"Freeze-Dried Specimens"

An excellent aquarium oxygenator, Elodea canadensis is great for teaching photosynthesis and plasmolysis.

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".

Begonia sp. Dicot. A fibrous rooted flowering plant native to the tropics can also be maintained in the classroom. The Rex Begonia has larger, variegated leaves. It is supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 4–8".

Nephrolepis bostoniensis. Often used for plant tissue culture experiments and for demonstrating the structure and growth habits of a typical fern. It is widely grown in North America. It is supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: approximately 6".

Mimosa pudica. Dicot. Also known as a sensitive plant, it is an ideal illustration of thigmotropism, or response to touch. The plant's leaves close when touched, and wilt or even drop off under more severe conditions but recovers quickly when the stimulus is taken away. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and prefers a moist environment. It is supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 4–8".

Coleus sp. Dicot. Similar to standard Coleus, with white-tinged leaves indicating the absence of chlorophyll. It is supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 5–8".

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".

Pelargonium or Geranium zonale. Dicot. With large, rounded leaves and upright growth habit, this plant is distributed worldwide. It is supplied in a pot with care instructions. Size: 6–8".

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".

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.