Professor Emeritus Collins discovers new species
November 11, 2009
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications (417) 865-2815, ext. 7292
Dr. Collins and an Orobanchaceae
Springfield, Mo — Evangel Professor Emeritus L. Turner Collins discovered a new species and recently had an article titled “Orobanche riparia (Orobanchaceae), A New Species from the American Midwest” published in Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Vol. 3 #1.
In his research, Collins found evidence supporting recognition of two ecological races which inhabit uplands and bottomlands in major river systems. The article discusses the morphological and ecological distinctions between them. The new species had been misidentified with the upland for more than 100 years. Collins discovered the plants in 1970, but only recently has DNA studies confirmed that it is in fact a new species.
Dr. Collins was a member of Evangel’s science and technology faculty from 1971 to 2004, serving as a professor of biology. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; an M.S. from Texas Tech University; and a B.A. from S.F. Austin State College. He is currently working on the Flora of North America Project through the Missouri Botanical Garden.
The article was coauthored by Alison E.L. Colwell and George Yatskivych.
For additional information, contact Dr. Mike McCorcle at 417-865-2815 ext. 8313 or visit the following Web sites: