The program ‘El pódcast del Jardín Botánico’, in its 25th edition, focuses on the description of 18 new tree species in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. These discoveries were made by RJB-CSIC researcher José Luis Fernández Alonso, who dedicated approximately 30 years to this work. The findings were previously published in the Journal of the Colombian Academy of Exact, Physical, and Natural Sciences.
Fernández Alonso emphasizes the relevance of these discoveries, stating that "the discovery of new tree species today is very important for several reasons." Firstly, for the inventory of diversity, indicating that "we are still in the full process of exploring and describing biodiversity," particularly in tropical forests. Secondly, for systematic knowledge, as the description of new species updates scientific understanding and allows for "discerning and naming taxa still unknown to science."
The researcher adds that "the taxonomic recognition of a new tree species also implies associated information about its habitat and distribution, which is fundamental for establishing its conservation status and degree of rarity or endemism." Finally, he highlights the importance of this data for "applied studies."
In another segment, María Sol Ruiz Solís, a technician at the RJB Library, guides listeners through her favorite spot: the medicinal and aromatic plants section. She stresses the importance of having a space dedicated to these useful plants in the center of Madrid.
Meanwhile, researcher Yolanda Turégano Carrasco, from the Real Jardín Botánico's lichen research group, discusses these fascinating yet often unknown organisms, frequently mistaken for mosses. She clarifies that lichens are not plants but fungi living in symbiosis with algae and cyanobacteria, and while central Madrid is not ideal for them, they can be found on the Garden's trees.
Adrián Custodia, from the Asociación Iberozoa, introduces the carder bee (Anthidium manicatum), a common pollinator at the RJB, named for its distinctive nesting method.
The program, hosted by environmental journalist Jonathan Gil, also features Alejandro Quintanar, secretary of the RJB's Sustainability Committee, who discusses the 2026 Climate Summit (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey. Writer Jaime Bohórquez takes listeners on a tour of the Garden's notable trees, such as the ginkgo and the yew.
Before concluding, the program offers recommendations for participating in the various activities that the RJB-CSIC will host throughout November.
The full program is available on the RJB's institutional website and on the Ivoox platform.
