flowering portion of this plant have both female and male organs, making it a hermaphrodite; allowing for reproduction to be an easy process. These seeds require deep, moist soil, and sandy soil for roots be strong; this makes it difficult for the plant to spread and flourish. 

Crawforth, E., & Tredwell, E. (n.d.). Kew . (L. Rico, Editor) From Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice): http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Glycyrrhiza-glabra.htm

Plants For A Future. (n.d.). Glycyrrhiza glabra. Retrieved 2014, from Plants for a future: http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Glycyrrhiza+glabra

My Plant #1

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Common names: Liquorice, licorice-root, sweet wood liquorice

Licorice root originated in northern Africa and western Asia however it has been spread to a variety of locations including the United States, Russia, Spain, Greece and Italy. (Crawforth & Tredwell) Within the United States they flourish in locations such as California, Nevada and Utah. The Licorice Root has an assortment of uses including medicinal and favoring. Extracts from the Licorice Root have been used to flavor tobaccos, beers and other edible products. These extracts are derived from the Licorice plants pliable roots. The harvesting of the Licorice root is done around autumn, which is dried to be used later on. The Licorice root likes a non-dramatic climate; meaning not to hot is summer and not too cold in the winter perfect location is near the ocean. (Seedaholic.com, 2013) In order to understand this plant fully a look at Glycyrrhiza glabra classification is necessary.

Kingdom—Plantae  (Plants)

  Subkingdom—Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)

    Superdivision—Spermatophyta (Seed plants)

      Division—Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)

        Class—Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)

          Subclass—Rosidea

            Order—Fabales

              Family—Fabaceae (Pea family)

                Genus—Glycyrrhiza L. (licorice)

                  Species—Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (cultivated licorice)

(United States Department of Agriculture)
I picked Licorice root because it has extensive application in the medical field. Licorice root can be used for an assortment of digestive illnesses including, ulcers, heartburn and chronic gastritis. 

Bibliography:

Crawforth, E., & Tredwell, E. (n.d.). Kew . (L. Rico, Editor) From Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice): http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Glycyrrhiza-glabra.htm

Seedaholic.com. (2013). Liquorice, Glycyrrhiza glabra. Retrieved 2014 from seedacholic.com: http://www.seedaholic.com/liquorice-glycyrrhiza-glaba.html

United States Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Glycyrrhiza glabra L. cultivated licorice. Retrieved 2014 from Natural Resources Conservation Service: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=GLGL