{"id":98349,"date":"2026-03-20T15:24:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T19:24:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/?p=98349"},"modified":"2026-03-20T15:24:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T19:24:52","slug":"support-nc-state-horticulture-and-its-plant-conservatory-on-the-day-of-giving-03-25-26","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/news\/support-nc-state-horticulture-and-its-plant-conservatory-on-the-day-of-giving-03-25-26\/","title":{"rendered":"Support NC&#160;State Horticulture and its Plant Conservatory on the Day of Giving 03.25.26"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n<p>Tucked within the Marye Anne Fox University Student Teaching Labs greenhouse complex at NC&#160;State, a biological bridge spans the gap between the humid tropics and the parched desert. Known as the Plant Conservatory, this dual-climate facility houses rainforest and arid plant collections that serve as much more than just a scenic backdrop for the campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As NC&#160;State prepares for its annual Day of Giving on March 25, 2026, the <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/\">Department of Horticultural Science<\/a> is highlighting the Plant Conservatory\u2019s role as a cornerstone of experiential learning. Support of the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\">Horticultural Science Enrichment Fund<\/a> on Day of Giving ensures the Plant Conservatory can maintain its diverse plant collection, respond to unique educational opportunities, and manage unforeseen challenges within its complex ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-highlight with-image\"><h2 class=\"highlight__label\">Related<\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\" class=\"highlight__link\" data-ua-cat=\"Highlight Block\" data-ua-action=\"Story Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\"><div class=\"highlight__image-container\"><div class=\"highlight__image-background\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" class=\"highlight__image wp-image-98351\" alt=\"NC&#160;State Day of Giving 03.25.2026\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/Newsletter-DayofGiving-032526.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/Newsletter-DayofGiving-032526.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/Newsletter-DayofGiving-032526-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/Newsletter-DayofGiving-032526-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"highlight__text-container\"><h3 class=\"highlight__heading\"><strong>Support Horticultural Science by #GivingPack on 03.25.26<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"highlight__teaser\">On March 25, 2026, NC&#160;State Day of Giving will bring the entire Wolfpack together for 24 hours of friendly competition, fun challenges and, of course, #GivingPack \u2014 all to make a difference for our students, faculty, research, programs and more.<\/p><p class=\"highlight__cta\"><span><a href=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\"><strong>Find out how you can make your <\/span><span class=\"nowrap\"><span>mark<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/a><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe conservatory provides a living laboratory for many courses, a showcase for visitors and a place to relax or study while surrounded by nature\u2019s beauty,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/people\/dbmays\/\">Diane Mays<\/a>, Plant Conservatory curator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For students in the <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/\">College of Agriculture and Life Sciences<\/a> (CALS), the facility is an essential piece of their academic toolkit. Horticulture students utilize the space to source propagation material for courses ranging from plant micropropagation to tissue culture. Beyond technical skills, the Plant Conservatory offers a rare internship experience where students manage plant production, greenhouse operations and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The impact of the collection extends far beyond horticulture. Plant biology students use the specimens to study morphology, phylogeny and ethnobotany.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/people\/joanna-eglinton\/\">Joanna Eglinton<\/a>, director of prospective student engagement for CALS, often requests tours for prospective students and their families to showcase CALS facilities,\u201d Mays says. \u201cEntomologist <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/people\/sdfrank\/\">Steve Frank<\/a> and his graduate students often walk through the collection, scouting for insects to research or breed for their insectary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/group\/faculty\/\">plant pathology students<\/a> use the living collection as a real-world testing ground for scouting diseases and performing virus testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWorking with the vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants provides a rare internship experience,\u201d Mays says. \u201cEach semester, students gain broad horticultural and botanical experiences that entail everything from plant growth and maintenance to greenhouse operations and management.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-cacti-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Aloes and their relatives, Haworthias and Gasterias, are succulents that do best in indirect light. Native to South Africa, these low-maintenance plants are popular among houseplant enthusiasts. \" class=\"wp-image-98352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-cacti-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-cacti-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-cacti-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-cacti.