Plant Biology Colloquium | The forest in the river: insights into the ecology of the riverine macrophyte Podostemum ceratophyllum, Feb. 17

The Environmental and Plant Biology Colloquium Series features Dr. James Wood, West Liberty University, West Liberty, WV, discussing “The forest in the river: insights into the ecology of the riverine macrophyte Podostemum ceratophyllum” on Friday, Feb. 17, at 11:50 am in Porter Hall, Room 104.

Host: Morgan Vis

Abstract: Podostemum ceratophyllum Michx., aka Hornleaf Riverweed, is the only member of the uniquely bizarre plant family Podostemaceae in North America north of Mexico. The whole family is adapted to grow in rheophytic habitats, such as on waterfalls, and in rapids and cascades of rivers where water velocity is high and benthic substrates are stable. In North America, little is known about the ecology of these plants, despite P. ceratophyllum occurring in most every major river in eastern North America. Developing a better understanding of the ecology of P. ceratophyllum will provide considerable insight into the structure and function of eastern rivers because this foundation species creates habitat for fish and invertebrates, sequesters water-column nutrients, and contributes to riverine food webs.  Furthermore, because the plant appears to be declining in much of its native range, likely due to historical and current water pollution issues and flow manipulation, insight into how to restore this plant into locations where it has been lost may benefit efforts to improve water quality and biodiversity in eastern North America’s rivers.