In Defense of Plants Podcast

00:42:48

Ep. 538 - Coastal Wetlands, Rising Seas, & Ghost Forests

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/08/10

Coastal wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on our planet. They are a boon for plants, animals, and people alike. However, sea level rise is changing these ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Join me and Dr. Keryn Gedan as we explore the links between sea level rise, wetland migration, and ghost forests and learn how communities are bracing themselves for adapting to these changes. This episode was produced in part by Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia,

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00:51:23

Ep. 537 - From Seeds to Climate

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/08/03

Large seed dispersers are disproportionately affected by human disturbances like habitat loss and poaching. At the same time, a disproportionate number of tropical tree species rely on animals for seed dispersal. What happens when these animals disappear from an area? Do forests suffer and how might this impact things like carbon cycling and climate? Join me and Dr. Evan Fricke as we explore these questions and more. This episode was produced in part by Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly,

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00:49:28

Ep. 536 - Tropical Forests & Loss of Seed Dispersers

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/07/27

Seed dispersal is a vital ecological process no matter what scale you look at. From the genetic diversity of plant populations to the impact of forests on climate, how plants move around the landscape and regenerate is one of the most important processes on Earth. So, what happens when plants lose seed their seed dispersers? How do things like poaching and habitat loss affect these ecological relationships? These are the kinds of questions that drive Dr. Therese Lamperty's research. Join us for a

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00:59:30

Ep. 535 - Quillworts Revisited

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/07/20

Their ancestors once dominated the coal swamps of the Carboniferous Period, growing into massive trees that could reach upwards of 160 feet (50 m) into the canopy. Today, the quillworts (Isoetes spp.) are all that remains of this lineage. Though cosmopolitan in their distribution, quillworts can be hard to find unless you know where to look. Luckily, there are people like Dr. David Wickell who have placed them at the center of their scientific focus. Dr. Wickell is hard at work helping to uncover

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00:55:16

Ep. 534 - Self-Incompatibility in Phlox

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/07/13

Self-Incompatibility is a means by which some plants prevent self-fertilization and promotes outcrossing. It has evolved independently in many different groups and plays a very important role in the ecology, evolution, and conservation of different species. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Grace Burgin to explore the multitude of ways she is trying to understand self-incompatibility in the genus Phlox. Join us for a fascinating deep dive into what it takes to understand this phenomenon in Phlox

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00:50:12

Ep. 533 - Native Plants & Biodiversity on the High Line

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/07/06

The High Line was once a major railway. Today, it is one of the best gardens in the United States. By focusing on and encouraging native plants, horticulturists at horticulture at the High Line is supporting biodiversity in one of the busiest cities on the planet. Join me and senior director of horticulture Richard Hayden as we explore what makes the High Line so special for wildlife and the community. This episode was produced in part by Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda,

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00:54:27

Ep. 532 - Fireflies & Plants Revisited

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/06/29

Fireflies are among the most celebrated organisms on Earth. What is not to love about their incredible light displays? However, fireflies can't exist without habitat and plants are that habitat. Revisit a conversation between Dr. Sara Lewis and me as we discuss some of the intriguing connections between fireflies and plants. This episode was produced in part by Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie,

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01:05:39

Ep. 531 - Native Plants Feed Ecosystems

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/06/22

This episode explores the nuances of why it is so important to plant native plants. Native plants are the cornerstone of nearly every ecosystem on Earth because they are both food and habitat wrapped into one. Join me and Dr. Desirée Narango as we explore how native plants feed ecosystems. This episode was produced in part by Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max,

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00:44:44

Ep. 530 - Our Relationship with the Joshua Tree

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/06/15

The Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) has attained celebrity status in recent times, but that hasn't always been the case. For over a century, the Joshua tree was viewed as a useless and repulsive plant that bucked all attempts to tame it. How our relationship with Yucca brevifolia went from hatred to worship is the topic of "Yuck", in which author Barret Baumgart dives into the history of this species, how it has changed over the years and how climate change and rampant tourism may spell disaster for

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00:56:37

Ep. 529 - Native Plants, Habitat, & Infectious Diseases

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/06/08

Whether you realize it or not, our lives depend on the native plant communities that comprise and support regional biodiversity. As we lose habitat, we lose species, and we lose the checks and balances that keep the living world functional. Scientists are increasingly uncovering the links between human health issues like infectious diseases and biodiversity loss and that is exactly what Dr. James Shepherd and I discuss in this episode. Join us as we explore the links between habitat loss, native

