Armchair Botany and the Andes to Amazon Biodiversity Program: Volunteers Make Scientists’ Hard Work Accessible
Important botanical science happens in the field. Researchers tramp across habitats, sometimes in remote and rugged regions of the world, collect plant samples, document the distribution of species and study ecosystems in action. Later those scientists return to the lab with boxes of specimens, and a new and equally important phase of research begins. Scientists label, mount and digitize specimens to make them accessible to the global science community. They become a resource that can be studied in multiple contexts–as part of an ecosystem or as a member of a particular plant family, for example.
Survival of the Heat-Tolerant: How Plants Cope with Hot, Dry Conditions
Our hot, dry summer continues, and humans aren’t the only ones struggling. Plants suffer, too–yet some thrive despite the persistent 100-degree-plus temperatures, even without supplemental water. What’s their secret?
Tales from the Conservation Trenches : Saving the Small-headed Pipewort
A well-known issue in global conservation efforts could be described as the Panda Problem. Programs that promote the protection of large, well-known mammals raise more funds than programs for smaller, less “charismatic” species. Yet even the smallest, nondescript species are part of the big picture of life on this planet–and deserve protection.
Garden Hosts Texas Plant Conservation Conference to Advance Protection of Threatened Native Plants
Texas is home to more than 400 species of plants at risk of extinction, including 163 considered “critically imperiled” within the state, according to data from Texas Parks & Wildlife. The Garden is committed to protecting the rare plants of Texas. This sort of work requires the cooperation of scientists, state and federal agencies, land owners and members of the public. To coordinate their efforts and exchange information on research progress and best practices, the Garden is hosting the 2023 Texas Plant Conservation Conference Aug. 14 and 15.
Why All the Latin? Taxonomy, Binomial Nomenclature and Carl Linnaeus
When you visit the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, you will notice signs identifying the plants. In the Japanese Garden, for example, you will see signs that read “Acer palmatum (Japanese maple).” Many people know that the part of the name in italics is the formal name of the plant, written in Latin (more or less.) Some people might even know that Acer palmatum is the genus and species of the tree more commonly known as Japanese maple. But why? What is the purpose of giving plants names in a dead language?
Newly Described Species of Begonia Named after VP of Research & Conservation Peter Fritsch
Botanists working in the Philippines recently described a species of begonia new to science and named it in honor of Peter Fritsch, the Garden’s vice president of research and conservation.
The Botany of Bluebonnets, Texas’s Favorite Flower
The bluebonnets are in bloom across North Texas, splashing waves of blue across hillsides and plains. Conditions this year were just right for brilliant display of color, and you can expect to see families plunking their kids down in the middle of blooming patches for photos all weekend.
How Orchids Helped Charles Darwin Understand Nature—and How Darwin Helped Scientists Understand Orchids
Charles Darwin is known for his work in the Galapagos Islands, his study of birds and insects and the development of the theory of evolution as presented in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species. What is less well-known is Darwin’s work as a botanist and the important role that orchids played in the development of his ideas.
Book Signing and Workshop Discuss Finding Spiritual Solace through Gardening
Join the author and illustrator of the new BRIT Press title My Father is the Gardener for a panel discussion, book signing and workshop for insights into the plants and flowers of the Bible and how they can bring meaning to every day life.
Art and Science Meet in New Exhibition “Illuminations”
The worlds of art and science interact in fascinating ways in a new exhibit opening Feb. 17 at the BRIT Building. “Dornith Doherty: Illuminations: Past, Present, and Future of Fern Research” presents new large-scale artworks that engage with the past, chronicle the present and project our possible ecological futures.