Branch Out

Some communities can't access green space, depriving them of the physical, mental and social benefits that nature brings. Discover how the Community Greening program is changing the health and wellbeing of communities one garden at a time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Barbara Briggs is one of Australia’s leading botanists and police used her skills in the 1960’s to assist a kidnapping-murder case. But over the course of her 59 years of research at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, she’s been part of an even bigger investigation: EVOLUTION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They're among the first types of land plants to appear on Earth about 470 million years ago, but bryophtes are easy to overlook - unless you're Matt or Trevor. On a field trip to the very tip of Far North Queensland, they came across a curious new species growing in a highly unusual place... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karen Somerville, a scientist at the Australian Plant Bank, illuminates the fascinating world of seed banking for rainforest conservation. She discusses the essential role of seed preservation in preventing plant extinction and shares the challenges faced with various species. The conversation highlights innovative techniques like x-ray technology for identifying viable seeds and advanced methods such as tissue culture and cryopreservation. Discover how these efforts are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring plants continue to thrive.

Cathy Offord, a Principal Research Scientist at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney, dives into the fascinating world of the Wollemi Pine, a living fossil thought extinct for 60 million years. She recounts its thrilling 1994 discovery and shares the urgent conservation efforts to protect this ancient species. Offord also explains its unique reproductive secrets, including the challenges of seed production and propagation. Additionally, learn about innovative strategies, like tracking seedlings and promoting global awareness, to ensure a future for this extraordinary tree.

Maurizio Roseto, an evolutionary ecologist from the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney, shares his expertise on the endangered Southern Cassowary. Discover how this remarkable bird's digestive abilities support the rainforest ecosystem and even our survival. The discussion dives into the cassowary's unique role in seed dispersal, highlighting its impact on biodiversity. Maurizio also addresses the threats these birds face and conservation strategies to protect their habitats, emphasizing their importance in maintaining healthy rainforests.

Dr. Ed Liu, an expert in plant diseases at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, takes listeners on a captivating journey into the world of plant pathology. Discover the detective work needed to diagnose issues like trunk rot. Dive into the microscopic realm of fungi, examining intriguing samples under a microscope. Liu highlights the significance of fungi in ecosystems and the role of DNA technology in identifying plant diseases affecting our food crops. His passion for these tiny yet impactful organisms is infectious!

Brett Summerall, Director of Science and Conservation at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, dives into the fascinating interplay between plants and medicine. He discusses the deadly and life-saving chemicals found in various plants, such as the black bean tree’s castanospermine, linked to cancer and HIV treatment. Summerall highlights the crucial roles of plant secondary metabolites and their effects on humans versus predators. He also shares insights on indigenous Australian flora and the thrilling discovery of a new endangered plant species, blending science with personal anecdotes.