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01:02:18

Ep. 528 - Flower Color is Complex

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/06/01

On face value, flower colors would seem to have everything to do with pollination, but it is far more complex than that. The pigments that give flowers the colors we can see can have many different functions and how they evolve is a fascinating realm of research. Join me and Dr. Andrea Berardi as we explore floral coloration in two genera - Silene and Petunia. This episode was produced in part by Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda,

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00:57:04

Ep. 527 - A Deep Dive on Medinilla

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/05/25

Understanding the relationships among plants can reveal so much about the history of our planet and the mechanisms of evolution. This is why Dr. Peter Quakenbush has spent so much time trying to understand the genus Medinilla. You might be most familiar with Medinilla magnifica as a popular houseplant, this it is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diversity of this genus. Join us for a deep dive into the amazing world of Medinilla diversity. This episode was produced in part by Austin,

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01:00:45

Ep. 526 - Biodiversity & Ecosystem Function

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/05/18

Changes in biodiversity are happening all over the globe. From losses to homogenization, understanding the affects of biodiversity change are paramount to understanding how ecosystems function. Nowhere is this more apparent than with plants. Join me and ecologist Dr. Jake Grossman as we explore the links between tree diversity and ecosystem functioning. This episode was produced in part by Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana,

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01:04:11

Ep. 525 - Lessons from Ancient Grasslands

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/05/11

Say "old growth" and we all too often picture ancient forests with large, gnarly trees. However, forests aren't the only habitat types that can reach old growth status. Prairies, savannas, and woodlands can be old growth too and it is vital that we both protect and learn from them as they are one of the rarest habitat types on Earth. Join me and ecologist Dan Carter from The Prairie Enthusiasts as we discuss old growth grasslands and what they can teach us about ecological restoration. This episode

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00:59:04

Ep. 524 - Tackling the Oval Sedges

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/05/04

Sedges (genus Carex) can be an intimidating group of plants to get your head wrapped around, but it doesn't have to be that way. One key element to understanding them is knowing what to look for, which is why I am so excited to talk about a new book/key to the oval sedges - “Carex of Illinois and Surrounding States”. Join me and authors Michael Murphy, Greg Spyreas, and Paul Marcum as we explore what it took to put together their beautifully illustrated guide to these Carex, why they spent years

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01:01:14

Ep. 523 - Prickly Pear Cacti Are Wonderfully Complex

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/04/27

The odds of encountering a prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) in your lifetime is high no matter where you live. That is how abundant, diverse, and charismatic these cacti truly are. For all of their intrigue, so much about these spiny succulents remains a mystery. Trying to understand their diversity is fraught with challenges, both physical and academic, but that hasn't dissuaded people like Dr. Lucas Majure. Join us for a fascinating dive into the world of prickly pear cacti diversity and

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00:57:22

Ep. 522 - Shocking Relationships Between Trees &...

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/04/20

Getting struck by lightning is always thought of as a bad thing, but what if it wasn't? Trees can't get up and escape when storms roll in and the chances of one getting struck by lightning increases as they grow taller. For at least one species of tropical tree, getting struck could actually be beneficial not only to individuals but also populations. Join me and Dr. Evan Gora as we look at the shocking relationships between trees and lightning. This episode was produced in part by Elle, Steve,

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00:58:33

Ep. 521 - Plant Conservation from the Sky

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/04/13

Go looking for information on rare plant population health and it can be surprisingly hard to come by. Plant monitoring, especially over the long term, is a challenge and data have not always kept up with the need. Dr. Michelle DePrenger-Levin and her colleagues at the Denver Botanic Gardens are doing their part to fix this and using some cool technology in the process. Join us as we discuss how drones are helping plant monitoring and conservation efforts. This episode was produced in part by Elle,

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00:53:40

Ep. 520 - Saving Orchids!

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/04/06

What does it take to save orchids from extinction? Saving Orchids by Dr's Philip Seaton and Larry Zettler showcase the dedicated folks who are making it happen across the world. From why orchids need our help to cultivating in the lab and returning them to the wild, Saving Orchids is an inspirational read for anyone with even the slightest interest in nature and conservation. Join us for a peak at what this book is all about and what went in to writing it. This episode was produced in part by Elle,

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00:53:53

Ep. 519 - Sonoran Desert, Past & Future

In Defense of Plants Podcast ·

2025/03/30

Visit the Sonoran Desert and you too will fall in love with its beauty and diversity. It is truly one of the most incredible places on earth. Dr. Ben Wilder agrees which is why he has dedicated his life to understanding the history of the Sonoran flora and using that knowledge to help ensure it has a future. Join us for a celebration of all things Sonoran Desert. This episode was produced in part by Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max,

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