Nature

January 16, 2020

This Giant “Corpse” Flower Found in Indonesia Is the World’s Largest Bloom

Deep in the forest of West Sumatra, a strange parasitic flower bloomed just as the year came to an end. Measuring in at nearly 44 inches in diameter, this giant Rafflesia tuan-mudae is the largest bloom ever recorded. Also known as a corpse flower, it is one of 28 species in the Rafflesia genus. Its nickname comes from the incredible stench the plant gives off as it blooms.

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November 13, 2019

Extreme Macro Photos Unveil the Hidden World of Fungi in the Forest

For photographer Alison Pollack, strolling through the forest is more than a relaxing pastime. Thanks to her fascination with fungi and Myxomycetes, it's become her open-air photography studio as she cranes her neck to find her next miniature subject. Through focus stacking and macro photography, Pollack captures artistic images of her subjects—which often measure just 1 or 2 millimeters tall.

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November 1, 2019

Black and White Photos Capture the Eerie Enchantment of Madeira’s Ancient Trees

There’s something awe-inspiring about ancient trees that have stood still for hundreds of years. Their strength, deeply rooted in the earth has captured the human imagination for years, and, in some cultures, trees are even considered sacred. Inspired by the lungs of our planet, Berlin-based photographer Michael Schlegel captures the mysterious Laurel trees of Madeira, a volcanic region of Portugal, in his series, simply titled Fanal.

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August 6, 2019

Research Shows the Incredible Way Trees Help Each Other Survive in the Forest

When you're walking through the forest and see a tree stump, you might think you're looking at a dead organism. But researchers have reason to believe there's more to tree stumps than meets the eye. In fact, thanks to the help of other trees in the forest, they may still be alive. Researchers in New Zealand have recently published a study on the phenomenon, which they call hydraulic coupling.

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