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Aloes<\/em> and their relatives, Haworthias and Gasterias, are succulents that do best in indirect light. Native to South Africa, these low-maintenance plants are popular among houseplant enthusiasts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-succulents-1024x576.png\" alt=\"These full sun-loving Euphorbias are showcased in the Arid collection, consisting of a diverse family of Old World succulents.\" class=\"wp-image-98353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-succulents-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-succulents-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-succulents-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-succulents.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These full sun-loving Euphorbias are showcased in the Arid collection, consisting of a diverse family of Old World succulents. Interestingly, the popular potted plant, poinsettia, is a member of the Euphorbia family.\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-greenhouse-a-1024x576.png\" alt=\"The rainforest collection is home to many tropical plant species from all around the world. Orchids, ferns, palms and foliage plants are on display, showcasing the diversity of the plant kingdom. \" class=\"wp-image-98354\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-greenhouse-a-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-greenhouse-a-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-greenhouse-a-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-greenhouse-a.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The rainforest collection is home to many tropical plant species from all around the world. Orchids, ferns, palms and foliage plants are on display, showcasing the diversity of the plant kingdom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-aerids-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Air plants (Tillandsias) are related to Spanish moss and pineapples, the only edible species in the Bromeliad family. These species are right at home in the Rainforest room where they absorb water and nutrients through the trichomes (modified scales) on their leaves.\u00a0\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-98355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-aerids-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-aerids-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-aerids-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-aerids.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Air plants (Tillandsias) are related to Spanish moss and pineapples, the only edible species in the Bromeliad family. These species are right at home in the Rainforest room where they absorb water and nutrients through the trichomes (modified scales) on their leaves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>The facility also serves as an interdisciplinary hub. Biological illustration students visit to capture the intricate details of rare flora, and this spring, the Plant Conservatory is launching a first-time collaboration with the <a href=\"https:\/\/psychology.chass.ncsu.edu\/\">Department of Psychology<\/a>. Students in environmental psychology will explore therapeutic horticulture through hands-on propagation activities within the greenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the most famous resident of the Plant Conservatory is Wolfgang, the <em>Amorphophallus titanum<\/em>, or &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/corpse-flower-nc-state\/\">corpse flower<\/a>.&#8221; This rare plant has drawn more than 5,000 visitors to campus over the years during its infrequent and dramatic flowering events. The conservatory staff uses these moments to disseminate horticultural and botanical knowledge to the public through educational posters and interactive sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the facility is not open to the general public daily, it serves as a vital outreach center for homeschool groups, <a href=\"https:\/\/emgv.ces.ncsu.edu\/\">Extension Master Gardeners<\/a> and local garden clubs. For the campus community, it remains a sanctuary \u2014 a place where students are often found decompressing, taking online courses, or simply warming up in the winter among the tropical foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Financial support through the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\">Horticultural Science Enrichment Fund<\/a> is critical to maintaining these unique impacts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s about providing hands-on experiences and plant samples to study plant characteristics that supplement textbooks,\u201d Mays says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As March 25 approaches, the Department of Horticultural Science looks to ensure this &#8220;tropical jungle&#8221; in the heart of Raleigh remains a place where students can learn, grow and occasionally enjoy lunch under a canopy of green.<\/p>\n\n\n<script>\nvar 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plant\u201d, \\u003cem\\u003eCrassula ovata\\u003c\/em\\u003e, draw plenty of attention in NC State University\u2019s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences\u2019 Teaching Greenhouses, located attached to the back of Fox Labs.\"} \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tucked within the Marye Anne Fox University Student Teaching Labs greenhouse complex at NC State, a biological bridge spans the gap between the humid tropics and the parched desert. Known as the Plant Conservatory, this dual-climate facility houses rainforest and arid plant collections that serve as much more than just a scenic backdrop for the campus.