From the giant sequoias of the Sierra Nevada to the stinking corpse lilies of tropical forests in Southeast Asia, plants take astonishing forms. Despite all relying on the same basic ingredients to thrive—sunlight, water, air, and nutrients—the plant world is endlessly diverse. But what do plants mean to people at[Read More…]
Tag: plants
The highs and lows of plant parenthood
With Halloween now behind us and orange leaves beginning to choke up gutters around Montreal, students may be looking for ways to keep seasonal mood swings at bay. Houseplants are one affordable, easy-to-maintain, and fulfilling avenue to brighten any living space. Described by her friends as a “plant mom,” Shrabani[Read More…]
Uncovering past climates through paleobotany
Paleontology has long offered scientists insight into the mysteries of prehistory. Through excavations of colossal skeletons, petrified insects, and fossilized plants, researchers can uncover what life looked like long ago. Despite the extensive study of animals from the Cretaceous period, which stretched from 145.5 million years ago to the dinosaur[Read More…]
New statistical measure calculates relationship between climate change and plant health
Climate change is altering seasonality as we know it; the average American winter has shrunk by more than one month over the last century. While this has received plenty of attention as a positive phenomenon for sun-starved North Americans, the impact that shorter winter seasons and changing photoperiods—the interval in[Read More…]
Growing pains
Until this year, my university career had mostly consisted of evading responsibility and exhibiting a never-ending lack of foresight. Entering the Fall 2017 semester, however, I decided it was time for a change. Taking the biggest step I felt capable of, I bought a plant. Weighing in at approximately five[Read More…]
How to keep houseplants alive during the busiest time of the year
It’s easy to forget about houseplants amid midterms, essays, and deadlines. On Oct. 19, the Concordia Greenhouse, in partnership with permaculture specialist Jonah Neumark, hosted a Houseplant Care 101 workshop to guide attendees through the basics of keeping houseplants alive and well. Neumark heads Neumark Design, a permaculture design and[Read More…]