Speaker: Chad Husby, Ph.D.
Presentation: From porcelain flowers to vines, fruits and groundcovers: Exploring the vast unrealized potential of Ficus and Clusia in horticulture
Date: Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Topic
When Florida gardeners hear of Ficus, they tend to think of giant banyans that loom over houses and destroy sidewalks. Mention of Clusia conjures images of dense green hedges of the ubiquitous Clusia flava. However, FIcus (with over 800 species) and Clusia (with 300-400 species) are amazingly diverse genera that provide some of the most promising new additions to tropical landscapes. During this presentation we will explore the diverse ways to be a fig, from giant trees to tiny epiphytes, groundcovers and delicate vines. We will also explore some exciting Clusia species with exceptional form and striking flowers that should be given greater consideration in tropical gardens.

Introduction
Dr. Chad Husby is Chief Explorer at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. His main focus is finding, cultivating, and propagating new plants to enhance horticulture and botanical collections. He focuses on plant groups with major unrealized potential, from conifers and ferns to plants with exceptional, flowers, foliage and unusual fruits. Chad also enjoys educating students and the public about plant exploration, horticulture and botany. His scientific research ranges from plant ecophysiology and horticulture to conservation and systematics.