Ecosystems
Small Urban Meadows Give Hope for City Pollinators
Artificially planted wildflower meadows in cities can support similar numbers of bees and other pollinators as larger natural meadows.
Close Encounters
Garden Discovery Reveals Hidden Plant Disease Threat
Plants from New Zealand growing in an American garden are carrying a dangerous plant disease that could threaten agriculture and native species.
Close Encounters
Can Feeding Birds Harm Plants?
Birds visiting garden feeders doesn’t stop them from pollinating wild plants, say South African scientists.
News in Brief
Small Gardens Add Up to Big Climate Impact
Despite their modest size, private gardens pack a powerful punch against climate change when working together, reveals a new study of 2.4 million Flemish gardens.
Ecosystems
Mountain Plants Host Unique Microscopic Communities
Mountain wildflowers and their leaves are home to millions of helpful microbes, research reveals.
News in Brief
Rare Pitcher Plants Vanish Into Shadowy Plant Trade
Plant sellers and buyers struggle to verify if rare carnivorous plants were legally collected from the wild.
Growth & Development
Burning Desire Leads to Delayed Gratification for the Natal Crocus
An underground plant saves seeds for six months before letting ants scatter them.
News in Brief
Garden Plants That Help Pollinators Face Resistance From Homeowners
Neat and tidy yard preferences make homeowners reluctant to plant wildflowers that could help save bees and butterflies.
Ecosystems
Giant Marri Trees Are Secret Saviours of Western Australia’s Native Bees
One tree species supports over 80 types of native bees in Western Australia’s unique ecosystem.
News in Brief
Plant ID Apps Can Match Expert Botanists at Species Recognition
Artificial intelligence can now identify plants with up to 99% accuracy, challenging expert botanists at their own game.
Ecosystems
Mountain Snowfields Are Turning into Green Oases
Climate warming makes snow melt earlier in mountains, creating surprising new hotspots where plants thrive
Close Encounters
Plant Disease Detectives Find Huge Diversity of Tree Pathogens in Portugal
Plant pathologists have discovered 48 species of microscopic water moulds threatening trees across Portugal, with many traced to centuries of plant trade.