EP 35: Weird Plants

In this Episode, Joe, Nick, Georgia, and special guest Molly discuss the diverse and captivating world of plants. The conversation covers a wide array of topics including strange and weird plants, plant care tips, the complexities of plant biology, and even plants useful during a zombie apocalypse. Molly shares her journey from forestry enthusiast to plant store owner and competitive bagpipe player, along with tips on plant care. The episode also includes a taste test of sour pickle beer and delves into the mechanism of Venus flytraps, the ecological impact of different plants, and the lesser-known aspects of plant life. The team also discusses medicinal plants, the interdependence of plants and their environments, and even the idea of growing plants in extreme conditions.Visit Molly at:The Piper and the Plant WebsiteThe Piper and the Plant InstagramThe pickle beer we drank is Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer from Martin House Brewing Company in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s a gose-style sour beer infused with real dill pickle brine, made in collaboration with Best Maid Pickles.Want to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on social media, Discord, share the podcast, and let us know what topics you are excited about. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the Substack newsletter and never miss an episode, exciting updates, extra stuff, and images we talk about on the episodes.We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):What’s the weirdest plant you’ve ever seen or owned?Would you keep a zombie survival garden, and if so, what would you plant first?Have you ever tried growing a plant from a cutting or seed, and what’s the strangest one you attempted?What’s your favorite “alien” looking plant, and why?Show Notes & Fun factsLiving Fossils: Ginkgo trees have remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of millions of years.Photosynthetic Animals: The green sea slug (Elysia chlorotica) steals chloroplasts from algae for its own photosynthesis.Grass Screams: The smell of freshly cut grass is actually a chemical distress signal to other plants.Venus Flytrap Origins: Despite their alien nature, Venus flytraps are native to the Carolinas.Fire-Resistant Roots: The cobra lily can regenerate from its fire-resistant roots, making it nearly immortal in the right conditions.Historical Poison: The castor bean plant produces ricin, one of the deadliest natural toxins.Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVSubscribe and Share our Substack newsletter to get email updates (with extras), never miss an episode, and spread the word!! Don’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe