This article advocates for the formal recognition of botanists who identify plants in scientific publishing, highlighting their essential role in ecological research and data integrity. It proposes p...

Each month features a different plant group or fossil wood locality with multiple photomicrographs. The dates for Arbor Days around the world are noted, so you'll know when to take some extra time for...

Rhododendron campanulatum and Rhododendron anthopogon subsp. hypenanthum are significant species of the alpine ecosystem of the Central Himalaya, Indi…

Climate change deeply impacts plant phenology, mostly in vulnerable high-altitude ecosystems like the Himalaya. This study investigates climate-driven shifts in the flowering phenology of Rhododendron a keystone species and significant bio-indicator to climate warming across a multi-altitudinal gradient (1500-3000 m) in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand. Combining decadal climate records, attentive field observations (December 2023- October 2024), and invaluable local ecological knowledge from interviews with 150 respondents and a synthesis of recent literature. Analysis revealed a significant mean winter temperature increase of 1.3oC over last few decades in the study area. Results indicate significant advancement in flowering time, especially at lower and mid-altitudes, lower elevations experienced blooming 6-8 weeks earlier. While mid to high elevations showed 3–4-week advancement compared to historical norms. Essentially observation of community independently verified these shifts, with local inhabitants also reporting a perceived decline Rhododendron populations at lower altitudes. These findings underscore the high climate sensitivity of Rhododendron arboreum and highlight profound ecological implications, including potentially phenological mismatches with pollinators and a risk of range contraction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for elevation specific monitoring and targeted conservation strategies of long-term phenological monitoring to protect Himalayan Mountain Biodiversity.

We sequenced the first chloroplast (cp) genome of Rhododendron simsii var. putuoense G. Y. Li & Z. H. Chen 2010, an endemic coastal plant species unique to East China, to clarify its phylogenetic r...

The paper presents a vegetal geography of Chinese rhododendrons at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), examining the mechanisms through which RBGE's scientific authority is established in the ....

Podcast · ARS NextGen · Have you ever loved someone so much that you followed them around and talked endlessly about them to all your friends and family? That’s how much we love Rhododendron, a quirky...

Plant taxonomy underpins biodiversity research and conservation, but global disparities in training and resources hinder progress, especially in biodiversity-rich regions. Through a global survey of taxonomists and trainers, we reveal that 48% of countries have fewer than ten active plant taxonomists, and that there are stark regional gaps in access to basic tools and infrastructure. A 'limitations index' highlights Angola, Benin, Botswana, Colombia, Sierra Leone, and Venezuela as facing the greatest challenges. To address these imbalances and build crucial taxonomic capacity, we advocate for inclusive and regionally adapted programs with improved access to infrastructure, engaging teaching methods, cascading mentorship, and stronger collaboration. Strategic investment in plant taxonomy training is essential to realizing the full potential of global plant diversity.