The USDA Updates Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Allowing for New Gardening Opportunities

The USDA Updates Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Allowing for New Gardening Opportunities

Business

The USDA has updated its plant hardiness zone map for the first time in over 10 years. The new map shows that half of the United States has shifted to warmer plant zones, allowing for new gardening opportunities. The map is a helpful tool for determining plant suitability, but other factors like summer temperatures and soil quality should also be considered. The update is not solely due to global climate change, but rather a combination of various factors and extensive data analysis. However, it is confirmed that climate change is influencing the long-term shift of plant hardiness zones.

The Corpse Flower: At Risk of Extinction

The Corpse Flower: At Risk of Extinction

Technology

Rafflesia, or the corpse flower, is facing extinction due to the destruction of its forest habitats in Southeast Asia. There are 42 species of Rafflesia, with 25 classified as critically endangered and 15 as endangered. Current conservation strategies are failing to protect two-thirds of these species. Scientists are urging for a cross-regional approach to save these remarkable flowers. The parasitic plant, which has no leaves, stems, or roots, extracts food and water from tropical jungle vines. Researchers are calling for increased habitat protection, better understanding of the plant, and new conservation methods.