Taxonomy & Evolution
Scientists suggest bringing a fresh set of eyes to the problem, ‘When did the first flowers evolve?’
A disagreement on when flowers evolved could be solved by studying the real experts on pollination, the pollinators.
Plants & People
Law enforcement and ecologists will need to trade information to combat trading in endangered plants say crime researchers
Online trading is increasing the damage done by illegal trading in plant material, but researchers have suggestions to reduce this.
Growth & Development
The off-switch is not the on-switch for rhizome development in tall fescue
When drought passes the signals to restart the development of rhizomes in Festuca arundinacea are on different regulatory pathways to the signals that turned it off at the start of the drought.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Scottish barley may have the genes to aid cultivars in marginal lands
Botanists have been examining the genomes of Scottish varieties of barley to see if they can pass its ability to manage manganese to popular cultivars.
Ecosystems
Non-native plant species climb mountains in a different way to native species
One way invasive species spread through an area is by harnessing variability in traits, but this doesn’t match observations of invasive species on the slopes of Mount Teide.
Close Encounters
Interspecific hybridization between Camelina sativa and C. microcarpa
Work continues trying to boost Camelina’s value as an oilseed crop.
Plants & People
Now is the time start a nature diary
You can help nature by making a little time for yourself.
Close Encounters
Grasses invading a sub-Antarctic Island respond to rising temperatures, at a cost
Changing temperatures on Marion Island will remove restraints holding back invasive grasses.
Close Encounters
Some pollen hitches a lift on butterfly wings to travel between plants
There’s not a lot on a butterfly, if you ignore the wings. That’s why some plants keen on pollination target them.
Plants & People
Scientific study shows you can garden your way to health
The act of gardening is one of the key correlates with wellbeing, a survey finds.
Growth & Development
In Lomatia, the pollen is naturally poisoned
Lomatia stores the ingredients for cyanide, somewhere in its flowers.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Will heather be lucky heather as carbon dioxide concentrations rise?
A rise in carbon dioxide could affect production of plant defences in unexpected ways.