Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew | Kew
Oct 31, 2024 · Discover a world of science hiding behind our beautiful botanical collections filled with over 40,000 living plants
Mycelium: Exploring the hidden dimension of fungi | Kew
Mar 11, 2023 · The mycelium also plays a crucial role in fungal reproduction. The mycelia of two compatible fungi can fuse together, allowing the cells of each fungus to combine and their DNA to mix. After fusing, the cells end up in new spores held inside (like in truffles) or exposed outside (like in mushrooms and crusts) the fungus' reproductive structures.
Cacao tree - Theobroma cacao | Plants - Kew
One of the world’s most popular products, chocolate, comes from the cacao, or cocoa tree. It is made from cocoa beans: The seeds stored in the yellow fruit of the cacao tree. Cacao beans have been eaten by humans for thousands of years. The Mayans and Aztecs mixed ground cacao beans with chilli to make a bitter and spicy drink.
Rafflesia arnoldi - Kew
Plant description. Rafflesia arnoldi lives inside Tetrastigma vines as a mass of fleshy strands which absorb water and nutrients from the host. It grows out of the host plant's bark as brown, cabbage-like buds called knops which bloom over several days. The flowers have five lobes, are reddish-brown with white spots, and grow up to 1m across.
Striking seasonal wonders of the Lesser Sundas | Kew
Dec 18, 2020 · By Dr Liam Trethowan , Laura V S Jennings and Helen Chadburn. Stretching from Bali to Timor, the Lesser Sunda islands are covered in seasonal tropical forests that are home to unique flora and fauna, including the world’s largest lizard the Komodo dragon and 74 bird species found nowhere else. Fires, agriculture, and even volcanoes, are some ...
The first global list of all legume species - Kew
Feb 10, 2022 · Legumes are one of the most economically important and versatile plant families. There are nearly 23,000 species (22,939 to be precise) of legumes, including chickpeas, lentils, soya beans, peanuts, and many valuable timbers, including the much-prized rosewoods. Many have a vital role in human health, providing a highly nutritious source of ...
What in earth? Understanding what fungi really are | Kew
Oct 7, 2022 · More than just mushrooms. For a lot of us, fungi are synonymous with mushrooms. But mushrooms are only one part of the lifecycle of some fungi. A fungus will begin its life as a spore, which can be carried away by the wind or an unwitting animal courier, like an insect. When the spore finds a suitable environment, it will germinate (sprout) and ...
Cyanotypes: The origins of photography - Kew
Feb 28, 2023 · Sir John Herschel: The inventor of cyanotypes. Sir John Herschel began by experimenting with sun prints (or photograms). These were one of the earliest forms of photography and involved laying an object on chemically-treated paper before exposing it to a light source. Later, in 1842, he used paper coated with a solution of iron salts, sun ...
Christmas at Kew
3 hours ago · Experience a world of winter magic in Kew Gardens as our acclaimed light trail, Christmas at Kew, returns this festive season. From November to early January, discover 3km of enchanting illuminations, featuring over 20 dazzling installations, including some cherished favourites and exciting new displays. Stroll through glittering tunnels ...
Visit Kew | Kew
Find out more about tickets and prices. Opening times. Daily, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm) Directions. Only 30 mins from Central London. Our four gates can be accessed by rail, bus or river. Parking is limited. Become a member. Enjoy unlimited entry, special discounts, and exclusive access to events, behind-the-scenes tours and expert talks.