Plant Facts
Squirting cucumbers terrified the Romans – and this new high-speed video reveals exactly why
In the first century AD, Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder wrote of the squirting cucumber's ability to fire out seeds, "endangering the eyes”. Back then, many mysteries surrounded this strange member of the gourd family. Now, using cutting-edge technology, scientists say they've finally worked out how the plant's explosive mechanisms work.
This flying robot was deployed to a remote valley in Hawaii to collect one of the rarest things on Earth
The walls of the Waiahulu Valley on the island of Kaua'i are steep and inaccessible to humans, so scientists sent in a specialised drone to help with their mission.
10 plants that think they're animals: From warm-hearted cabbages to parasites that cry and vegetable vampires
Over the course of evolution some plants have developped amazing animal-like traits. Here are 10 of the oddest species
How many rainforests are there in the world - and just what's so special about them? Uncover the hidden secrets of these special habitats
Discover how many tropical rainforests exist around the world and explore their biodiversity
Why this US horror fiction writer just spent three nights with an elephant-sized piece of flesh that smells like death
Professor G. Eric Schaller, a horror fiction writer and molecular biologist, was one of a team of scientists on a mission to find out more about the putrid scent of titan arum – the corpse flower.
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Forest plants are being driven westwards through Europe at 3.56 kilometres a year – by an ethereal force
A new study has revealed the surprising driving force behind the rapid migration of forest plants through Europe.
7 of the weirdest fungi in the world you (probably) haven't heard of, from the bleeding tooth to dead man's fingers
Fungi can be very strange. Here's our round-up of some of the weirdest fungi on the planet.
13 animals named after celebrities, from pop royalty to kings
One of the benefits of discovering a new species is the opportunity to name it, and many scientists have taken inspiration from popular culture. These are a few of our favourites.
Ghost hunt: astoundingly rare orchid emerges from shadows of British woodland for first time in 15 years
The rarest plant in Britain, the ghost orchid, has been found flowering for the first time since 2009.
Flowers
How a barren desert transforms into a vibrant blooming wonderland. Discover the stunning colours of South Africa's Namaqualand
When the rains fall, the arid lands of South Africa are set ablaze with breathtaking botanical colour
Sown vs native road verges: which is best?
Local councils and institutions are transforming road verges into rivers of flowers – and saving money while they do it. But are these sown ‘meadows’ any good for pollinators and other wildlife?
What’s the difference between wild and cultivated daffodils?
Amy-Jane Beer takes a look at how cultivated daffodils differ to their wild cousins
Flowers
Wild garlic guide: how to identify, when and how to forage, and recipe ideas
In the forager's calendar, spring is one of the best times – when wild garlic grows in shaded woodlands, filling the air with a light garlicky scent.
Hydnora africana: what it is, when it flowers and how it survives underground without roots
We take a look at one of the world's strangest plants, the Hydnora africana
Wild roses and rosehips guide: how to identify, and how to make rosehip syrup
With its white-pink flowers in summer and bright red rosehips in autumn and winter, the dog rose is a familiar plant of our countryside.
Fungi
Fungi guide: all you need to know about nature's hidden kingdom, including how fungi differs to plants
All you need to know about fungi, including how it reproduces
9 most poisonous mushrooms: deadly fungi you don't want to mess with
Mushrooms can be a great and tasty source of food, but foragers beware, some should be avoided at all cost!
What is a fairy ring and what causes mushrooms to form a circle?
Just how and why do fairy rings form? We take a look
Fungi
Hair ice fungus: what it is and how this rare magical winter sight forms
Nick Baker takes a look at the weird phenomenon that produces hair ice, a rare winter wonder formed by a bit of alchemy magic
Cordyceps and Ophicordyceps: the zombie fungi made famous by The Last Of Us
Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps are the stuff of nightmares – if you’re an insect, or if you've played or watched The Last Of Us.
