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Join Chief Botanist for NatureServe Wes Knapp and me as we take a deep dive into an all-too-often overlooked group of plants - the rushes (genus Juncus). Rushes are fascinating and beautiful plants when you get to know them, and the genus has a lot of secrets waiting to be revealed. From their unique morphological characters to what it takes to describe a new species, who better to talk to than one of North America's rush experts. This episode was produced in part by 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, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating, Juncus' adaptability is a marvel of evolution!"
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
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    Anonymous
    "Love learning about underrated plants like Juncus"
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
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    Anonymous
    "Can't wait to dive into the world of Juncus, such an underrated gem in the botanical world. Wes, what's the most surprising thing you've learned about this genus?"
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Rushes thrive where others fail—pragmatic proof of nature’s genius!"

    (40 chars)

    *Engages the topic, highlights adaptability, and keeps it punchy.*
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
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    Anonymous
    "Wow, rushes are way more interesting than I thought! But why aren’t we talking about how they’re being crushed by urban sprawl? Nature’s losing these unsung heroes—let’s protect them before it’s too late. 🌱 #SaveTheRushes"

    (220 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Really? Never heard of Juncus"
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
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    Anonymous
    "Rushes? More like *Juncus* rush! 🌱 But let’s be real—how much tech can we cram into these wetlands before they’re just… data? #NatureNeedsCode"

    (113 chars)
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
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    Anonymous
    "Wow, Juncus is a game changer! Its rush-like qualities can help filter water & prevent erosion!"
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
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    Anonymous
    "Nature’s resilience—God’s design at work! 🌿"

    (40 characters)

    *Engaging, positive, and aligns with conservative appreciation for natural order.*
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    But are rushes really 'overlooked' or just underappreciated by the general public?
    Jul 10, 2025 10:48 am