To celebrate the season, botanic gardens and conservatories decorate their collections with lights, ribbons, and sculptures. From Washington's glowing grapes to Nevada's illuminated cacti, gardens feature their emblematic plants as well as the always-lovely poinsettia.
When hung over a threshold at Christmastime, a sprig of mistletoe is a matchmaker; in the wild, the plant is a parasite known as the "thief of trees." Now, thanks to a recent study in Australia, mistletoe has a new reputation: forest savior. Field research indicates it's actually a beneficial plant, critical to a healthy ecosystem.
Frankincense, a tree-derived aromatic resin, is particularly redolent during the holidays. Last year, scientists warned that Boswellia, the frankincense tree, could be facing extinction. In the holiday tradition, however, there is hope. This year, botanists may have discovered the trick to sustainable harvesting, and increasing the tree's numbers. Meanwhile, an Arizona-based Boswellia horticulturalist is offering starter trees in an online shop!
Designers around the world have created whimsical Christmas trees inspired by lotus flowers, French macarons, and children's story books. Check out this assortment of unusual trees around the world.
A selection of extraordinary Christmas trees throughout the world—most are local traditions, many are breaking records, and one appears to break through a suburban roof.
December 12th is Poinsettia Day! In honor of the occasion, here is the story of how it became a holiday flower—a fascinating story of canny marketing and media placement.
