Ecosystems
Post-soviet land use change in Russia a driver of restored steppes
More connectivity between steppe areas provide corridors for the reintroduction of flora and fauna.
Taxonomy & Evolution
Fossil eucalypt species older and more broadly distributed than previously thought
This is the first confirmed finding of Myrtaceidites eucalyptoides outside Australia.
Growth & Development
Moraceae inflorescence development highly variable even for similar pollination modes
Transitional stages in fig relatives show increasingly enclosed flowers.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
Chromosomal changes more important than niche differentiation in a Pulmonaria hybrid
The locally abundant hybrid species is well-defined, but shows weak niche differentiation from its progenitors.
Close Encounters
Slippery flowers help deter nectar-stealing ants
A wax crystal coating causes ants to slip off, while hornet and bee pollinators can fly right in.
Taxonomy & Evolution
Flowering time likely an important driver of speciation in South African Restionaceae
Allochrony is one of few ways for wind-pollinated species to achieve reproductive isolation.
Plants & People
Tree root identification saves ancient caves and the forest above them
Barcoding and morphology combined allowed identification and targeted removal of problem trees.
Cells, Genes & Molecules
δ13Cp as proxy for water use efficiency is deceptive in young leaves
During leaf expansion, the measurement gives counterintuitive results.
Close Encounters
Crop diversity and semi-natural habitat a boon to yields as well as pollinators
Greater proportions of semi-natural habitat surrounding fields increased bumble bee and honey bee densities.
Plants & People
Syrian seed rescue a triumph of international cooperation
More than 80% of the Syrian seed collection was preserved at Svalbard before the facility was lost.
Taxonomy & Evolution
Small herbaria make outsize contributions
Small herbarium specimens are likely to be unduplicated elsewhere, or found only in other small herbaria.
Plants & People
It’s time to boost botany: the science and the word itself
“Is it time to say farewell to Botany?” asked authors in a recent op-ed.