250123-Suetsugu-Stigmatodactylus-Illustration (IMAGE) Kobe University Caption After Makino’s 1889 discovery, Stigmatodactylus sikokianus got its name from a Russian botanist after the unique, tiny finger-like appendage (the “dactylus” part) on its stigma. The Kobe University botanist SUETSUGU Kenji has now revealed the structure’s ecological significance and concludes: “The importance of this discovery to me lies in its ability to bridge historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiry. It also underscores the importance of integrating the meticulous analysis of taxonomic traits with ecological and evolutionary studies to gain significant and novel insights.” Credit Makino Tomitaro 1891. Stigmatodactylus sikokianus Maxim. In: “Illustrated Flora of Japan 1”: T. 43. Usage Restrictions No restrictions. License Public Domain Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.