Branch Out

The largest herbarium imaging project in the southern hemisphere is underway at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney with over 1 million botanical specimens becoming high-definition digital images. Discover how the images will protect the valuable collection and help researchers around the world make new discoveries to advance science and conservation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you need a brain to sense the world around you, remember or learn? Apparently not. Dive into the marvellous work of evolutionary ecologist Dr Monica Gagliano whose pioneering experiments are proving plants are learning behaviour in ways we never thought possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Pettermont, a master chocolatier with two decades of experience crafting exquisite chocolates, and David Guest, a dedicated plant scientist from the University of Sydney, dive into the compelling relationship between chocolate and agriculture. They discuss the alarming threats to cacao plants from diseases and the socio-economic challenges faced by farmers. Listeners will learn about the artisan chocolate-making process and the vital importance of ethical sourcing, sustainability, and supporting the communities behind this beloved treat.

Discover over 60,000 years of culture, plant uses and personal stories from Aboriginal people in Sydney, Australia. You'll also hear from a proud Dharawal elder and his daughter who are keeping their unique Sydney culture alive through storytelling, advocacy, art and research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mistletoe is in love potions, ancient medicines to ward off epilepsy and ulcers and even a Justin Bieber Christmas song and Australia is the true home of mistletoe with about 90 different sap-sucking species. Discover why so many people throughout the ages are fascinated by the mystery and magic of these paradoxical parasites. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who do you think spends the least amount of time outdoors: Chickens, inmates or kids? Discover the growing movement of nature play at various forest schools and kindergartens around the world, including one right here in the heart of Sydney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bees predate the dinosaurs and they've been doing some crazy and complex things inside the hive. From using a 'waggle dance' to communicate where food is, to making 'bee bread' using pollen. It's a short and sweet life for most, but be warned, there are a couple of gruesome ways to die... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How was a cow paddock in Western Sydney transformed into the biggest botanic garden in Australia? And what's the difference between a park and a botanic garden anyway? Join the legendary Graham Ross and the Garden's Curator John Siemon as they share the incredible story of the Australian Botanic Garden and its best features. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a plant a killer? Join one of Australia's foremost experts on carnivorous plants, and discover the different tactics these murderous munchers use to lure, trap and trick their prey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You might think the National Herbarium of NSW is where we keep our finest coriander, mint and basil. Actually, this vital facility contains over 1 million plant specimens used for scientific research, and some are almost 250 years old! Walk through the corridors of this 165-year-old building and discover this historical hub and heart of plant sciences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices