Branch Out

In this conversation with Jaryd Kelly, Curator Manager of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, listeners dive into the fascinating world of the Corpse Flower. Jaryd shares the excitement surrounding its rare bloom, which occurs only after 15 years and lasts just 24 hours. He discusses the unique challenges of transporting this delicate giant and its infamous odor that attracts pollinators. The chat reveals the plant's ecological significance and the collaborative efforts among botanical gardens to cultivate it. Naming traditions in horticulture add a charming twist to the tale!

Professor Brett Summerall, Chief Scientist at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, dives into the intriguing world of fungi. He discusses the alarming rise in mushroom poisonings in Australia and emphasizes the need for awareness of toxic versus beneficial species. The episode sheds light on the incredible diversity of fungi and their essential role in ecosystems. Summerall highlights serious health risks from moulds and their mycotoxins in our food. Lastly, he addresses health trends related to mushroom consumption and the environmental implications of fungi.

In this episode of Branch Out, we investigate the massive issue of plastic waste in our environment. You’ll hear from scientist Dr Denise Hardesty and business owner Mitchell Taylor on new technologies like machine learning and engineering products transforming the way we use and think about plastic waste. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Austin, Professor and Director of Taxonomy Australia, leads efforts to document Australian species, while Claire Ibrahim, a Partner at Deloitte Access Economics, quantifies biodiversity’s economic value. They delve into taxonomy's crucial role in identifying unclassified species and its implications for conservation and agriculture. The discussion highlights the economic benefits of biosecurity and advanced technologies like machine learning in taxonomy. Moreover, the podcast underscores the Great Barrier Reef's $56 billion economic worth and advocates for integrating ecological factors into economic models.

Attention true crime junkies, you’re about to learn about one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in the botanical world… as we continue to uncover the global phenomenon of stealing rare and exotic plants.  In this episode you'll hear from Richard Barley, Director of Gardens at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London, about the eerie disappearance of the African water lily - one of Earth’s rarest plants stolen from the biggest botanic garden in the world.  You'll also hear from John Siemon, Director of Horticulture and Living collections at Botanic Gardens of Sydney, about why plant theft is a massive problem plaguing Botanic Gardens. John recalls some of the desperate measures avid plant collectors have resorted to over the years and explains why these green-fingered thieves are threatening the survival of many endangered species.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jared Margulies, an assistant professor of political ecology and author of The Cactus Hunters, as he unveils the hidden world of illegal cactus and succulent trade. He discusses tense heists in Mexico and the shocking rise of poaching in California, driven by skyrocketing demand in South Korea. Margulies navigates the blurry lines between conservation and crime, revealing that sometimes, the smuggler and conservationist are one and the same. Dive into a complex tale where nature and greed clash in the most unexpected ways.

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Go behind the scenes with Senior Horticulturist Terra-Nova Sadowski at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to discover what it takes to curate and care for the incredible display of over 20,000 plants inside The Calyx. The latest immersive horticulture display is called Love Your Nature. It celebrates and showcases the colourful, diverse, and fascinating world of plant reproduction and diversity. You'll learn about prehistoric plants that use clones, spores, and seeds to reproduce, and flowering plants that employ colours, shapes, and scents to attract animals. The Calyx is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover how the creator of the machete-wielding philodendron turned this harmless houseplant into armed greenery in this 'fast flora facts' edition of Branch Out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Branch Out host Vanessa Fuchs went to the Pint of Science event at the Keg & Brew in Surry Hills, Sydney to hear an awesome presentation from Dr Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez - a researcher from Western Sydney University known as the “tree detective.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices