GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Liars, crooks, murderers and tyrants­ — find out more about plants and how they evolve to compete for resources at the Florida Museum of Natural History’s next “Science Café” on Monday, Nov. 11.

The final “Science Café” of the fall series will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Saboré, 13005 SW First Road, Suite 129 in Town of Tioga. University of Florida department of biology and Florida Museum of Natural History doctoral candidate Grant Godden will discuss “Despicable Plants: A Botanical World of Liars, Crooks, Murderers and Tyrants.”

“My ‘Science Café’ explores the origins and evolution of seemingly sinister strategies such as fraud, theft, murder and oppression,” Godden said. “It draws from numerous botanical examples of despicable plants. These include deceptive orchids, parasitic witchweeds, and carnivorous and allelopathic plants.”

The program format provides a comfortable setting for community members and guest speakers to discuss different science topics over refreshments. A new series will begin in the spring.

“For our last fall ‘Science Café,’ Grant Godden provides an entertaining look at plants and the fascinating atrocities that occur in the botanical world,” said Betty Dunckel, director of the Florida Museum’s Center for Science Learning.

Café seating is family-style, on a first-come basis. Please indicate if wheelchair access is needed when making reservations. Participants may place food and beverage orders beginning at 6 p.m. with the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m.

To help plan for these free programs, please RSVP at least one week in advance of the café date with your name and the number attending by emailing aerickson@flmnh.ufl.edu or calling Amanda Erickson Harvey, 352-273-2062.

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Writer: Laura Caicedo, lcaicedo@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: Betty Dunckel, bdunckel@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-2088, Grant Godden, g0ddengr@ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu, 352-273-2054