About this episode

This episode explores the evolutionary secrets of the genus Prunus and its diverse adaptations to various environmental conditions.

The genus Prunus gives us apricots, plums, cherries, and almonds, but also a ton of under appreciated plant diversity. Prunus around the world have managed to adapt to a surprising variety of environmental conditions and have a lot to teach us about plant evolution as a result. That is why they are the focus of Dr. Richie Hodel's lab. Join us for a wonderfully deep dive into how he and his colleagues are trying to understand the evolutionary secrets of this incredible genus. This episode was produced in part by Nelly, Chelz, Jbert, Chris, Gerald, Elise, Maggie, Mamie, A.J., Dallas, Channele, KC, Joe, Diane, Kim, Tanya, Neil, Matthew, April, Dana, Lilith, Sanza, Eva, Yellowroot, Wisewren, Nadia, Heidi, Blake, Josh, Laure, R.J., Carly, Lucia, Dana, Sarah, Lauren, Strych Mind, Linda, Sylvan, Austin, Sarah, Ethan, Elle, Steve, Cassie, Chuck, Aaron, Gillian, Abi, Rich, Shad, Maddie, Owen, Linda, Alana, Sigma, Max, Richard, Maia, Rens, David, Robert, Thomas, Valerie, Joan, Mohsin Kazmi Photography, Cathy, Simon, Nick, Paul, Charis, EJ, Laura, Sung, NOK, Stephen, Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily…

People in this episode

Host: In Defense of Plants

Guest: Dr. Richie Hodel

Topics covered

• evolution
• plant diversity
• genus Prunus
• environmental adaptation
• plant science

Keywords

• Prunus
• evolution
• plant diversity
• environmental conditions
• Dr. Richie Hodel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts

More episodes of In Defense of Plants Podcast

• Ep. 594 - Of Orchids & Woodpeckers · September 6, 2026 · 46 min
• Ep. 593 - Orchids & their Fungal Partners · August 30, 2026 · 1h 6m
• Ep. 591 - Justice for Habitats · August 16, 2026 · 55 min
• Ep. 590 - The Complex Ecology of Puerto Rico's Forests · August 9, 2026 · 56 min
• Ep. 589 - Epiphytes & the Water Cycle · August 2, 2026 · 54 min
• Ep. 588 - Investigating Boreal Rarities · July 26, 2026 · 46 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the In Defense of Plants Podcast podcast page.