Botany

Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone. This repels mosquitoes by affecting their TRPA1 channels. We contain these channels as well, but catnip doesn’t affect them.

The definition of the term "native plant" can seem very complicated, but there are some elements that help to keep it simple. The "official" definitions of native plants that come from official agencies all seem to have three basic elements in common.

Trees are amongst the tallest organisms in the world and can grow to more than 100 meters in height. The importance of these living things is as the primary source of our sustenance: food, oxygen, shelter, woods, etc. This article shares 10 fun facts about trees that you maybe didn't know.

Avocado trees produce appealing and nutritious fruits. The plants have some interesting botanical features, and their historical background is intriguing.

Everywhere we turn during the spring season we are filled with awe just to see all the beautiful blossoms on the luxurious trees and showy shrubs! The following article features the most popular varieties with gorgeous photos along with interesting facts and growing tips. Be inspired!

Willows are attractive plants with some interesting features and uses. They produce salicin, the forerunner of aspirin, and miyabeacin, which might fight some types of cancer.

The Persian silk tree is a deciduous, fast-growing tree with a spreading umbrella-like crown. It is well-known for its beautiful foliage and flowers. Read on to know more about the Persian silk tree.

Learn the four different functions of roots, the different parts of roots, and their importance in human life. Also explore how water is absorbed by plants' roots, as well as some unusual types of specialized root systems.

Learn the different types of plants (Plantae Kingdom) and what phylum they belong to. This article also includes each type's characteristics, examples, and importance to the economy and the environment.

Goat's rue contains a chemical called galegine. Studying galegine enabled scientists to create a medication called metformin, which has multiple methods of action.

Maple trees belong to the genus Acer and family Sapindaceae. Maple trees are admired for their stunning display of fall leaf colors. This article is an in-depth look at the red maple, sugar maple, and silver maple trees.

You think your barbeque mushroom skewer is safe? Alright, it is. But those delicious caps have some pretty badass cousins.

The American sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is grown as an ornamental tree. Its leaves are a gorgeous colour in autumn, but its spiky fruits may cause problems.

Water hyacinth is a beautiful and invasive plant that causes major problems. It has the ability to act as a great biofuel, especially when combined with cow dung.

Trees are so much more than plants waiting to be turned into building materials and paper.

What is pollination? How does pollination occur? Does pollen serve a useful purpose or does it just make people sneeze? What is the difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination? What are pollinators? These are some of the many questions gardeners, kids and others have about pollination.

Recent research has shown that four plant extracts inhibit the growth of some dangerous bacteria in the lab. Three of them may have been helpful during the American Civil War.

I am in awe of our world of nature, particularly the tree kingdom. Visit any local arboretum and just experience them and you will think twice about the legacy you leave. Don't litter, be kind to the earth and appreciate what you have.

Flamboyant flowers of wonderful colors, shape and form dominate the Saudi Arabian desert in springtime. The "barren" terrain is teeming with unique flora that delight not only plant enthusiasts, but also anyone who has an eye for nature. You'll be surprised to know their great benefits, too.

It is said that the “Speed” kills, but in terms of well-fed future and better plant’s productivity to survive drought conditions, then Speed is the key solution. The climate change and the growing human population have increased questions to future global food security.

A humble, misunderstood, and unappreciated vegetable, the rutabaga needs a spin doctor to improve its image; I am not here to provide that service.

Jackfruit trees produce huge fruits. Cacao seeds are used to make cocoa, but the trees are in trouble. Jackfruit seed powder may be a good substitute for cocoa.

Western red cedar (or western redcedar) is a common and interesting tree in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Historically, it was important in First Nations culture.

This article summaries how the pineapple caused a sensation when introduced to Europeans in the late 1400s, and why the love and fascination for the fruit hasn't diminished to the present day.

Plants are a beautiful part of nature, a benefit to life on earth. They affect the food supply and the air we breath. The Manchineel Tree is a poisonous example of plant life. Marked in the Guiness World Book of Records as the most dangerous tree on earth, one bite of its fruit may be fatal.

The fate of an American landmark is one of the saddest stories in recent history. The American Chestnut tree was an integral part of the forest landscape when settlers arrived on American shores. However after a airborne virus was introduced, the trees were wiped out by the billions.

Ferns are attractive plants with interesting features. They exist in both wild and cultivated forms. The western sword fern is a common plant in coastal British Columbia.

TheCereus repandus f. Monstrosa or Monstrose Apple Cactus as it is commonly known is found in gardens in Arizona and for a month in the Spring each year produces beautiful flowers, each lasting one day, for about a month.

The Abutilon menziesii is a native plant in Hawaii, endemic and federally listed as a critically endangered species with only about 500 plants remaining in fewer than 10 naturally-occurring populations throughout the Hawaiian islands. This sprawling shrub is known as Koʻoloa ʻula in Hawaii.

English and Spanish bluebells and hybrids between the two species live in British Columbia and Britain. The plants are lovely but are experiencing or causing a problem.

Some carnivorous plants such as bromeliads and pitcher plants possess pools of liquid which they use as pitfall traps. Within these pools are rich communities of microbes and tiny invertebrate animals which have evolved to inhabit these pools.

Hellebores bloom in late winter and spring. Their flowers are a welcome sight in nature, gardens, and landscaped areas. Lenten and Christmas roses are types of hellebores.

Are you sure your houseplants are not hearing and discussing you? Find out what facts will make you believe in it.

The carnauba palm and the candelilla shrub are interesting plants that produce a useful wax. Many people are exposed to carnauba or candelilla wax via products that they buy.

Salvias are a lovely,elegant, upright flower that hummingbirds love and bees find beneficial. They hail from all over the world and are full of surprises. Read on to find out more.

Dandelions are loved by some and disliked by others, as if their destiny was framed by divergent parallel universes. In what universe are you? You might think twice after reading this article.

Wild relatives of some major agricultural crops are in trouble, which could be a serious problem. The genetic diversity in wild crops may provide food security for the future.

Many species of plants living in nutrient poor environments utilise animals such as insects to derive nutrients. A variety of trap designs for capturing and killing insects have evolved in plants.

Aloe Vera the miracle plant. A history and biology of this gift of nature.

Whether you love it, hate it, or don’t know much about it, marijuana is becoming a part of many American’s lives. It's legal in many states for medical and recreational usage.

Sunflowers are large, daisy-like flowers that open up to reveal hundreds of seeds in the middle. When you see a sunflower in your garden, you know that summer has finally arrived.

This article will introduce the reader to several flowers that don't exactly look like flowers, but more like...something else.

The Tulip Poplar tree is best known for its flowers that resemble tulips.

A comprehensive beginner's guide for hunting, selling, and conserving American Wild Ginseng.

Insect pests, poor soil, the wrong light conditions, fungal infections, clumsy gardeners... All of these things can harm or even kill a tree. Find out how to fix many of these common issues.

This article looks at the the ideas of Dorothy Retallack, who's 1973 book expressed strong ideas on the effects of music on plant growth.

Unripe lychees and ackee fruits contain toxins. Both fruits should be eaten only when ripe. In addition, it's very important that ripe ackee is prepared properly.

Tomatoes are nutritious and have an interesting history, but they often lack flavor compared to ones in the past. A recent discovery may provide tastier tomatoes.

Pitcher plants produce cups that trap and digest prey. The digestive enzymes of one species can break down gluten in the lab and might help people with celiac disease.

This exotic pest has naturalized itself in Florida and is looking to spread to other parts of the country.