Plants - Living Material
Live specimens are used for a wide variety of studies including studying the physiological effects of drugs on a specimen’s heartbeat and temperature on metabolism, the locomotion of microscopic organisms, and studying plant respiration, photosynthesis, plosmolysis, and more. Algal cultures form colonies of cells that are extremely easy to visualize for better understanding of cell walls and plastids, and many live specimens reproduce rapidly for quick turnover between successive tests.
Sundew
Drosera sp. Dicot. Rosettes of leaves, radiating from a central stem, trap small insects in leaf hairs, while glands on each tip exude a sticky substance that helps trap the bugs. It is native to acidic bogs in temperate regions and prefers a warm, humid environment. It comes supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 2–4".
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Marchantia
Usually Marchantia polymorphum. Marchantia can be used as an example of growth and development of liverworts, as well as to illustrate alternation of generations. Found throughout North America, the plant prefers moist, shaded soil. Marchantia frequently grows where other vegetation has been burned off. It is supplied in a plastic bag with care instructions. Size: 3"x4".
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Polytrichum
Polytrichum sp. Haircap moss. A widely studied example of a typical moss, with leafy, upright growth habit that shows alternation of generations. Appearance may vary, depending on season; it may show antheridia, archegonia, or sporophyte. It is supplied in a plastic bag with care instructions. Size: 3" x 4".
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Woodland Moss
Mixed varieties; species will vary. Excellent for general study or populating terrariums. It is supplied in a plastic bag with care instructions. Size: 3" x 4".
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Leafy Liverwort
Bazzania trilopata or Trichocolea tomantella. General green variety. It is supplied in a plastic bag with care instructions. Size: 3" x 4".
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Sphagnum
Sphagnum sp. Sphagnum grows in spongy red or brown mats in boggy areas and thrives in terrariums. It is supplied in a plastic bag with care instructions. Size: 3" x 4".
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Podocarpus
Podocarpus sp. This attractive evergreen, with fleshy yew-like leaves, is adaptable to a variety of environmental conditions. Originally native to the temperate forests of the southern hemisphere, especially New Zealand, it is supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 6".
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Wandering Jew
Tradescantia virginiana or similar. Monocot. This hardy, easy-to-grow ornamental plant can be used for studying meiotic division in mother cells of pollen. Cytoplasmic flows can be seen in cell hairs on staminate filaments. It is native to tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas and is supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 6".
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Venus’ Flytrap
Dionaea sp. Dicot. A fascinating plant to observe, the leaves close around anything that brushes against the inner hairs. Trapped insects are digested by enzymes the leaves secrete. It is native to North America, especially the Carolinas and prefers acidic conditions such as a bog terrarium. It comes supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 2– 4".
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Zebrina
Zebrina sp. Monocot. Similar to Tradescantia, Zebrina is rapid growing and easily propagated. It is native to tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas and is supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 6–8".
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Spider Plant
Chlorophyllum comossum
Botanists often use this hardy, easily propagated monocot for plant physiology and cytology studies.
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Non-Flowering Plant Set
Use this comprehensive set to introduce your students to the seedless classes of plants.
Includes: one each lichen, liverwort (vegetative only), moss and fern.
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Salvinia
Salvinia rotundifola. This floating water fern has paired oblong leaves that are covered with hairs on both sides. The top part of the leaves are green, the underside purple. Salvinia was originally native to South America and has been introduced in the United States. It is adapted to ponds, pools, and marshes. It is supplied in a 4 oz. jar with care instructions. Note: Not available in Canada.
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Sagittaria Grass Leaf
Sagittaria graminea. Monocot. Rooted aquarium plant with long, narrow leaves. Size: 5– 8". Package of six.
Unless otherwise noted, plants are supplied in waterproof, plastic bags that keep plants fresh and healthy. Care instructions are included. Be sure to check with your state’s Department of Agriculture for any restrictions.
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Ward's® Live Duckweed (Lemma minor)
Duckweed is one of the simplest flowering monocots. It has small, free-floating leaves and a single root.
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Corkscrew Vallisneria
This hardy, rooted plant is also known as eel grass due to the shape of its leaves. Package of 12.




