Joe, Nick, Georgia, and special guest Molly discuss the diverse and captivating world of plants. The conversation covers a wide array of topics including strange and weird plants, plant care tips, the complexities of plant biology, and even plants useful during a zombie apocalypse. Molly shares her journey from forestry enthusiast to plant store owner and competitive bagpipe player, along with tips on plant care. The episode also includes a taste test of sour pickle beer and delves into the mechanism of Venus flytraps, the ecological impact of different plants, and the lesser-known aspects of plant life. The team also discusses medicinal plants, the interdependence of plants and their environments, and even the idea of growing plants in extreme conditions.
Visit Molly at:
The pickle beer we drank is Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer from Martin House Brewing Company in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s a gose-style sour beer infused with real dill pickle brine, made in collaboration with Best Maid Pickles.
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We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
What’s the weirdest plant you’ve ever seen or owned?
Would you keep a zombie survival garden, and if so, what would you plant first?
Have you ever tried growing a plant from a cutting or seed, and what’s the strangest one you attempted?
What’s your favorite “alien” looking plant, and why?
Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!
Images from Recording
Show Notes & Fun facts
Living Fossils: Ginkgo trees have remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of millions of years.
Photosynthetic Animals: The green sea slug (Elysia chlorotica) steals chloroplasts from algae for its own photosynthesis.
Grass Screams: The smell of freshly cut grass is actually a chemical distress signal to other plants.
Venus Flytrap Origins: Despite their alien nature, Venus flytraps are native to the Carolinas.
Fire-Resistant Roots: The cobra lily can regenerate from its fire-resistant roots, making it nearly immortal in the right conditions.
Historical Poison: The castor bean plant produces ricin, one of the deadliest natural toxins.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 - Welcome and Introductions
00:29 - Today’s Topic: Strange and Weird Plants
Defining what makes a plant, plant diversity, and adaptations.
01:11 - Meet Molly: The Plant Lover
From forestry to competitive bagpipes to owning a plant shop.
03:01 - Live Tasting: Sour Pickle Beer
The pickle beer we drank is Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer from Martin House Brewing Company in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s a gose-style sour beer infused with real dill pickle brine, made in collaboration with Best Maid Pickles.
04:23 - Defining Plants and Their Characteristics
Multicellular, photosynthetic, and structurally diverse.
05:38 - Exploring Unique and Unusual Plants
Living stones, carnivorous plants, and the strange adaptations of desert flora.
21:10 - Carnivorous Plants and Their Mechanisms
Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, cobra lilies, and how they lure prey.
26:32 - Poisonous Plants and Their Historical Uses
From hemlock to ricin, plants that have a dark history.
30:10 - Medicinal Plants and Their Benefits
Echinacea, aloe vera, and surprising botanical healers.
33:53 - Symbiotic Relationships in Nature
Coral, algae, diatoms and lichens as unlikely but critical plant partners.
34:18 - “Fun Guy” Episode Preview
Quick nod to the fungi episode in the works.
34:45 - Lichens and Air Quality
How these plant-fungus hybrids indicate ecosystem health.
35:13 - Joe’s Childhood Fascination with Plants
Early plant surgery dreams and lab experiences.
35:41 - Joe’s High School Lab Experiences
From tree surgery to tumor research in plants.
37:08 - Plant Defense Mechanisms
Chemical warfare, pheromones, and “screaming” grass.
47:27 - Zombie Survival Plants
Hardy, multipurpose plants for when the world ends (Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, hops).
58:15 - Plant Hospital and Care Tips
Molly’s plant hospice and how to revive struggling houseplants.
01:10:43 - Conclusion and Farewell
Final thoughts, plant trivia, and where to find Molly’s shop.
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