Query about a botanical oddity in Polygonatum

[Rich]

Today, on the Hemptop Trail, we came across a particular morphological expression  that none of us had ever seen before.  There were numerous typical Polygonatum biflorum blooming along the walk. However, we came across one cluster that was out of the ordinary.  It seemed to have slightly more rounded leaves than typical P. biflorum that also were a darker green that the other nearby specimens.  However, the real oddity was that, in addition to the axilary flowers beneath the leaves, there was a single terminal flower at the end of the stem that was sitting on the upper surface of the last leaf.  Most curious.  All but one plant in the cluster had the terminal flower. We did not find any other plants of this type on the walk.

Has anyone ever encountered  this species with a terminal flower?

[Rich]

I guess, upon further review of the photos of this small patch, the "terminal" flowers only appear so and in reality come from the final leaf axil.  Sure did not look that way in the field and all the others in teh area appeared normal.  So it goes.

I would post a photo, but keep geting a database error every time I try.

[Merrill]

Sorry about the database error, Rich. I may have gone overboard in trying to keep the spammers away. If you want to email me a copy of the pic, I can try to post it.

Merrill

[Merrill]

Here's a link to Rich's photo:
http://www.gabotsoc.org/forum/images/Polygonatumbiflorum.jpg

I upgraded the forum software this past weekend, and now there appears to be a glitch with uploading photos. Until I figure this out (I hope within a few days, as time permits), please email me any photos you'd like to post in the forum, and I'll create a link like the one above.

Sorry for the problem.

Merrill