Tag: plant biology
-
Chapter 6 The intelligent plant(?)
This chapter explores the controversial concept of plant intelligence, examining how plants utilise other organisms for vital processes like pollination. It discusses debates surrounding definitions of intelligence and the potential for plants to influence human behaviour. ‘Plant neurobiology’ is discussed, in the hope of prompting reevaluation of plant capabilities and…
-
Chapter 5 The sensitive plant
This chapter examines how plants possess sensory capabilities akin to human senses, exploring their ability to perceive touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste. Through mechanisms like thigmomorphogenesis, phototropism, and chemical signaling, plants adeptly interact with their environment, showcasing their sensitivity and survival strategies despite their immobile nature.
-
Chapter 3 The economical and efficient design of plants
Taxodium, a remarkable gymnosperm, exemplifies nature’s design with its three essential tissue systems—dermal, vascular, and ground. These systems enable plants to achieve tremendous diversity and size while fulfilling human material needs, such as fibres for textiles. Plant structures also inspire innovative solutions in human engineering through biomimetics.
-
Chapter 2 Oxygen, the planet’s most precious waste product
Plants, through photosynthesis, produce vital oxygen and organic compounds that support life on Earth and enabled the evolution of complex organisms. This chapter highlights the importance of photosynthesis in ecosystems and discusses potential improvements to increase efficiency for a growing human population, emphasising the need for more plant scientists in…
-
A timely appreciation of plants
Christopher Woods’ book, “In Botanical Time,” explores the astonishing lifespans of the world’s oldest plants, illustrating their biology and ecology across 230 pages. Although well-written and richly illustrated, the book lacks source citations, which detracts from its scientific credibility. Nonetheless, it captivates readers with tales of remarkable plant longevity.
-
Hedging your climate change bets (or, betting your climate-change hedge..?)
The “Superbloom at Carrizo Plain National Monument, 2017” highlights the transient beauty of desert blooms. However, a re-vegetation initiative in the Taklamakan Desert has shown promise as a long-term solution to combat desertification and mitigate climate change by creating a carbon sink. The project emphasises careful management due to potential…
-
Plant-based tips for hunting
Sven Isaksson et al. have identified toxic alkaloids on stone arrowheads from a rock shelter in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The most likely source of the alkaloids is the ‘poison bulb’, Boophone disticha. Dated to 60,000 years ago, this is the oldest-known evidence of hunting with poisoned arrows in the world.
-
The essentials of plant biology
Essential Plant Biology by Alison Smith et al. offers a comprehensive overview of modern plant biology, emphasizing molecular genetics and biochemistry, crucial for understanding plant function today. Divided into six parts, the book covers topics from plant evolution to environmental interactions, targeting undergraduates with a foundation in molecular biology.
-
Some of 2025’s notable new plants
Creating weekly blog posts for Plantcuttings.uk is challenging, especially when facing inspiration blocks. Recently feeling pressured to maintain output levels, Mr Cuttings decided to discuss notable new plant discoveries of 2025. Drawing inspiration to do so from an article by Damian Carrington, he ultimately found renewed satisfaction in the writing…
-
Rare earths: Botany meets geopolitics
The post discusses He et al., 2025’s work with Blechnum orientale, a fern that accumulates rare earth elements (REEs), in particular the mineral monazite. This discovery raises important questions about plants being a sustainable source for REEs. The post also provides background to REEs, and doesn’t ignore their geopolitical significance.
Plant Cuttings 