Completely Arbortrary

Underrated, underplanted, underappreciated… so why isn’t the Japanese pagodatree (Styphnolobium japonicum) a more popular as a street tree in our urban forests?Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode dives into the fascinating world of ebony, exploring its origins in Sri Lanka and its historical significance in trade. The hosts detail the rich biodiversity of Diospyros species and the striking features of ebony wood, including its dark coloration and hardiness. They highlight Bob Taylor's efforts to support sustainable sourcing and combat illegal logging. The fun doesn't stop there; a playful Family Tree game links Batman villains with tree species, blending humor with botanical insights!

Hop aboard the good ship Odyssey to make for the island of the lotus tree (Diospyros lotus). But, could this be a case of mistaken idenitree?...Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we take a quick break we're here to remind you that our holiday merch sale ends ON BLACK FRIDAY, and reintroduce you to our talk on urban trees and racism. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the boys take a much needed break from the wild world of modern podcasting, they present to you the audio from a 2023 livestream entitled Fungus in the Fall.Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive into the world of junipers as the hosts explore the fascinating weeping juniper, uncovering its drooping habits and berry-like cones. They discuss the evolutionary history of junipers splitting from cypresses and the impressive diversity within the genus. Learn about the unique speciation driven by bird dispersal and isolated mountain 'sky islands.' Plus, hear insights on soil health and the potential pitfalls of over-fertilizing trees. A blend of botany, ecology, and practical gardening advice awaits!

The boys are joined by their first ever third host to discuss goin' thig mode with thigmomorphogenesis and the Fraser fir (Abies fraseri). Then, a test of Casey's binomial spelling skills with The Spelling Tree. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BEEware of the bigleaf magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla). This tree made such a strong alliance with beetles, that any other insect trying to get in gets KILLED. Then we play a Halloween edition of Family Tree!Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex CrowsonSupport the pod and become a Treemium MemberFollow along on InstagramFind Arbortrary merch on our storeFind additional reading on our websiteCover art by Jillian BartholdMusic by Aves and The Mini-VandalsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, the hosts dive into the eerie world of the Manzanilla de la Muerte, a tree known for making horses go crazy! They explore its toxic white latex, discuss bizarre ecological theories about its poisonous fruit, and recount firsthand accounts of its dangerous effects. The conversation includes the historical uses of the tree's toxins and the alarming symptoms from contact. With a blend of folklore, facts, and some playful trivia, they rate this treacherous tree while calling for more scientific research.

Discover the fascinating Coffin Tree, known for its towering height and decay-resistant wood. The hosts delve into its unique properties, exploring why it's traditionally used for coffins. Learn about its ancient lineage, impressive dimensions, and the cultural significance of good wood in funerary customs. They even discuss a quirky botanical history and the plant's potential lifespan of 2,000 years. Join the fun as they share amusing theories and playful ratings, making botany entertaining and lively!