Research published in The New Phytologist Foundation’s two journals made the headlines in 2025.

From tropical trees with a preference for electricity to hope for a genetic solution to grapefruit–drug interactions, via the pick of wildflower mixes for insects and peculiar orchids that eschew pollinators, New Phytologist and Plants, People, Planet articles highlighted in the news took us all over the world.

We’ve selected the five articles from each journal that featured most prominently in the press in 2025, as tracked in news media mentions by Altmetric.

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New Phytologist

How some tropical trees benefit from being struck by lightning: evidence for Dipteryx oleifera and other large‐statured trees

New Phytologist
Evan M. Gora, et. al.
DOI: 10.1111/nph.70062 First Published: March 26th, 2025

Why These Tropical Trees Love a Lightning Strike
Scientific American


Phylogenomics clarifies Balanophora evolution, metabolic retention in reduced plastids, and the origins of obligate agamospermy

New Phytologist
Petra Svetlikova, Huei‐Jiun Su, Kenji Suetsugu, Filip Husnik
DOI: 10.1111/nph.70761 First Published: November 26th, 2025

This Unusual Plant Might Be One Of Evolution’s "Weirdest Experiments"
IFL Science


A 2OGD multi‐gene cluster encompasses functional and tissue specificity that direct furanocoumarin and pyranocoumarin biosynthesis in citrus

New Phytologist
Livnat Goldenberg, et. al.
DOI: 10.1111/nph.20322 First Published: January 8th, 2025

Why Grapefruit Interferes with Medication, and What to Do about It
Scientific American


An emerging fungal disease is spreading across the globe and affecting the blueberry industry

New Phytologist
Michael Bradshaw, et. al.
DOI: 10.1111/nph.20351 First Published: January 8th, 2025

Blueberries beware: Powdery mildew spreading across the globe
The Microbiologist


24 million years of pollination interaction between European linden flowers and bumble bees

New Phytologist
Christian Geier, et. al.
DOI: 10.1111/nph.70531 First Published: September 22nd, 2025

Die Hummeln waren schon damals auf Linden scharf
Die Presse


Plants, People, Planet

A Conservation Assessment and Phylogenomic Evaluation of Protection Status in the Tropical Genus Heliconia L. (Zingiberales: Heliconiaceae)

Plants People Planet
W. John Kress, Tomáš Fér, Mónica M. Carlsen, Gary A. Krupnick
DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.70000 First Published: March 7th, 2025

Nearly Half of the Colorful and Charismatic Heliconia Tropical Plant Species Are Threatened With Extinction, New Study Reveals
Smithsonian Magazine


Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation increases the bioavailability of zinc and iron in wheat grain

Plants People Planet
Thi Diem Nguyen, et. al.
DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.70051 First Published: July 23rd, 2025

A New Study Says Fungus Could Make a Loaf of Bread More Nutritious
Yahoo! News


Dactyliform appendage contributes to delayed selfing in the diminutive orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus

Plants People Planet
Kenji Suetsugu
DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.10624 First Published: January 23rd, 2025

An orchid uses a finger-like appendage to pollinate itself
New Scientist


What Are The Best Wildflowers To Attract Bees?
Forbes


Comprehensive tree assessments for prioritising conservation action in Mesoamerica

Plants People Planet
Emily Beech, et. al.
DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.70045 First Published: June 18th, 2025

Nearly half of tree species in Mexico and Central America threatened with extinction
Mongabay