The much-maligned stinging nettle has behind it a tale of extraordinary continent-hopping. It is part of the large family Urticaceae, not all of which are stingers. This plant family has crossed major ocean barriers at least 72 times since Dinosaurs died out, reaching all major landmasses and several remote islands. But how did they do it?
Dr Richard Milne, University of Edinburgh, introduces work he's been involved in, unravelling relationships in the nettle family, collecting them from remote parts of China, and finally addressing a major scientific question: how do plant species cross oceans?
Richard is a senior lecturer in evolutionary biology at the University of Edinburgh. His research work primarily focuses on plant geography and evolution, but he has strong interests in science communication, critical thinking, and how changes in how we produce our food could lead to a more sustainable future. Dr Milne's lectures are extremely popular with undergraduate students, and he has won four awards voted for by students across the University.
He is the creator of the plant identification resource Namethatplant.org, has written two novels, and is currently working on a book about Orchids for the New Naturalist series.