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As NC State prepares for its annual Day of Giving on March 25, 2026, the <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/\">Department of Horticultural Science<\/a> is highlighting the Plant Conservatory\u2019s role as a cornerstone of experiential learning. Support of the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\">Horticultural Science Enrichment Fund<\/a> on Day of Giving ensures the Plant Conservatory can maintain its diverse plant collection, respond to unique educational opportunities, and manage unforeseen challenges within its complex ecosystems.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/highlight {\"teaser\":\"On March 25, 2026, NC State Day of Giving will bring the entire Wolfpack together for 24 hours of friendly competition, fun challenges and, of course, #GivingPack \u2014 all to make a difference for our students, faculty, research, programs and more.\",\"callToAction\":\"\\u003ca href=\\u0022https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\\u0022\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eFind out how you can make your mark\\u003c\/strong\\u003e\\u003c\/a\\u003e\",\"imageID\":98351} -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-highlight with-image\"><h2 class=\"highlight__label\">Related<\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\" class=\"highlight__link\" data-ua-cat=\"Highlight Block\" data-ua-action=\"Story Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\"><div class=\"highlight__image-container\"><div class=\"highlight__image-background\"><img class=\"highlight__image wp-image-98351\" alt=\"NC State Day of Giving 03.25.2026\" src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/Newsletter-DayofGiving-032526.jpg\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"highlight__text-container\"><h3 class=\"highlight__heading\"><strong>Support Horticultural Science by #GivingPack on 03.25.26<\/strong><\/h3><p class=\"highlight__teaser\">On March 25, 2026, NC State Day of Giving will bring the entire Wolfpack together for 24 hours of friendly competition, fun challenges and, of course, #GivingPack \u2014 all to make a difference for our students, faculty, research, programs and more.<\/p><p class=\"highlight__cta\"><span><a href=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\"><strong>Find out how you can make your <\/span><span class=\"nowrap\"><span>mark<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;<\/span><span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/a><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/highlight -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThe conservatory provides a living laboratory for many courses, a showcase for visitors and a place to relax or study while surrounded by nature\u2019s beauty,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/people\/dbmays\/\">Diane Mays<\/a>, Plant Conservatory curator.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For students in the <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/\">College of Agriculture and Life Sciences<\/a> (CALS), the facility is an essential piece of their academic toolkit. Horticulture students utilize the space to source propagation material for courses ranging from plant micropropagation to tissue culture. Beyond technical skills, the Plant Conservatory offers a rare internship experience where students manage plant production, greenhouse operations and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The impact of the collection extends far beyond horticulture. Plant biology students use the specimens to study morphology, phylogeny and ethnobotany.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/people\/joanna-eglinton\/\">Joanna Eglinton<\/a>, director of prospective student engagement for CALS, often requests tours for prospective students and their families to showcase CALS facilities,\u201d Mays says. \u201cEntomologist <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/people\/sdfrank\/\">Steve Frank<\/a> and his graduate students often walk through the collection, scouting for insects to research or breed for their insectary.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Meanwhile, <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/entomology-and-plant-pathology\/group\/faculty\/\">plant pathology students<\/a> use the living collection as a real-world testing ground for scouting diseases and performing virus testing.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWorking with the vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants provides a rare internship experience,\u201d Mays says. \u201cEach semester, students gain broad horticultural and botanical experiences that entail everything from plant growth and maintenance to greenhouse operations and management.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\"><!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":98352,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-cacti-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Aloes and their relatives, Haworthias and Gasterias, are succulents that do best in indirect light. Native to South Africa, these low-maintenance plants are popular among houseplant enthusiasts. \" class=\"wp-image-98352\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Aloes<\/em> and their relatives, Haworthias and Gasterias, are succulents that do best in indirect light. Native to South Africa, these low-maintenance plants are popular among houseplant enthusiasts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":98353,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-succulents-1024x576.png\" alt=\"These full sun-loving Euphorbias are showcased in the Arid collection, consisting of a diverse family of Old World succulents.