MANE’s Post

Syzygium guineense, commonly known as Mzambarau (African Waterberry), is a species of flowering plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Native to various regions across Africa, including Kenya, this tree is renowned for its ecological, economic, and cultural significance. The species typically grows as a medium to large-sized tree, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. It is characterized by its dense, dark green foliage and its small, round fruits that turn purplish-black when ripe. This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, wetlands, and forests, often indicating areas with abundant water sources. Syzygium guineense plays a vital role in ecosystem functioning, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species. Its dense canopy offers shade and helps regulate local microclimates, while its root system aids in soil stabilization and erosion prevention. The fruits of Syzygium guineense are edible and are consumed by both humans and wildlife. They are often harvested for their sweet and slightly tart flavor, serving as a valuable source of nutrition. Different parts of the tree, including the bark and leaves, are utilized in traditional medicine for their purported medicinal properties. Extracts from the bark, in particular, are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomachaches. The wood of Syzygium guineense is valued for its strength and durability. It is used in construction, furniture making, and the crafting of traditional implements. As a native tree species, Syzygium guineense contributes to biodiversity conservation and helps maintain ecosystem balance. Its presence in riparian zones and wetlands contributes to water purification and retention, benefiting both human communities and wildlife. The Waterberry tree holds cultural significance in many African societies. It is often associated with rituals, ceremonies, and folklore, symbolizing resilience, abundance, and connection to the land. Overall, Syzygium guineense serves as a multifaceted resource with ecological, economic, and cultural importance, highlighting the value of conserving and sustainably managing this species in its native habitats.

We had a great time this past Sunday and Monday removing invasive plants from Piney Wood Park! Special thanks to Julie and Pete from @newhopebirdalliance for their leadership and expertise, and to the 20 volunteers who came out to help. Invasive plants are plants that are not native to an ecosystem, and that have escaped cultivation (i.e. they spread on their own without help from humans). Usually they are species that started out as landscaping plants, but can now be found even in the wilderness due to seeds being spread by bird droppings or wind. Invasive plants are a problem for a couple of reasons: 🐛 Since they didn’t evolve in our local ecosystem, they don’t have much ecological value - that is, local wildlife can’t or won’t eat them. Native butterflies, caterpillars, and moths (which feed our birds!) rely on native plants. 🌱 They outcompete native plant species for valuable space and nutrients. 💀 In some cases, they can actually kill local wildlife and other plants. Nandia (heavenly bamboo) berries are toxic to birds, and Chinese wisteria vines can strangle entire forests! This won’t be the last project of this kind - if you want to get involved with invasive removal in Durham, stay tuned to our newsletter and events page for future events!

I snapped a photo of this rare damselfly named the fiery coraltail in Woodlands Botanical Garden. The species is vulnerable as they need pristine water sources to survive. Founder of Woodlands Botanical Garden, Ganesh Kumar, sold his car to create a pond with the aim of increasing biodiversity in the community garden. 🌎 There are now at least 10 species of dragonflies and damselflies spotted in the garden. 🦟 Together with the fish in the ponds, the dragonflies and damselflies act as pest control, eating mosquito larvae and mosquitos. 💪 👊 🐸 The dragonflies and damselflies feed other animals, such as frogs, toads and small birds. 🦜 The pond has also attracted more species of feathery friends to the garden, due to the availability of fresh water. Before visiting Woodlands Botanical Garden, I never considered how individuals can single-handedly create an ecosystem and protect Singapore's biodiversity in an impactful way. Prior, I also never paid much attention to the function of features and nature in a garden or park. However, these visits have made me realise how every plant, insect, bird, plant and tree has its place. 📷: Photo of the fiery coraltail taken by me in Woodlands Botanical Garden. ❤️: Support biodiversity at https://lnkd.in/gbwwe-nr #biodiversity #nature #environment #community #esg

