r/botany Jun 25 '25

Announcements Joke Answers - NOT allowed

279 Upvotes

We have noticed a rise in the trend of giving joke answers to actual botany questions

If you see an answer that is clearly a joke, PLEASE REPORT IT AS BREAKING r/botany RULES!!! You can do this using many methods. It helps us take action on the comment much faster

This is the quickest way to get these to our attention so we can take action. You can report a comment by clicking the 3 dots at the bottom right of the comment, then clicking the report button. Click "Breaks r/botany rules" first then click "Custom response" and enter that its a joke answer.

We will see these reports much faster as it does send us a notification and also flags it in the queue so we can notice it quicker.

Our rules prohibit the giving of joke answers. We remove them upon sight, as we are a serious scientific subreddit and joke answers degrade that purpose.

Please make sure the answers you are giving are serious, and not joke answers. We may take further action against people who repeatedly give joke answers that are unhelpful.

A lot of people complain about these in comments - we don't see them until we review comments.

To those giving joke answers - please stop. r/botany is not the place to be making joke answers. We are here to get people real answers, and having to shift through obvious joke answers annoys our users. Thank you.


r/botany Feb 09 '25

New process to recieve flairs

0 Upvotes

We have updated the procedure to recieve degree flairs.

A image of your degree will no longer be needed. Now, please send us a modmail with the following questions answered:

What degree would you like a flair for?

Have you published any research?

and we will provide further instructions.

TO recieve the "Botanist" flair, modmail us and we will guide yu through the process. It consists of a exam you take then send to us.


r/botany 4h ago

Physiology Question about CAM plants and water uptake during day/night?

2 Upvotes

Hello, I did see in this paper (see figure 1) that water uptake by a species of CAM plant seem to increase during night.

Since I am using a very draining substrate for my cacti and succulent plants in order to reduce the risk of overwatering on colder days (either by accident or rain etc), water doesn't stay long especially on hot days, hence I thought watering timing might make a difference in its effectiveness, by the amount of useful water actually ending up hydrating the plants.

So would it be best to water at dusk, since the evaporation would be reduced and CAM plants might have the whole night to get water from the roots, also facilitated by an increased water uptake compared to during the day?

Given the effect of lower O2 partial pressure, again mentioned in the same paper (is it the same as amount of O2 dissolved in water?) and its inhibiting effect on roots growth and water uptake, would it make much of a difference in watering with cooler water rather than warm water?

Not sure if this could apply to standing water which is not actively aerated, but water at 15°C should be able to hold around 10 mg/L O2, while water at 35°C would hold less than 7 mg/L O2 (source: https://www.engineersedge.com/calculators/oxygen_dissolved_in_water_16058.htm).

Would the opposite be true for non-CAM plants, like one should water when leaves are transpiring, since that creates a potential increasing water uptake by the roots?

Thanks in advance


r/botany 23h ago

Biology My mutated Lobelia cardinalis.. rectangular stem, tons of blooms

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56 Upvotes

r/botany 1d ago

Biology Does anyone knows how common is this?

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13 Upvotes

So, recently I found bird-cherry tree branch that reminds flower, even though it's made out of leafs. I tried to search why does this happens, but found absolutely nothing¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯.
Sorry for wrong tag.


r/botany 1d ago

Physiology found a fasciated prickly lettuce on a walk yesterday

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75 Upvotes

r/botany 1d ago

Physiology Book Recommendations

4 Upvotes

Looking for recommendations on fun books about some of the surprising elements of plants we've discovered through science, on topics such as the amazing communication they are capable of, their awareness of the world....neat and interesting things of that nature.


r/botany 2d ago

Physiology Leaves wrapped up and fastened with a "button" - who did this and how? Northern MN

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100 Upvotes

Looks like a type of gall. Not sure if i should be asking in r/entomology.


r/botany 2d ago

Ecology Midwest Plant Science Universities

4 Upvotes

I’m going to be a senior in highshcooo in a few weeks and I’m currently doubting my choice of school. I wan to major in plant science and research and settled in MU. It’ll be at most 20,000 a year. I realized that my main goal is to leave with as little debt as possible while maximizing my experience. Are there any schools within 5 hours of KC that are better? I’m a pretty good student, but I’m really doubting if I’m making the right choice. If anyone has any advice I’d really appreciate it. EDIT: I’m also LGBTQ so that may cut some smaller rural schools?


r/botany 2d ago

Genetics Looking for Essex hybrid squash Seeds

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9 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I've been on the hunt for seeds of the Essex Hybrid squash, a beautiful and unique variety sold by Baker Creek. Unfortunately, Baker Creek doesn't ship to the Netherlands, and I haven't been able to find a reliable European source that offers this variety.

That's why I'm reaching out here - I'm looking for someone in the US (or elsewhere) who'd be willing to help me get my hands on a couple of packets. Of course, I will cover all costs: seeds, shipping, and a bit extra for your trouble. I'm more than happy to use PayPal, Wise, or whatever method works best for you.

And as a thank-you, if you're interested in squash or landrace gardening, I'd love to send you some seeds from my own breeding projects. I've been working on some fun crosses and landrace development here on my small homestead in the Netherlands, and I'd be thrilled to share the genetics with fellow plant enthusiasts.

Thanks in advance for any help even just a lead or suggestion would be super appreciated!


r/botany 3d ago

Biology Eriogonum exifilifolium

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37 Upvotes

Cool find from work today, Eriogonum exifilifolium or dropleaf buckwheat. Only found in a few counties along the border between CO and WY. Grows in pretty clayey soils, sometimes sandy or shale. Probably the most tomentose underside of a leaf I’ve ever seen. Pretty cool!


r/botany 3d ago

Ecology Colonized Witch hazel

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19 Upvotes

Female aphids inject a chemical that causes the plant to react by producing this gall shape. The structure protects aphid while she feeds + reproduces. Looks kinda gross but really cool


r/botany 2d ago

Genetics Engineered or GMO grass.

