Norway Spruce trees are a common sight in the festive season as Christmas trees. But this tall, conical tree isn’t just for Christmas. It’s a tree that has shaped music history.

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of the Norway spruce, back to the 1600s, including its role in crafting the world’s most valuable violins, which can sell for over $20 million.

Master luthier Antonio Stradivari’s work with the Norway spruce has led to its wood being referred to as ‘tone wood’. We uncover why this tree’s wood is so sought after, as well as how it made its way to the U.S. as the Christmas tree we know and love.

We also look at the ecology and resilience of Norway spruce forests, the wildlife that depends on them, and the surprising ways humans have used the tree for food.

Covered in this episode:

• How the Norway spruce became the tree behind the $23 million violin.
• The centuries-long craftsmanship behind growing the Norway spruce.
• The history of the Christmas tree.
• Norway spruce as habitat and food source.
• How Norway spruce made its way to the U.S.
• What gives the spruce tree its unique aroma?
• And more…

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

LEARN MORE

Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/

Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/

LISTEN

Plant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758

CREDITS

Script - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)

Research - Adriana Gogolin

Produced by Claricast.

There is a tree in Massachusetts that has outlasted generations.

Walking past it, it might seem like any other tree. But the Endicott Pear Tree has faced a trip half way around the world and centuries of harsh weather, and still produces fruit.

In this episode, we uncover the remarkable tale of John Endicott, one of the first European settlers, and the pear tree he brought to the New World.

We explore how the European pear became established in North America. The pear tree came to mind when thinking of its inclusion in The Twelve Days of Christmas carol, so we’ll also look into why that partridge was in a pear tree!

This episode has a bunch of stories you’ll want to share around the table over the holidays.

Covered in this episode:

• How the John Endicott Pear Tree became the USA’s longest standing tree.
• Why the pear tree is included in The Twelve Days of Christmas.
• How the European pear first entered North America.
• How to grow a pear tree at home.
• Why Detroit is home to so many pear trees.
• And more…

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

LEARN MORE

Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/

Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/

LISTEN

Plant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758

CREDITS

Script - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)

Research - Adriana Gogolin

Produced by Claricast.

It’s hard to imagine a fruit more familiar than the apple.

It’s been with us for centuries, and many of us have memories centred around the apple tree. But we rarely hear about where the apple came from and why it became such an icon.

In this episode, we trace the apple’s journey from the wild crabapple to the thousands of domesticated varieties that fill our shops today.

You’ll discover how explorers shaped the fruit we know so well and how much of what we think we know about apples is true.

Covered in this episode:

• The history of the apple from crabapple to the thousands of varieties we enjoy today.
• The fascinating story of the Wolf River apple and how it became so iconic.
• Does the ‘apple a day’ saying have real meaning?
• Uses for apples that you might not have thought of.
• And more…

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe to Plant Connection on your favourite podcast platform so you don’t miss the next one.

LEARN MORE

The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America (Book) - https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Fruits_and_Fruit_Trees_of_America.html?id=TOOEEQAAQBAJ

The Illustrated History of Apples in the United States and Canada (Book) - https://www.jakkawpress.com/book/the-illustrated-history-of-apples-in-the-united-states-and-canada

Follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootstemleafblog/

Root Stem Leaf - https://www.rootstemleaf.com/

LISTEN

Plant Connection - https://plant-connection.captivate.fm

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZDb9ovKXRTomKYnyqF8Rv

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/plant-connection/id1801774758

CREDITS

Script - Jacob Ashton (https://jacobashton.net/)

Research - Adriana Gogolin

Produced by Claricast.