Plants: In the News Media stories about plants and closely-related topics. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:27:54 +0000 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:27:54 +0000 UBC Botanical Garden Forums https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/forums/plants-in-the-news.238/ ‘Nothing is sacred to them’: the race to save rare plants as Russian troops advance Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:46:27 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/%E2%80%98nothing-is-sacred-to-them%E2%80%99-the-race-to-save-rare-plants-as-russian-troops-advance.105441/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/%E2%80%98nothing-is-sacred-to-them%E2%80%99-the-race-to-save-rare-plants-as-russian-troops-advance.105441/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper ‘Nothing is sacred to them’: the race to save rare plants as Russian troops advance​
]]> 1 Scientists may have discovered a new extinct form of life Sat, 24 Jan 2026 12:58:48 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/scientists-may-have-discovered-a-new-extinct-form-of-life.105439/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/scientists-may-have-discovered-a-new-extinct-form-of-life.105439/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Scientists may have discovered a new extinct form of life​
]]> 1 Zombie fungi and 'bloodstained' orchids: Top plant and fungal species named new to science in 2025 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:19:22 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/zombie-fungi-and-bloodstained-orchids-top-plant-and-fungal-species-named-new-to-science-in-2025.105423/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/zombie-fungi-and-bloodstained-orchids-top-plant-and-fungal-species-named-new-to-science-in-2025.105423/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Zombie fungi and 'bloodstained' orchids: Top plant and fungal species named new to science in 2025​]]> The evolutionary mysteries of a rare parasitic plant Fri, 26 Dec 2025 07:45:59 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/the-evolutionary-mysteries-of-a-rare-parasitic-plant.105414/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/the-evolutionary-mysteries-of-a-rare-parasitic-plant.105414/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper The evolutionary mysteries of a rare parasitic plant: Shrinking plastids and strange reproductive strategies​
]]> Incredible giant yellow cedar felled Mon, 08 Dec 2025 01:46:51 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/incredible-giant-yellow-cedar-felled.105401/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/incredible-giant-yellow-cedar-felled.105401/ invalid@example.com (Garry Oak) Garry Oak
Why was 'incredible' giant cedar cut down, despite B.C.'s big-tree protection law?

View attachment 260988]]> 5 Meet The Plant That Learned How To ‘Count’ — A Biologist Explains Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:00:27 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/meet-the-plant-that-learned-how-to-%E2%80%98count%E2%80%99-%E2%80%94-a-biologist-explains.105396/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/meet-the-plant-that-learned-how-to-%E2%80%98count%E2%80%99-%E2%80%94-a-biologist-explains.105396/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Meet The Plant That Learned How To ‘Count’ — A Biologist Explains​
]]> Rafflesia found after 13-year search. Tue, 25 Nov 2025 04:18:45 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/rafflesia-found-after-13-year-search.105395/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/rafflesia-found-after-13-year-search.105395/ invalid@example.com (togata57) togata57 https://mymodernmet.com/rafflesia-hasseltii-blooming-chris-thorogood/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRPyNXrCLVJ/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafflesia_hasseltii]]> Canada's First-Ever Butter Potato Launches Nationwide Sat, 15 Nov 2025 22:54:06 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/canadas-first-ever-butter-potato-launches-nationwide.105382/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/canadas-first-ever-butter-potato-launches-nationwide.105382/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Canada's First-Ever Butter Potato Launches Nationwide​
Canada's First-Ever Butter Potato Launches Nationwide]]> 7 To defend against Russian tanks, Finland and Poland consider restoring wetlands Tue, 09 Sep 2025 02:46:17 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/to-defend-against-russian-tanks-finland-and-poland-consider-restoring-wetlands.105301/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/to-defend-against-russian-tanks-finland-and-poland-consider-restoring-wetlands.105301/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper
]]> 6 Pollen-based sunscreen highly effective, coral-safe. Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:55:52 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/pollen-based-sunscreen-highly-effective-coral-safe.105305/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/pollen-based-sunscreen-highly-effective-coral-safe.105305/ invalid@example.com (togata57) togata57 When applied to animal skin in lab tests, that gel was found to block harmful ultraviolet rays as effectively as a conventional mineral- or chemical-based sunscreen with an SPF rating of about 30. This means it blocked approximately 97% of the UV rays.

And importantly, the gel had no effect on corals after being added to the water in which they were living, even after 60 days. By contrast, the corals died of bleaching within six days of exposure to commercial sunscreens....

Pollen-based sunscreen highly effective, coral-safe.]]> Glow-in-the-dark succulents that recharge with sunlight could lead to plant-based lighting systems Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:54:06 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/glow-in-the-dark-succulents-that-recharge-with-sunlight-could-lead-to-plant-based-lighting-systems.105283/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/glow-in-the-dark-succulents-that-recharge-with-sunlight-could-lead-to-plant-based-lighting-systems.105283/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Glow-in-the-dark succulents that recharge with sunlight could pave way to plant-based lighting systems​]]> Researchers digitize pollen from 18,000 plant species. Thu, 07 Aug 2025 03:22:52 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/researchers-digitize-pollen-from-18-000-plant-species.105270/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/researchers-digitize-pollen-from-18-000-plant-species.105270/ invalid@example.com (togata57) togata57 A team of researchers from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is digitizing images of pollen from more than 18,000 plant species from the tropics. These images are being used to train a machine-learning model to identify pollen grains, a job that usually takes hundreds of hours of microscopy work by pollen experts. The images also will make a wide range of new pollen analyses possible. The database, called...