\" class=\"wp-image-98353\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These full sun-loving Euphorbias are showcased in the Arid collection, consisting of a diverse family of Old World succulents. Interestingly, the popular potted plant, poinsettia, is a member of the Euphorbia family.\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":98354,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-greenhouse-a-1024x576.png\" alt=\"The rainforest collection is home to many tropical plant species from all around the world. Orchids, ferns, palms and foliage plants are on display, showcasing the diversity of the plant kingdom. \" class=\"wp-image-98354\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The rainforest collection is home to many tropical plant species from all around the world. Orchids, ferns, palms and foliage plants are on display, showcasing the diversity of the plant kingdom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":98355,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/03\/plant-conservatory-aerids-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Air plants (Tillandsias) are related to Spanish moss and pineapples, the only edible species in the Bromeliad family. These species are right at home in the Rainforest room where they absorb water and nutrients through the trichomes (modified scales) on their leaves.\u00a0\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-98355\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Air plants (Tillandsias) are related to Spanish moss and pineapples, the only edible species in the Bromeliad family. These species are right at home in the Rainforest room where they absorb water and nutrients through the trichomes (modified scales) on their leaves.\u00a0\u00a0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The facility also serves as an interdisciplinary hub. Biological illustration students visit to capture the intricate details of rare flora, and this spring, the Plant Conservatory is launching a first-time collaboration with the <a href=\"https:\/\/psychology.chass.ncsu.edu\/\">Department of Psychology<\/a>. Students in environmental psychology will explore therapeutic horticulture through hands-on propagation activities within the greenery.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Perhaps the most famous resident of the Plant Conservatory is Wolfgang, the <em>Amorphophallus titanum<\/em>, or \"<a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/corpse-flower-nc-state\/\">corpse flower<\/a>.\" This rare plant has drawn more than 5,000 visitors to campus over the years during its infrequent and dramatic flowering events. The conservatory staff uses these moments to disseminate horticultural and botanical knowledge to the public through educational posters and interactive sessions.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While the facility is not open to the general public daily, it serves as a vital outreach center for homeschool groups, <a href=\"https:\/\/emgv.ces.ncsu.edu\/\">Extension Master Gardeners<\/a> and local garden clubs. For the campus community, it remains a sanctuary \u2014 a place where students are often found decompressing, taking online courses, or simply warming up in the winter among the tropical foliage.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Financial support through the <a href=\"https:\/\/go.ncsu.edu\/DoG-horticulture\">Horticultural Science Enrichment Fund<\/a> is critical to maintaining these unique impacts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s about providing hands-on experiences and plant samples to study plant characteristics that supplement textbooks,\u201d Mays says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As March 25 approaches, the Department of Horticultural Science looks to ensure this \"tropical jungle\" in the heart of Raleigh remains a place where students can learn, grow and occasionally enjoy lunch under a canopy of green.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:gravityforms\/form {\"formId\":\"14\",\"inputPrimaryColor\":\"#204ce5\"} \/-->"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For NC State Day of Giving on March 25, the Department of Horticultural Science is highlighting the Plant Conservatory, a vibrant cultural space filled with plants that showcase flora from rainforests and desert landscapes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":60,"featured_media":98350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"caption\":\"The red hues of <em>Begonia brevifolia<\/em> \u2018Edinburgh\u2019, seen with the South African \u201cjade plant\u201d, <em>Crassula ovata<\/em>, draw plenty of attention in NC State University\u2019s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences\u2019 Teaching Greenhouses, located attached to the back of Fox Labs.\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-98349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nc-state"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/60"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=98349"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":98357,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98349\/revisions\/98357"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/98350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=98349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=98349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/horticultural-science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=98349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}