Saving the world’s botany

Description

Join Chris Thorogood, a botanist at the University of Oxford's Botanic Garden, and discover the biggest flower on Earth - the Rafflesia. Chris has enjoyed a lifelong infatuation with these extraordinary blooms, from crafting life-size replicas in an abandoned cemetery to dedicating his life to the study and protection of these enigmatic plants.

In this talk, Chris will take them on an astonishing adventure through the Rafflesia's home of Southeast Asia where he collaborates with fellow botanists and foresters to unravel their biology. From battling leeches, roving through remote territories alongside indigenous tribes, and navigating the dense and untrodden rainforest, Chris will narrate his quest to unveil the secrets of this leafless parasite.

With two in five plant species under threat of extinction worldwide, Chris will stress the urgency of his mission, and explore the vital role of plants in their survival. Can the efforts of Chris and his fellow botanists save the Rafflesia from disappearing forever?

Date

This event last took place on: Mon 10th Jun 2024

Location

Royal Institution (inc Faraday Museum)
21 Albemarle Street
London
London
W1S 4BS

Prices

Contact and Booking Details

More information at this website.

Reserve tickets at this website, by email

Disclaimer

The information and prices in this listing are presumed to be correct at the time of publishing, but please always check with the venue before making a special trip.

All images are supplied by the exhibition organiser.