Researchers digitize pollen from 18,000 plant species.]]> Nature-inspired process makes wood tougher than steel for structural use Fri, 25 Jul 2025 06:29:19 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/nature-inspired-process-makes-wood-tougher-than-steel-for-structural-use.105252/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/nature-inspired-process-makes-wood-tougher-than-steel-for-structural-use.105252/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Nature-inspired process makes wood tougher than steel for structural use​]]> Research reveals best plant seed mixes for pollinators and people Mon, 21 Jul 2025 06:30:53 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/research-reveals-best-plant-seed-mixes-for-pollinators-and-people.105250/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/research-reveals-best-plant-seed-mixes-for-pollinators-and-people.105250/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Research reveals best plant seed mixes for pollinators and people
Research reveals best plant seed mixes for pollinators and people]]> Sycamore gap tree felled by vandals Wed, 16 Jul 2025 06:02:32 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/sycamore-gap-tree-felled-by-vandals.103703/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/sycamore-gap-tree-felled-by-vandals.103703/ invalid@example.com (Acerholic) Acerholic
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-66952980

My wife and I were so happy to visit this wonderful place in Spring of this year to see this lovely iconic tree. We took photos of course, here are a couple.
View attachment 245718 View attachment 245719
Sadly nobody else will enjoy this wonderful tree at Hadrians wall.]]> 43 Not mowing this May? Here's what the science says Mon, 26 May 2025 19:26:12 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/not-mowing-this-may-heres-what-the-science-says.105180/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/not-mowing-this-may-heres-what-the-science-says.105180/ invalid@example.com (wcutler) wcutler This is from These protesters want you to reduce, repair and rewear | CBC News, the third feature in this CBC News weekly...

Not mowing this May? Here's what the science says]]> 3 How dandelions conquered concrete to bring nature back to cities Tue, 06 May 2025 04:39:24 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/how-dandelions-conquered-concrete-to-bring-nature-back-to-cities.105140/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/how-dandelions-conquered-concrete-to-bring-nature-back-to-cities.105140/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper How dandelions conquered concrete to bring nature back to cities​
How dandelions conquered concrete to bring nature back to cities]]> 4 ‘A living collective’: study shows trees synchronise electrical signals during a solar eclipse Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:06:26 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/%E2%80%98a-living-collective%E2%80%99-study-shows-trees-synchronise-electrical-signals-during-a-solar-eclipse.105137/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/%E2%80%98a-living-collective%E2%80%99-study-shows-trees-synchronise-electrical-signals-during-a-solar-eclipse.105137/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper ‘A living collective’: study shows trees synchronise electrical signals during a solar eclipse​
‘A living collective’: study shows trees synchronise electrical signals during a solar eclipse]]> Some trees thrive after lightning strikes: How electric jolts can boost survival and growth Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:18:41 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/some-trees-thrive-after-lightning-strikes-how-electric-jolts-can-boost-survival-and-growth.105102/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/some-trees-thrive-after-lightning-strikes-how-electric-jolts-can-boost-survival-and-growth.105102/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Some trees thrive after lightning strikes: How electric jolts can boost survival and growth​
]]> 1 Each of us on our lot -native plants and lawn Tue, 08 Apr 2025 14:54:18 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/each-of-us-on-our-lot-native-plants-and-lawn.105104/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/each-of-us-on-our-lot-native-plants-and-lawn.105104/ invalid@example.com (Georgia Strait) Georgia Strait
@Margot - the article talks about oaks

https://www.castanet.net/news/World...-Doug-Tallamy-s-got-a-new-book-explaining-how]]> N Am pollinators at risk of extinction (study) Sun, 30 Mar 2025 23:45:35 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/n-am-pollinators-at-risk-of-extinction-study.105091/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/n-am-pollinators-at-risk-of-extinction-study.105091/ invalid@example.com (Georgia Strait) Georgia Strait https://www.castanet.net/news/World...llinators-in-North-America-at-extinction-risk]]> 1 Eco-friendly detergent made from wood and corn shows promise Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:36:47 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/eco-friendly-detergent-made-from-wood-and-corn-shows-promise.105083/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/eco-friendly-detergent-made-from-wood-and-corn-shows-promise.105083/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Eco-friendly detergent made from wood and corn shows promise​
]]> Massive, long-lived trees discovered in the Tanzanian rainforest are a new species Sat, 22 Mar 2025 06:58:36 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/massive-long-lived-trees-discovered-in-the-tanzanian-rainforest-are-a-new-species.105069/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/massive-long-lived-trees-discovered-in-the-tanzanian-rainforest-are-a-new-species.105069/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Massive, long-lived trees discovered in the Tanzanian rainforest are a new species​
]]> Tobacco’s hidden friendly side: how the controversial plant could be used for good Sun, 16 Mar 2025 06:58:51 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/tobacco%E2%80%99s-hidden-friendly-side-how-the-controversial-plant-could-be-used-for-good.105061/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/tobacco%E2%80%99s-hidden-friendly-side-how-the-controversial-plant-could-be-used-for-good.105061/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Tobacco’s hidden friendly side: how the controversial plant could be used for good​
Tobacco’s hidden friendly side: how the controversial plant could be used for good]]> Cherry trees protect buds from freezing by supercooling, but how? Sat, 08 Mar 2025 06:42:25 +0000 https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/cherry-trees-protect-buds-from-freezing-by-supercooling-but-how.105049/ https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/cherry-trees-protect-buds-from-freezing-by-supercooling-but-how.105049/ invalid@example.com (Junglekeeper) Junglekeeper Cherry trees protect buds from freezing by supercooling, but how?​
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