New Books Network Ann McCallum Staats, "Fantastic Flora: The World's Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants" (MIT Kids Press, 2025)
May 30, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Ann McCallum Staats, a children's author and former educator, discusses her latest book, 'Fantastic Flora: The World's Biggest, Baddest, and Smelliest Plants,' which showcases colorful and captivating plants. She shares fascinating anecdotes about carnivorous plants and their adaptations. Ann also emphasizes creative approaches to STEM education, recounting personal experiences that inspire a love for learning. Her vibrant enthusiasm for botany and storytelling shines through, making it an inspiring listen for aspiring authors and curious minds alike.
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Dead Horse Arum's Smelly Appeal
- Ann McCallum Staats shares her favorite smelly plant, the Dead Horse Arum, which smells like rotting meat.
- This plant attracts insects by mimicking rotting meat in color and scent, illustrating fascinating plant adaptations.
Carnivorous Plants' Unique Diets
- Ann describes how the Venus flytrap captures insects to supplement nitrogen-poor soil in the Carolinas.
- She also introduces Nepenthes rajah, a giant carnivorous plant that can trap small rodents, highlighting bizarre plant feeding strategies.
Rural Childhood Shaped Curiosity
- Ann grew up in a remote log house in British Columbia surrounded by nature and wildlife.
- This unique upbringing shaped her deep appreciation for the outdoors and plants.