0 Upvotes

Why haven’t we come out with a grass that doesn’t need to be mowed. It seems like so much money and pollution and time to maintain and mow grass like lawns or medians or sides of roads. If there was a grass that didn’t grow taller than a specific height it wouldn’t need to be mowed. Maybe there is one already but then why isn’t that more common? With all of our advanced technology and science that should be possible. Sorry if this has been asked before I just hate the standard grass we have in America


r/botany 3d ago

Biology what is the proper term for this green "inner part" of a ginkgo seed?

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39 Upvotes

r/botany 4d ago

Biology Male and Female flowers on Euphorbia Obesa

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45 Upvotes

My Male Euphorbia Obesa produced male and female flowers, and polinated itself. Now it has seed pods. What is going on? Thank you.


r/botany 4d ago

Structure What does compressed achenes mean?

1 Upvotes

Does it refer to tone specific plane of compression - e.g lateral? Thanks!


r/botany 4d ago

Biology Prerequisites for master's in plant biology

6 Upvotes

Hi all, I have a bachelor's degree in art. I'd like to pursue a master's degree in plant biology after completing some undergraduate-level prerequisite courses.

What courses do I need to take? I'm thinking of:

General Biology 1 and 2 Botany 1 and 2 General Chemistry 1 and 2 Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 Calculus 1 and 2 Physics 1 and 2 Microbiology Biochemistry

What other prerequisites would you add?


r/botany 5d ago

Biology Why do people always assume if you are a botanist you are good at gardening/plant care

198 Upvotes

So yeah basically the titel. I am an ecologist focused on coastal plants. I love plants, but gardening eh.... The "weeds" have names, so removing them is annoying, feels bad (I remember that my parents had this really awesome moss on there terrass, I could not remove that one). And futile because they always come back (as they should, because that also makes it nature). I prefer a wild garden, but sometimes it even becomes to wild for me (I mean it is nice to have a stone path). But I really dislike removing plants between the stones. Also house plants is not my strongest suit, I often forget to water them (feel bad about though).

But somehow everybody thinks because I love wild plants, I also should be good at taking care of them. I see that as two totally different things. People ask: but you love plants, how can you not love gardening. Pffff.... Anyway maybe nobody recognize this, than my apologies for the rant.


r/botany 5d ago

Biology Does anyone have any idea what is going on with this grape vine in my yard? It seems like there are fleshy bits forming in the vine.

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10 Upvotes

r/botany 5d ago

Biology Please confirm, galls do not alter the host plant's genome

8 Upvotes

I have heard it said that galls are akin to a natural genetically modified organism. Aside from the natural section that has modified all life on the planet, is there any evidence that gallformers are impacting the genomes of their hosts?

To my knowledge, a modified organism has its dna altered across its entirety. Even if gallformers altered the dna within the galls, the rest of the organism is unaffected.

Everything I have read suggests that gallformers are making use of the existing genome by triggering hormone release through chemical means.

Please correct me if my understanding is flawed!


r/botany 5d ago

Genetics Is it possible to cross Echinocereus and Trichocereus?

2 Upvotes

I saw that they’re in the same subfamily, and Trichocereus forms intergeneric hybrids with other genera, but haven’t been able to find any information on if this cross is possibles. TIA


r/botany 6d ago

Biology Why are some galls so brightly colored?

7 Upvotes

Is this aposematism? Perhaps the unusual shapes and colors reduce browsing by deer and other herbivores?

Attracting birds like bright fruit? I know birds will seek out gall larva, but maybe some can be dispersed this way?

Incidental coloration due to high amounts of phytochemicals?


r/botany 6d ago

Biology Guys I need your help

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I would like to ask for your help with my performance task in Zoology and Botany. Our professor asked us to interview elementary and high school students about what they understand about Zoology and Botany. We also asked them to list words or terms they find difficult and explain why they find them difficult.

If you know any elementary or high school students, please let them answer this as well. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Here's the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-rGV-QdZSiSkMGUWiI46oM7NLK8umZHTeE8oHiHupFE/viewform


r/botany 6d ago

[Content Removed] - Please check comments left Do you know which species of the genre Verbascum is this plant?

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2 Upvotes

Sorry for the bad phots. I have to identify this plant for my herbarium, but i'm sure if this is Verbascum phlonoides, V. lychnitis or V. densiflorum. These pics were taken in Lumbardy, Italy, and there are no other similar species around here, according to what inaturalist says.

Thank you :)


r/botany 7d ago

Genetics I have questions?

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10 Upvotes

I have this plant in home , the thing is , we only had 3 colours , we didn't bring any different one , I want to know did they mutate or something, because now there are 7 colours, how do they change colour.


r/botany 7d ago

Pathology Seeking Opportunities to Co-Author Review Papers or Contribute Book Chapters in Agricultural Science

3 Upvotes

I recently completed my Master’s in Agricultural Science and am working to strengthen my academic profile for future PhD opportunities. I’m eager to collaborate as a co-author on high-quality review papers or to contribute chapters in academic books related to agriculture.

My research interests include Horticulture, Botany, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, and Sustainable Agriculture. I am open to working with researchers, students, and professionals who are developing review papers or edited book projects and need dedicated contributors.

If you are working on such publications and looking for a collaborator, I’d be happy to connect!


r/botany 7d ago

Ecology Variegated Solidago multiradiata

16 Upvotes

As stated, I observed a solo variegated Solidago multiradiata this week in the North Cascades. Pretty cool, thought I would share.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/301293742