Exploring Plant Science: Answers to Common Questions

Plants are an essential part of our ecosystem, offering oxygen, food, and even companionship. Botanist Joey Santor recently answered some of the most intriguing plant-related questions from Twitter, providing fascinating insights into plant biology, ecology, and their relationships with humans. Here’s a deep dive into some of the key takeaways from his discussion.

The Human-Plant Relationship

When asked if humans can have a symbiotic relationship with plants, Santor emphasized that it happens all the time. A prime example is cannabis, which now grows on every continent except Antarctica due to human cultivation. Many domesticated crops and even invasive species, such as the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), have thrived in human-modified environments.

The Role of Mulch in Gardening

Mulch serves multiple purposes in a garden:

• Retains soil moisture by preventing evaporation.
• Enriches soil nutrients as fungi and microbes break it down.
• Suppresses weed growth, giving preferred plants an advantage.

Overwatering: A Common Plant-Killer

Many people mistakenly overwater plants, particularly succulents and cacti. These plants have adapted to dry environments, where their roots soak up water quickly when available. Overwatering in cooler temperatures can cause root rot, as the plant’s metabolism slows and excess moisture leads to decay.

Orchids and Their Unusual Name

Ever wondered why the word orchid sounds strange? It originates from the Greek word for testicle, referencing the tuberous roots of many terrestrial orchids.

The Slow Growth of Peyote

For those interested in Peyote (Lophophora williamsii), growing it requires patience. With proper warmth and soil conditions, it takes about four to five years for a seedling to reach the size of a golf ball. Santor advises against consuming it, as it takes years to grow enough for ingestion.

The Science of Plant Taxonomy

Plant taxonomy is the classification system for organizing plants based on evolutionary relationships. Latin names help ensure clarity, avoiding confusion caused by common names. DNA sequencing has refined this classification over time, making plant identification more precise.

The Strangest Plant in the World

One of the most unusual plants is Welwitschia mirabilis, native to the fog deserts of Namibia. This plant can live for 1,000 to 2,000 years, retains only two leaves throughout its life, and primarily absorbs moisture from fog.

The Mysteries of Fungi

Fungi, although often misunderstood, are more closely related to animals than plants. The mushroom itself is merely the fruiting body, while the real organism consists of underground mycelial networks that break down organic matter.

How Geology Affects Plant Growth

Certain plants only grow on specific rock types, such as gypsum, limestone, or serpentine. A great example is funeral sage, which thrives exclusively on limestone substrates where few other plants can survive.

Joshua Trees and Seed Dispersal

Giant sloths once played a role in dispersing Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) seeds. While sloths are extinct, modern rodents continue this process by caching seeds underground, some of which eventually sprout.

Plant Reproduction: Do Flowers Have Ovaries?

Yes! The ovary is a crucial reproductive organ of flowering plants, housing seeds before they develop into fruit. When pollinated, the ovary matures into the fruit we eat.

The Invasion of Kudzu

Kudzu (Pueraria montana), an invasive vine introduced from Asia, has taken over forests in the southeastern U.S., smothering trees and reducing biodiversity. Removing it manually is the best way to give native plants a fighting chance.

How Mangroves Protect the Coastline

Mangrove roots act as natural barriers, reducing erosion caused by storms, waves, and tides. Their complex root systems stabilize shorelines and create critical habitats for marine life.

Why Leaves Change Color in Fall

As daylight decreases, chlorophyll (green pigment) breaks down, revealing carotenoids (yellow/orange pigments) and anthocyanins (red pigments). Sugar concentration also increases, contributing to vibrant fall foliage.

Cross-Breeding Fruits: Is a “Pineapplecot” Possible?

Fruit hybridization is possible only if plants belong to the same genus. For example, plums and apricots (both in Prunus) can hybridize, but mixing mangoes and pineapples is impossible due to their distant evolutionary lineage.

The Taboo of Plant Medicine

Many pharmaceutical compounds originate from plants. However, natural sources do not guarantee safety. Some plants contain highly toxic substances, such as cyanide, arsenic, and ricin. The effectiveness of plant-based medicine depends on scientific validation, not just natural origins.

Plant Identification and Care

Proper plant identification is key to providing adequate care. Succulents, such as Euphorbia, require ample light, while shade-loving plants like Monstera thrive in lower light conditions. For beginners, Philodendrons and Snake Plants are great low-maintenance choices.

Can Plants Grow Without Sunlight?

Some plants, such as mycoheterotrophs, parasitize fungi and survive in darkness. Others, like Monstera, adapt well to low-light indoor environments. Artificial grow lights can substitute for sunlight as long as they provide blue and red wavelengths.

How to Identify Poisonous Plants

Many toxic plants, such as milkweed and oleander, produce bitter-tasting alkaloids. Some members of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) have both edible and poisonous species, making proper identification crucial.

The Corpse Flower’s Putrid Smell

The infamous corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) emits a rotting-flesh odor to attract beetles and flies, which act as pollinators.

How Plants Breathe

Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through stomata, tiny pores on the undersides of leaves. These pores also regulate water vapor loss, helping plants maintain hydration.

How Plants Evolve Without a Brain

Evolution is driven by random genetic mutations interacting with environmental factors. Beneficial mutations increase a plant’s survival and reproduction, gradually shaping its characteristics over generations.

Why Are Redwood Trees So Tall?

Tall trees like California redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) and giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) outcompete other plants for sunlight and water. Their towering heights help them dominate their ecosystems.

Lichens vs. Mushrooms

Lichens are symbiotic partnerships between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria, allowing them to photosynthesize. In contrast, mushrooms are purely fungal structures that function as reproductive organs.

Becoming a Botanist

Anyone can become a botanist by exploring plant life. Visiting botanical gardens, using plant identification apps, and learning about taxonomy and plant physiology are excellent ways to start.

Carnivorous Plant Hybridization

Carnivorous plants can be crossbred within the same genus, producing unique hybrids with diverse characteristics. Nurseries often create colorful and exotic cultivars for enthusiasts.

The Rarest Plants in the World

Some plants, like Encelia densifolia, have fewer than 100 known specimens. These species face threats from habitat loss and climate change.

Final Thoughts

Joey Santor’s Twitter Q&A provided a wealth of botanical knowledge, covering everything from plant evolution to care tips. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s always more to learn about the incredible world of plants!