Hort 232

Plant Comparisons

From any of the Hort 232 Plant Lists, choose one plant species or cultivar (not a genus) such as Taxus baccata 'Repandens' or Begonia boweri.  Find two individuals of this one plant species or cultivar that somehow look different from each other.  For example, find one growing in a shaded location and one growing in a sunny location, or find a small one in a nursery and an established one in a landscape.  Observe them closely and study how are they different and how are they the same. 

a.  What species or cultivar have you selected?  List its scientific name. 

b.  Describe the area in detail where each of your plants is located (e.g. in Hawaii next to the beach in the sun).  If they are in Washington State, include a local map showing how we could locate the plants. 

c.  In what ways are the two plants different?  Describe the differences precisely and in detail, including general and specific observaions, such as overall height and individual leaf size.  Include measurements when possible.  Describe as many differences as you can find. 

d. In what ways are the two plants the same?  Describe the similarities precisely and in detail.  Describe as many similarities as you can find. 

e. What do you think has caused the two plants to appear as they do?  Why would that result in their differences?  Answer thoroughly.