News in Brief
Controversy over planting trees and other stories
In stories we shared yesterday, some tree planting initiatives got the go ahead, while others are caught up in legal battles. And in Nebraska, they’re doing things differently.
News in Brief
Psychadelic Houseplants and other stories
Protecting plants from extinction has become a bit easier in Colorado due to a change in drug laws, and other stories we’ve shared recently.
News in Brief
How to protect native plants and other stories
Here’s a catch-up of the stories we shared on social media channels recently.
Notes from the Editor
FYI: Preparing for a post-Twitter future
The Week in Botany, a newsletter, is preparing for a post-Twitter era by using Botany.fyi, a link shortener, to compile popular posts from various social media platforms.
Close Encounters
Cannabis plants may have evolved cannabinoids to prevent herbivores getting the munchies
A study shows how cannabis plants may be the source of new pesticides, but there is a catch.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
The Delicate Chemistry of Attraction and Repulsion in Flower Scents
Floral scents play a delicate balancing act, appealing to pollinators while repelling herbivores.
Close Encounters
Scientists uncover the secret pollinators behind southern Africa’s paintbrush lilies
A meticulous study of paintbrush lily pollination demonstrates sunbirds’ flexibility and exposes hidden specialisation in small South African flowers.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
New DNA Technique Shows Gene Flow Between Garden and Wild Roses
New DNA screening method detects rare but concerning gene flow from garden roses to wild relatives.
Close Encounters
Plant Vampires Have Hosts They Won’t Bite
New research reveals how even parasitic plants can be picky eaters.
News in Brief
Scientists Find Major Gaps in Open Access to Plant Biodiversity Data
Scientists propose open-access reforms to democratise biodiversity knowledge and mobilise hidden troves of undiscovered plant diversity before it’s too late.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Ancient Willow Clones in Italy Estimated to be Over 2000 Years Old
Botanists have found willows in Italy so old that they were standing when Caesar crossed the Rubicon.
Close Encounters
Underground Web Gives Hope for Healing Broken Ecosystems
Targeted reintroduction of beneficial soil microbes offers a promising way to rebuild damaged plant-soil relationships and restore struggling ecosystems.