Celebrating Plants and the Planet:

 

What DON’T we expect plants to do? Even as we humans clear land and pollute the environment, driving species to extinction, we count on them to feed, save and soothe us. That must be our genius.

 

This month’s links (at www.zooplantman.com under NEWS) should make each of us want to take a plant out to dinner:

 

·         Why do we call nature “Mother Earth”? Researches are altering plants to pull man-made toxins from water and soil, cleaning up our mess for us (I’m working on a vine that does laundry).

·         The native plant movement verges on xenophobia and so misses the point. Invasive plants are not simply “alien,” they have adaptations to out-compete native plants. Only some species can do that. Researches improve their understanding of how one common invasive beats the competition.

·         Hidden in Yosemite Park is an ancient but newly re-discovered species of orchid! A sign of hope, (although the scent is compared to stinky feet).

·         What plant has been used by Andean families for a food source and a toxin, has provided the world with an insecticide, and can become the next great thing for African agriculture? (Can it be used as a floor wax, too?)

·         Who does more in a co-evolutionary relationship: the animal or the plant? Go on, guess.

 

Please share these stories with associates, staff, docents and - most importantly - visitors!

 

And if its been a hard day and you need a reminder of why you got in the zoo business, enjoy this short 1934 cartoon:   http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5011476754030259510

 

 

Rob

 

Zoo Horticulture

Consulting & Design

19 Meadowbrook Drive

Ossining, New York 10562-2910

    914.762-6569

    FAX  914.945-8915

 

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