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The orchid that mimics not just one organism but two
Why would you need a massive flower to imitate a tiny fly? A new study of a Peruvian orchid reveals something strange is going on.
annals-of-botany
How does Spartina alterniflora react to long-term wave exposure?
A multi-national team has been investigating how Spartina alterniflora (also Sporobolus alterniflorus) reacts to long-term wave expsoure. The findings could affect planning for ecosystem-
annals-of-botany
The flower that targets its nectar to the specific needs of its pollinators
Impatiens offers its pollinators the best nectar, but the best nectar for one pollinator isn’t always the best for another.
annals-of-botany
Modelling leaf growth in Garlic
A new crop model highlights the importance of storage conditions for garlic growth.
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An impatient person’s guide to making black flowers
For World Goth Day, I have tried to make a black flower. It didn’t work, but I have failed in a way that might explain why it’s not easy to make a Rainbow Rose.
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When does infection become protection?
Within plants live endophytic fungi. Some cause disease in insects, while others seem to have no effect. Yet a new meta-analysis shows even these ‘neutral’ fungi could act as bodyguards for plants.
News in Brief
Pyrethrum’s mimicry gives flowers a double defence
Gardeners have long thought chrysanthemums help repel aphids from flower beds. New research now shows how that might work.
annals-of-botany
A new biological species in the Mercurialis annua polyploid complex
In eastern Spain (and many other places if you look) you can find Mercurialis annua, a plant with a complicated sex life. A new paper by
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The dramatic results of botanical engagement
What is the point of teaching, if someone isn’t going to use that knowledge? A new paper by Bethan Stagg addresses that with a study
annals-of-botany
How do plants bend when storms break on shore?
One common prediction for the future is global warming will create stronger storms. What does this mean when a storm hits the shore? It depends what’
annals-of-botany
Do lianas spend fewer resources on roots for support than other plants?
If a plant can lean on something else, does it really need to invest so much in its roots for support? Could resources usually used for
annals-of-botany
Epidermal patterning and stomatal development in Gnetales
Stomatal development in Ephedra differs significantly from that of Gnetum and Welwitschia, more closely resembling that of other extant gymnosperms. Differences in epidermal pre-patterning broadly reflect differences in growth habit between the three genera.