Natural Science Forum / Biology / Botany / January 2008

I am looking for a supplier of Black Cherry--I think! There is a plant which
grows in northern IL that I believe is Prunus serotina, Black Cherry. It is
listed as a tree, but what I seem to encounter at the forest preserves and
parks is more bush-like. It grows about 15' tall and ...

This plant is obviously a member of the Asteraceae, but I can't find
it in my book on Australian weeds. I don't think it is a native.
It grows in fairly dense stands under Casuarina trees on the flood
plain of a river in a warm temperate area of inland NSW (Bathurst). It

Some blossoms have very reflective parts, Impatiens and african
violets being two of such.  Is there a specific name for these highly
reflective parts?

are there any dictionaries which I can use with MS Word, wchich
contains latin names of spiecies?
ex. Allium cepa etc.

I'm a student of computer science and I'm writing my diploma thesis about
growthsimulation of trees. The focus is on simulating the growth according
to botanical correctness.
I don't have much knowledge about botany and haven't found the answer to my

Brazilian rosewood is a prized material used in crafting fine
classical guitars.  However, sources of the wood have all but dried up
and luthiers are growing desperate.  I've heard stories of guitars
made out of chopped down castle doors and stolen church pews, to name