Art preserves endangered flora in Himalayas—where conservation and culture collide
"In 2002, I was returning to Kalimpong in the eastern Himalaya region of India, and I found numerous trees had been cut down for a dam on the Teesta River at Kalijhora," recalls Hemlata Pradhan, an artist who had just completed her Master's in natural history illustration in London. This shocking Read More...
Hummingbird-like moth has the longest tongue of any insect in the world
When Charles Darwin came across the long-necked Angraecum sesquipedale orchid species (also known as Darwin’s orchid) on the island of Madagascar, he had a curious thought: There must be an insect on the island with a tongue long enough to feed itself on the plant. “Good heavens,” he Read More...
Choose these blooms for longer-lasting bouquets
Are you tired of buying fresh cut flowers only to have them wilt in a few days? We’ve got a solution for you! In addition to making your own cut flower food, you can opt for flower varieties with proven longer vase lives. Here are six flower types that will hold up longer after being Read More...
How controlled burns are bringing back a rare Maryland orchid
The Oxypolis canbyi plant, also known as Canby’s dropwort is an extremely rare orchid which only lives in the Delmarva Bay, part of Maryland’s wetlands. Generations ago, regular wildfires would have swept through this area, clearing out space for the flowers to thrive, but wildfire suppression Read More...
2020: Scientists discover world’s ugliest orchid and other plant species
While orchids are known as some of the most beautiful flowers in the world, scientists have discovered a new species of orchid that does not live up to its family’s reputation. In fact, scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew (RGB Kew) are calling it the “ugliest in the world.” Read More...
Houseplant how-to: Caring for your orchids
Orchids are notoriously tricky plants to keep alive and thriving, but once you get the hang of it, keeping beautiful blooms alive will be second nature. Whether you got it as a gift or bought one yourself, here’s how to keep that orchid alive and thriving. The first factor is watering. Read More...