Introducing the Plants
Coptis trifolia, also known as Three-Leaf Goldthread, has unique characteristics which allude to the plants’ environment and medicinal use. For instance, another common name for Coptis trifolia is "canker-root" because of the fact that early settlers and Native Americans had used this plant to treat mouth sores. The roots and rhizome are said to contain antibacterial properties, such as berberine compound which promotes joint and bone health and cardiovascular and respiratory health, and have been used to flavor beer. The hairless cut edged leaves and stems have been used for stomach discomfort. This plant is primarily found in the Northeastern part of the United States and regions of Canada, particularly in swamp habitats and it ranges to around five to six feet tall. 

Similarly, the UCLA Botanical Garden plant, Thalictrum fendleri, also known as Meadow Rue, is similar to the Three-Leaf Goldthread in terms of physical appearance and medicinal purposes. Thalictrum fendleri has similar small white and yellow flowers at the top of the plant like Coptis trifolia. The plant is also around six feet in height and both plants are in the Ranunculaceae family. Although Coptis trifolia is found in the Northeastern part of the United States, Thalictrum fendleri is primarily found in California and western states. The plant’s environment and habitat are similarly found around streamsides and moist areas. Thalictrum fendleri is found to share medicinal uses as in treating stomach discomfort, arthritis and injuries to bones, lung cancer, cough, fevers, headaches, and amongst other things in common, microbial infections. 

Discussing the Annotations

In our annotations we took note of several important parts of the plant Coptis trifolia. We noted the identifying features of the plant that may distinguish it from other plants such as the details in the structure of the leaves and the frail golden colored roots. Additionally, we noted how the delicacy of the plant and the size of the plant may contribute to its ecological preference for moderate climates. We also made observations about Thalictrum fendleri, a related species to Coptis trifolia that has a similar plant size and leaf structure but other distinguishing features such as its abundance. The Thalictrum fendleri has its own components that differentiate it from the Coptis trifolia, things being the environment and the ground placement.

That being said, we also noted annotations for the five collected images from the Botanical Garden (see above). For instance, a leaf from Salix pedicellariae appears to have curved edges and parallel veins running on the top and bottom of the leaf. The curved edges and veins are unique to the specimen. Another thing we noticed was that the leaf appears to be dying and its colors are fading to a very light brown-white color. On the other hand, the dried-out leaf of sage plant seems to be dried out or about to die. We wonder if this is because it has been on the ground for an excessive time and has not been receiving proper treatment, like water and plant food. The leaf itself is medium-sized and narrow. It has many veins, with the main stem pointing upwards and the veins towards the sides.These annotations are a form of a historical method that can be useful in developing more of an understanding for the collection-based research.




WORKS CITED