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Protecting Precious Woods in Madagascar

At the ports of Madagascar, enormous piles of logs cut from rosewoods and ebonies sit waiting. They can’t be exported because these threatened precious woods were harvested illegally and their sale on the international market is forbidden. Of course, those who don’t play by the rules still manage to export them illegally and make a…

Kid-safe Houseplants

The plants recommended in this blog are known to be non-toxic to children, but not necessarily pets. If you suspect a child has ingested part of a plant and are unsure of its toxicity or if they are experiencing symptoms of poisoning, call the Poison Control Center right away. Houseplants can boost our moods and…

The Plants of Encanto

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest feature film, Encanto, is not a movie about plants. But plants are far more than background greenery in this story. They play an important role as the plot unfolds, and take center stage in one of the more lively musical numbers. Even the plants that are in the background serve…

The Botanist Behind Encanto’s Plants

Walt Disney Animation Studios goes to great lengths to build true-to-life environments as the settings for their films. For the movie Encanto they enlisted the help of the Colombian Cultural Trust. This group of experts consulted with the filmmakers on subjects such as architecture, clothing, indigenous culture, food, and of course plants. The botanist who…

Madidi | 20 Years of Discovery

Encompassing more than 7,000 square miles, Madidi National Park in northeast Bolivia is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. The park and its surrounding regions encompass the Andes’ snow-covered peaks, hazy cloud forests, and a portion of the tropical Amazon Rainforest. Yet until recently, relatively little was known about the plants and…

Caring for Cyclamen Beyond the Holidays

Persian cyclamen, also known as florist’s cyclamen, is a common gift plant seen in grocery stores and garden centers around the holidays. These plants make lovely gifts as they are eye-catching. Their glossy, heart-shaped leaves are dark green with contrasting silver markings. Flowers, in shades of red, purple, pink, white, magenta, and salmon, rise above…

Take a Virtual Visit to the Sachs Museum

Grafting the Grape: American Grapevine Rootstock in Missouri and the World is currently installed in the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum, which is open for visitors Tuesday-Sunday, 10:30am-3:30pm; all visitors over age 5 must wear masks indoors and on the grounds of the Garden. Please check the Museum site here for updates and future online…

Slow and Steady Wins the Fashion Race—Sustainably

Take a look at your outfit choice for the day. For many, getting dressed might seem like a daily task that requires little thought other than maybe ensuring that you aren’t wearing your shirt or pants inside out. But for many, the desire to step out of the box to try out a rising fashion trend has made its way to…

Botanical Books for your Holiday Shopping List

Looking for a perfect gift for the green thumb on your gift list? Or how about a foodie, Garden enthusiast, or nature lover? Check out these book recommendations from the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Horticulture Department, which might be just what you’re looking for. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Highly recommended by multiple members of…

New Plant Species Discovered by the Garden in 2021

Each year, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Science and Conservation staff discover and name about 200 plant species new to science. That’s roughly 10 percent of all plant species discovered by scientists worldwide annually. Discovery is the first crucial step in plant conservation. Until a species is described, we cannot think about conservation status or ensure…

Saving the Seeds of an Endangered Christmas Tree

Two years after wild-collected Christmas tree seeds made their way from the Appalachian Mountains to St. Louis, our researchers are learning more about the challenges ahead when it comes to conserving the Fraser fir.

9 Tips for Keeping Your Winter Green

The holiday season (and post-holiday period) can be a challenging time to maintain sustainable practices. Here are tips from the Garden’s EarthWays Center for green winter living: Do a Home Energy Audit – and Act to Boost Efficiency! Doing an informal audit and fixing some basic leaks can secure parts of your home or apartment…