"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 … [Read more...] about Art preserves endangered flora in Himalayas—where conservation and culture collide
orchids
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 … [Read more...] about Hummingbird-like moth has the longest tongue of any insect in the world
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 … [Read more...] about Choose these blooms for longer-lasting bouquets
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 … [Read more...] about How controlled burns are bringing back a rare Maryland orchid
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 … [Read more...] about 2020: Scientists discover world’s ugliest orchid and other plant species