November 15, 2006 (Vol. 26, No. 20)
URL:
http://www.nybg.org/bsci/res/lut2
Rating:
Strong Points: Good coverage of topic
Weak Points: Could be more molecular
Summary:
The state of Oregon, where I live, is a major producer of blueberries, so I was curious about this site just from the title alone. Blueberries are in the Order Ericaceae and there are over 4,500 species. The “Neotropical Blueberries” site provides wide-ranging information about this interesting plant. Most of it is focused on distribution, however and it is extensive to say the least. Focusing on blueberries grown in countries lying between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, the site provides species descriptions, names/nomenclature, pictures, chromosome numbers, and a searchable virtual herbarium. There are also sections of interest to ethnobotanists and to researchers interested in plant/animal interactions.