Tag: plant science
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Clever things that plants do: No. 4, Divide and conquer…
This post explores the notion of plant intelligence by highlighting an example of how plants use arithmetic division to manage starch degradation overnight, ensuring energy sufficiency until dawn. Research shows that the process is regulated by circadian rhythms, allowing plants to adapt their starch consumption based on light duration.
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Spotlight on trees
Harriet Rix’s “The Genius of Trees” explores the intricate relationship between trees and their environment, detailing their ecological roles and interactions. While Rix’s enthusiasm creates a captivating narrative, the book lacks adequate sourcing for many claims and contains scientific inaccuracies. Despite these flaws, it offers valuable insights into the importance…
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Clever things that plants do: No. 3, Leaf mimicry
The post discusses the remarkable leaf-mimicking behaviour of Boquila trifoliata. Chameleon vine is a climbing plant that alters the appearance of its leaves to resemble those of nearby species (possibly to avoid herbivores). Host plant volatiles, horizontal gene transfer, and even ‘plant eyes’ [ocelli] have been proposed to explain this…
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Clever things that plants do: No. 2, Carnivory you can count on…
This post explores the Venus flytrap’s ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour by counting prey interactions. It highlights the plant’s unique mechanism for trapping insects, requiring multiple sensory hair stimulations for digestive enzyme production. This ability demonstrates both the plant’s arithmetic skills and its adaptation to nutrient-poor environments, showcasing its carnivorous…
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Clever things that plants do: No. 1, Colourful sex
Draft book chapter 6 explored the concept of plant intelligence, but was devoid of examples. We begin to remedy that deficiency here with the first of a series of posts focusing on examples of plants exhibiting “clever” behaviours. This post highlights how Saxifraga fortunei changes the colour of its pistils…
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Dead men’s shoes don’t walk, but they do talk…
Macarena Bustamante-Álvarez et al., uncovered ancient sandals made from esparto grass at an Iron Age mining site in Spain, dating back 2,400 years. The footwear exhibits skilled craftsmanship with precise design, demonstrating the significance of plant fibres in ancient economies. Unique preservation conditions allowed these artifacts’ survival. [But! there’s so…
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Flowers: Planet- and people-producers
David George Haskell’s “How Flowers Made Our World” explores the vital role of flowers and flowering plants in shaping Earth’s ecosystems and human connections. Comprising scientific insights, Haskell’s engaging narrative highlights plant biology, ecology, and the historical interrelation between flora and humanity, making an overwhelming case for their importance in,…
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“miserable, naked, hungry”, concluding a timely celebration of plants
The book emphasises the importance and diversity of plants, showcasing their roles in ecosystems, photosynthesis, and human relationships. It explores plants’ structural ingenuity, adaptability, and intelligence, while addressing their contributions to food security, art, and medicine. Ultimately, it advocates for increased awareness and funding for plant research to ensure a…
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Chapter 7b Plants and the artistic imperative
The post explores the multifaceted cultural significance of plants in art, writing, and plant names. It highlights examples like Cheilanthes lindheimeri’s reclassification to Gaga, the presence of plants in poetry from Ovid to Darwin (Erasmus), and their portrayal in art ranging from van Gogh to botanical illustrations. Plants have influenced…
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Chapter 7a Plants and the agricultural imperative
Rice, a vital food staple, supports half of the global population and illustrates the integral role of agriculture in human survival and civilisation. While agriculture fosters artistic development, reliance on a few crops raises concerns about food security. Challenges include disease risks and environmental sustainability, emphasising the need for diverse…