Everything that shine ain't always gonna be gold... Did you know that the plants in your garden can be silent saboteurs of local biodiversity? The butterfly bush or buddleja davidii is a striking example. It's beautiful and may seem like the ideal choice for attracting pollinators. However, this beauty is deceptive 🤷🏻♂️ Producing millions of seeds with impressive germination rates, the butterfly bush spreads rapidly, crowding out native plants. In China, where it originally comes from, it thrives in warm and humid climates. But it also tolerates drought, extreme frosts of -20°C and can grow in very poor soil. As you can see, this pretty plant has all the ingredients to be super-invasive 👾 It threatens habitats in Europe and the United States by dominating native species and disrupting ecological successions, thereby endangering biodiversity. Did you also know that it attracts butterflies and pollinators with its sweet scent and brilliant colours, but doesn't feed them properly? Its nectar is actually of poor quality and low in sugar 👎 Even if they are commercially available, certain plants are invasive species and it's important to ask for advice before planting them. This way, we can make our gardens havens of biodiversity by opting for indigenous yet beautiful plants! Any doubts about what you're going to sow? Ask us in comments! #biodiversity #invasivespecies #environmentalscience #gardening PS: here are some other potential invaders you should avoid planting: staghorn sumac (rhus typhina), topinambour (helianthus tuberosus), virginia creeper (parthenocissus spp.), Japanese rose (rosa rugosa), cherry laurel (prunus laurocerasus), rhododendron (rhododendron ponticum)... Thanks to our brillant intern Marine Nardellotto for her research work on this topic

Unfortunately some of these plants are still sold in shops. If you want to know what not to plant in your garden for the coming nice days, read this post!

Agave shawii: Between Tradition and Threat Agave shawii, also known as Shaw's agave, emerges as a prominent figure in the Mediterranean ecosystems of Baja California. Its presence, rooted in a millennia-long history of food use, has evolved into a unique distilled beverage in the 17th century, marking a milestone in regional culinary tradition. This distinctive agave drink is characterised by its steely colour, transparency and remarkable density, displaying a robust aroma of field herbs and a vigorous but harmonious flavour. Despite its deep-rooted popularity as an icon of tradition, Agave shawii has faced a remarkable decline since the 1970s, with urban development being the main factor behind this decline in the region. At present, Agave shawii communities in San Diego County have declined considerably, with only a few remaining, mainly located at the northern end of the Point Loma Naval Base, with an estimated population of less than a thousand individuals. This situation has raised alarms about the absence of new seedlings and the possible clonal nature of the remaining individuals, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of this unique species. In contrast, agave populations in Mexico exhibit remarkable abundance, continuity and diversity in their natural habitats, supported by evidence of seedling recruitment suggesting active sexual reproduction and increased genetic diversity. On the other hand, Agave shawii populations in San Diego, growing in shallow soils, show a marked clonal trend, producing fewer rosettes per individual. Worrying population declines and limited range have led to Agave shawii being classified as "Critically Endangered" in California, with an overall assessment of G2 to G3 and a statewide classification of S1, according to the California Native Plant Society (2020). This status underscores the urgency of conservation action to safeguard this plant species that embodies both deep-rooted cultural value and irreplaceable ecological importance. Faced with a critical reality, conservation efforts are imperative to ensure the survival of Agave shawii. They must address both immediate threats, such as uncontrolled urban development, as well as conditions that limit its natural reproduction. Protecting this species is not only a responsibility to biodiversity, but also a commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage and ecological balance of a region that has seen Agave shawii flourish for centuries.

🌱𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻: Many of us in Ireland are fortunate enough to have a patch of garden to call our own. You may think your garden won’t make a big difference, but a few simple measures can turn it into an island of food and refuge for native species. A lot of the time, the best thing you can do is do nothing: nature will do the rest! Let areas of your garden grow wild. Have patches where you reduce your mowing to once every few weeks, or even once a year. If you want to plant flowers, consider choosing native and pollinator friendly. If you want to go all out, why not plant some native trees or install a pond. The #allirelandpollinatorplan has fantastic, science-based guidance on managing your garden for biodiversity. Our fresh mown lawns and ornamental, manicured shrubs can look satisfying, but they are a desert to biodiversity. 🐛𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗯𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘂𝘀𝗲: Pesticides not only kill off the food and habitats of wildlife, but they also have a nasty habit of infiltrating and harming non-target species. Herbicides can work their way into the pollen and nectar of flowers, and thus into the pollinators feeding on them. The pesticide in a mouse or rat’s digestive system, could accumulate in the stomach of an endangered barn owl. The small amount of insecticide in a tiny insect may not do much harm to a bat, swallow, or swift, but when they are eating several thousand insects a day well, you can do the maths. Pesticides, especially when overused, can also work their way into the soil, groundwater and surrounding water bodies causing them to have a much wider impact. Try to find alternatives to pesticides where possible, only use them when strictly necessary, and try to reconsider how you see some “pests”. A lot of the plants we call weeds have beautiful flowers that will brighten up your garden if allowed to flourish. Text continues in comment🔽 #biodiversityinyourgarden #wildgarden #pollinatorfriendly #nativetrees #pondinstallation #gardenforbiodiversity #reducepesticideuse #alternativestopesticides #gettoknownature

