Short Wave Congrats! It's A Tomato
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Feb 15, 2023 Tanisha Williams, a plant ecologist and founder of Black Botanist Week, discusses her groundbreaking discovery of the Australian bush tomato. She shares the thrilling journey from fieldwork in the rugged Northern Territory to its successful cultivation at Bucknell University. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts behind the research and the challenges of growing rare plant specimens. Williams also emphasizes making botany accessible, celebrating the contributions of everyday plant enthusiasts in fostering inclusivity within the scientific community.
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Tanisha's Botany Origins
- Tanisha Williams' great-grandmother instilled in her an early love for plants.
- This foundation influenced her pursuit of botany, sparked by a transformative experience in the Amazon rainforest.
Discovery of the Bush Tomato
- In 2019, biologist Chris Martine discovered a unique bush tomato in the Australian outback.
- Its distinct prickles caught his eye, leading to its collection for further research.
Identifying a New Species
- The new tomato species was identified by meticulous measurement and comparison.
- Its unique prickle count on the male stem distinguished it from known species.