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Stephen Meyers, OSU Department of Botany and Plant Pathology and an associate, are conducting a taxonomic study of relationships within Pinus ponderosa, with particular emphasis on the Willamette Valley race. They are using the Association data base of stands throughout the Willamette Valley to identify stands for collection of morphological data including leaf, cone, bark and habitat characters in order to determine if the Willamette Valley race of ponderosa pine warrants botanical description as a valid variety. Thus far, the data suggest that Willamette Valley ponderosa pine has unique morphological and habitat characteristics that will lead to a varietal description in a peer reviewed botanical journal.

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