The Babul tree, scientifically known as Acacia nilotica, holds significance in botanical, ecological, and cultural contexts. Let's delve into its morphology, ecological role, distribution, and cultural importance. The Babul tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. It typically grows up to 5-15 meters in height, with a spreading canopy. The bark is dark brown and deeply furrowed, while the leaves are bipinnate, bearing numerous small leaflets. Its flowers are creamy-white spherical heads, blooming during the dry season. The tree yields pods containing small, hard seeds, which are dispersed primarily by animals. Babul trees play a crucial role in various ecosystems, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. They are adept at surviving in harsh environmental conditions, withstanding drought and poor soil quality. The deep root system of Babul trees aids in soil stabilization and prevents erosion, making them valuable in combating desertification. Furthermore, Babul trees provide food and shelter for numerous wildlife species, contributing to biodiversity conservation. The native range of the Babul tree spans across Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. It thrives in regions with hot, dry climates, such as savannas, scrublands, and deserts. Due to its adaptability, the Babul tree has been introduced to various parts of the world, including Australia and parts of the Americas, where it has become naturalized in some areas. The Babul ऐसे और पोस्ट देखने के लिए और Variksh Mitra से जुड़ने के लिए क्लिक करें 👇👇 https://lnkd.in/gdWXTX8x

Oasis MezcalTrascendente The project undertaken by MezcalTrascendente to replant a chinampa in Xochimilco with plants specifically chosen to attract pollinators, particularly hummingbirds, carries profound ecological significance. As urbanization encroaches upon natural habitats, preserving and restoring biodiversity-rich areas like Xochimilco becomes imperative. Hummingbirds play a pivotal role as pollinators, aiding in the reproduction of numerous plant species and thereby maintaining ecosystem health. A chinampa is a traditional Mesoamerican agricultural system characterized by rectangular raised fields built on the shallow lake beds of the Valley of Mexico, notably in Xochimilco. These artificial islands, constructed using a combination of organic materials such as mud, sediment, and vegetation, have been used for centuries to cultivate crops such as maize, beans, squash, and flowers. The chinampas not only provided sustenance for indigenous communities but also served as a vital part of their cultural identity and heritage. Ecologically, chinampas play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem by acting as wetlands that support a diverse array of plant and animal species. They serve as important habitats for migratory birds, amphibians, and fish, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region. Additionally, the chinampa system helps to mitigate flooding and erosion, making it an essential component of the environmental resilience of the area. By focusing on plants that attract hummingbirds, MezcalTrascendente not only aids in the conservation of these magnificent birds but also fosters a symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna. Hummingbirds, with their unique ability to hover and extract nectar from flowers, rely heavily on specific plant species for sustenance. Thus, the restoration of suitable habitats through initiatives like this not only benefits hummingbirds but also supports the broader ecosystem by enhancing pollination and fostering plant diversity. Moreover, the project underscores the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship. By involving local communities in the restoration efforts, MezcalTrascendente not only raises awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats but also fosters a sense of pride and responsibility among residents. Ultimately, initiatives like this serve as a beacon of hope for the conservation of fragile ecosystems, demonstrating the positive impact that collective action can have on safeguarding biodiversity for future generations. #mezcaltrascendente #mezcal #artisanal #xochimilco #culture #pollinators #hummingbirds #ecosistem #innovation #land #mexico #liquor #agave #agavespirits #spirits #beverages