Lichens: what they are and how to identify the different types
Naturalist and presenter Brett Westwood shares his top tips for identifying lichen in this illustrated guide.
Plant ID
How to identify non-native summer flowers
If you get the urge to gather a guilt-free garland of colourful midsummer blooms, these garden escapees may fit the bill. Naturalist and presenter Brett Westwood shares 12 for you to spot this summer.
Elder guide: how to identify, when and how to forage for elderflowers and elderberries, and recipe ideas
Elder has made the slow journey from protective mother-spirit to often being deemed as a hedgerow and garden weed, fit only to be sawn down.
How to identify common 'weeds'
‘Weeds’ are familiar plants to many of us, sprouting up and thriving on pavements and disturbed ground. Learn to identify 12 common species in this illustrated guide.
Plant ID
British wildlife in March
As spring brings an abundance of new life, it’s time to talk about the birds and the bee-flies. Here is selection of the month's best wildlife spectacles from around the British countryside in March.
British wildlife in February
From fruiting fungus to winter birds, here is selection of the month's best wildlife spectacles from around the British countryside in February.
British wildlife in January
If your New Year’s resolution involves making more time to enjoy nature, what are you waiting for?
Trees
Weirdest trees in the world: Discover nature's wackiest tree wonders
Meet some of the weirdest and oddest trees on the planet
Mystery of the weird and wonderful 'upside-down tree' finally solved
Scientists have solved the puzzle behind the origin, evolution and worldwide dispersal of the extraordinary baobab tree, according to a new study.
A tree that can walk? How one 'walking tree' is said to be able to move itself to a sunnier spot
There's a walking tree? Stuart Blackman investigates a tree that is said to be able to move
Trees
What's the oldest tree in the world?
There is some debate surrounding the world's oldest tree. Here's why
What's the tallest tree in the world?
Did you know the tallest tree species in the world can grow to more than 100 metres? Learn all about them
How to grow an oak tree from an acorn
Autumn is the perfect time to try growing an oak tree, here's how
Water Plants
What is seaweed and how does it differ to plants?
What exactly is seaweed? Is it a plant and how does it grow? Lara Howe, Marine Officer at Manx Wildlife Trusts, explains the mysteries of this slimy water plant
Algae: What it is, why algae blooms can be toxic and how it differs to plants
All you need to know about algae, from what it is to why algae blooms are toxic
Bladderwort guide: how this carnivorous pond plant catches its unsuspecting prey - fast
The sinister secret of this free-floating pond plant lies beneath the water’s surface. Meet the bladderwort and its highly effective trap
Water Plants
How do plants breathe underwater?
We all know plants need air to survive, so how do aquatic and underwater plants cope?
Red seaweed: why is it red?
Matt Doggett explains why red seaweed is red - and why sometimes its green...
Eelgrass guide: what it is and why eelgrass meadows are crucial for some marine and bird life
Phil Gates explains all you need to know about eelgrass, an often overlooked sea plant that is important for conservation
Wildlife Garden
Best plants to grow for pollinators in your wildlife garden
Dave Goulson, author of The Garden Jungle, reveals some of the best plants you can grow to give garden pollinators and other species a helping hand.
Best garden plants for wildlife
Discover the best plants to attract more wildlife and colour to your garden with our expert guide.
How to build and care for your wildlife pond
Ponds are one of the most important features to include in a wildlife-friendly garden as a huge variety of species depend on them. Learn how to care for your wildlife pond with our expert guide, including best pond plants to grow each season and how to attract more visitors to your pond.
Wildlife Garden
Truth or fiction: gardens can save our wildlife
Can small isolated patches of habitat really offset the damage we are doing to our environment? Professor of biodiversity and conservation Kevin Gaston provides the answer.
How to make a butterfly-friendly garden
It's easy to attract a range of butterfly species to your garden, and our expert guide offers some top tips for doing so.
Why do flowers point up or down?
Botanist Phil Gates discusses the adaptations of flowering plants.