14: Domesticating Foxes, The Oldest Potted Plant, and Crosswords
Apr 7, 2022
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Exploring topics like domesticating foxes, the oldest potted plant, and the love-hate relationship with crosswords. Delving into the concepts of domestication syndrome, genetic relationships between red foxes and dogs, and the evolution of potted plants throughout history. Discussing the longevity of plants, the appeal of crossword puzzles, and unique clues in crosswords. Touching on themes like the immune privilege of the eye and diversity in crossword creation.
Domestication involves domestication syndrome and neural crest cell hypothesis in animals.
The oldest potted plant, the Eastern Cape Giant Psycad, is over 250 years old.
Crossword puzzles originated in 1913 and have evolved with experimental clues.
Enjoying crosswords with friends can add humor and camaraderie to the puzzle-solving experience.
Deep dives
The World's Oldest Potted Plant: The Eastern Cape Giant Psycad
The Eastern Cape Giant Psycad, a palm-like plant, is the world's oldest potted plant, estimated to be around 250 years old. It was first potted in the UK in 1775 and measures over 4 meters in height. This plant resides in Kew Gardens and hails from the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. It receives minimal pruning and watering, needing occasional attention to remove dead leaves and provide infrequent large waterings.
Care and Maintenance of the Eastern Cape Giant Psycad
To care for the Eastern Cape Giant Psycad, efforts are focused on preventing it from falling over due to its leaning position, supported by metal beams. It is low maintenance, requiring little pruning and water, except for large sporadic waterings throughout the year. The plant received repotting in 2009, a demanding process that involved specialised soil for irrigation purposes.
Longevity and Conservation of the Eastern Cape Giant Psycad
While the exact lifespan of the Eastern Cape Giant Psycad is unknown, other cycad species have been recorded to live over 1,000 years in the wild. Kew Gardens monitors this plant as part of conservation efforts, aiming to understand extinction risks and guide conservation priorities. The plant's survival is closely monitored by caretakers, ensuring minimal maintenance to preserve its heritage.
Quotes from Caretakers at Kew Gardens
Caretakers at Kew Gardens express humorous anecdotes and concerns about caring for the Eastern Cape Giant Psycad, with statements ranging from fears of being known as 'the man who killed the oldest potted plant' to neurotic fantasies about the consequences of inadequate watering. These quotes reflect the caretakers' dedicated efforts to safeguard this ancient plant.
Historical Significance and Conservation Efforts
The Eastern Cape Giant Psycad embodies historical significance as one of the world's oldest potted plants, residing in Kew Gardens since 1775. Conservation efforts focus on monitoring its well-being and understanding its longevity to guide conservation strategies. Caretakers at Kew Gardens uphold meticulous maintenance practices to ensure the plant's continued survival and protection against extinction risks.
The History and Evolution of Crosswords
Crossword puzzles originated in 1913 with the Fun's Word Cross Puzzle created by Arthur Wynn. Initially despised as a fad, they gained popularity over time. The New York Times started publishing crosswords during World War II, appointing Margaret Farrar as the first crossword editor. The puzzles have evolved to reflect changing culture and include elements like rebuses and experimental clues.
Engaging with Crosswords in a Fun and Collaborative Way
Crosswords can be enjoyed collaboratively online, leading to a mix of chaos and humor with friends. Activities like filling in joke answers and playfully solving clues add a layer of enjoyment to the puzzle-solving experience. While some take crosswords seriously, the speaker emphasizes the joy derived from approaching crosswords with a sense of fun and camaraderie.
Could you domesticate a fox, and what even IS domestication? What is the oldest potted plant, and, wait, what does Caroline mean by that question? And how did Tom go from hating crosswords to loving them?
We also learn about: the first domesticated animals, one of Darwin’s sequels, floppy ears, domestication syndrome, the fox bachelor, the neural crest cell hypothesis, our version of Behind the Bastards, cited comment critiques, we all just want to learn, I’ve never seen a plant in the middle ages, we completely misinterpret the question, ella’s old man wisdom, a plant older than america, the anxious keepers of the oldest potted plant, crosswords were a fad, we were always insufferable, relearnig ocular immunity, crossword fuckery, “thirsty” well shortz, what is and isn’t general knowledge? and bad jokes with friends.
