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.
Close Encounters
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Plant Vampires Have Hosts They Won’t Bite
New research reveals how even parasitic plants can be picky eaters.
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.
Imaginary Plants Reveal the Physics of Real Killers
A novel approach uniting maths, physics, and biology has uncovered how diverse rim shapes in carnivorous pitcher plants relate to strategies for catching different insect prey.
It’s Not Just Honeybees That Are Pollination Heroes
Abundant flies like Eristalis and wild bumblebees join domesticated honeybees as bugs for essential strawberry pollination, according to a new study tracking pollen transport.
Newsflash: Plants are pollinated by insects
New research reveals the secret nightlife of moths, fluttering under cover of darkness to carry out their vital work as unsung heroes pollinating blackberry brambles.
Healing Power of Sunflowers Helps Bumblebees
No matter how old or where it’s from, frozen sunflower pollen helps bumblebees fight off a common gut parasite that threatens bee health and pollination.
The Light They Can’t See Draws Bees to Tomato Plants
Research found that far-red light, which boosts tomato growth and flowering in greenhouses, also makes the plants’ flowers more appealing to bumblebee pollinators through enhanced scents and sugars, attracting more bees.
When it comes to removing invasive species, timing can help
Discovering the power of patience in combating invasive plant species, this study highlights the critical role of timing in the successful removal and ecological restoration process.
Red flowers, short stamens, and acetoin: the secret to attracting fungus gnats
Fungus gnats like red flowers with short stamens and a strong smell of acetoin, and scientists found that Euonymus plants have evolved these traits to attract these flies for pollination.
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