A tree with no (officiall common) name, the Falcatifolium taxoides is a derivative tree from the island of New Caledonia. It’s yew-ish, it’s sickle-like, and it’s a PODOCARP . Plus, it has a curious leech of a friend who depends on it for everything—the world’s only parasitic gymnosperm. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on o...
Jan 25, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep 58•Transcript available on Metacast It’s time for that special talk… about the rimu ( Dacrydium cupressinum ) and its special friend and lover the Kākāpō. This bird bases its entire existence around this tree, and the feelings just may be mutual. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals Se...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep 57•Transcript available on Metacast PODOCARPS! Never have we ever discussed one of its ilk, much to the chagrin of thousands, we’re sure. And to start our mini-series of New Zealand trees, today we present the Totara ( Podocarpus totara ). With its curious leaf-like-needle-like-leaves, this conifer is so good at pretending to be a broadleaf tree, it’s practically become one. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbor...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 56•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever seen a column of gold (orange)? It may just be an oyamel ( Abies religiosa ), the sacred fir. Every year countless Monarch butterflies pilgrimage to the mountains of Mexico to spend their winter months clinging to these trees, but why? (Spoiler: we don't know.) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Jan 04, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 55•Transcript available on Metacast Can we interest you in a forest bath? On the series finale of Treeyazaki, we discuss Princess Mononoke and the hinoki cypress ( Chamaecyparis obtusa ). A tree ripe with VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and rich tradition such as forest bathing, this tree is a quintisential Japanese conifer. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading ...
Dec 28, 2023•2 hr 32 min•Ep 54•Transcript available on Metacast What does a nuclear disaster do to trees? Find out on this episode of Treeyazaki, where we discuss the Miyazaki film Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and the Japanese fir. Toxic jungles, giant bugs, and feudal politics. This movie was made for us. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian B...
Dec 21, 2023•2 hr 31 min•Ep 53•Transcript available on Metacast Who is Totoro? They’re a spirit, a kami, of a massive camphor tree. In this episode of Treeyazaki, we talk legendary animated film My Neighbor Totoro and one of its central characters, the camphor ( Cinnamomum camphora ). We also talk about animism and its role in every culture around the entire world. Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves a...
Dec 14, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep 52•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to Completely Arbortrary’s Treeyazaki, a month-long exploration of the trees of Studio Ghibli and films of Hayao Miyazaki! To start our journey, we visit a bathhouse for spirits in Spirited Away. This is a story about a young girl who finds herself trapped in the spirit world, and must escape with the help of a river spirit. This episode we’re talking Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, and the importance of the Sakaki ( Cleyera japonica). Completely Arbortrary is produced and host...
Dec 07, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep 51•Transcript available on Metacast Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Dec 04, 2023•18 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast In this BONUS EPISODE of Completely Arbortrary, hear the first trailer for our new December theme month: TREEYAZAKI, a month-long exploration of the trees of Studio Ghibli and the films of Hayao Miyazaki. Also, stick around for a big announcement about the way you support Completely Arbortrary. Then, listen to some cutting room floor audio from three mainline episodes! Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member ...
Nov 30, 2023•45 min•Ep 50•Transcript available on Metacast PRESERVATION! Join us for a conversation on preservation, John Muir, and the incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens). Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art...
Nov 23, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast CONSERVATION! What is it? And how does it differ from preservation ? Have you been using them interchangeably too? Well, no longer! In this episode, we discuss the Oregon myrtle ( Umbellularia californica ), and its relationship to conservation, and conservation’s relationship to the first Gifford Pinchot. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Fin...
Nov 16, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast With great distaste we present to you the Norway maple (Acer platanoides). This suburbanite tree of many faces is very popular, which might be the best thing we can say about it. But we have many good things to say about diversity. In every facet of life, diversity makes us stronger… and trees are no different! Let’s also define invasiveness and hear Casey’s extremely hot take. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemiu...
Nov 09, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast We’re poppin’ bottles on this very corky episode of Completely Arbortrary. Learn all about the cork oak (Quercus suber) and the dehesas of Spain and Portugal. These agrosilvopastoral lands are a marvel of sustainability and industry, and a beautiful template for letting nature lead the way. Also, stick around for some exciting BOOK NEWS from Casey! Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Insta...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast “A great tree, that is kind of grey!” The ghost pine (Pinus sabiniana) is one of earth’s most spookiest trees, and chock full of curiosities in almost every category of its being. FUN FACTS! Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals See Privacy Poli...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast It lurks in the dark, and it sees the darkness…. The honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos), like most trees, has a stick sense. How does it perceive the world? It all starts in the dark. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals See Privacy Policy at...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast A million year old forest, the Laurisilva of Madeira are stunning ecosystems trapped in time and untouched by humanity. At the center of this forest is the Canary Island Laurel (Prunus lusitanica). Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals See Priva...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast What was the “happiest place on Earth” before it was Disneyland? And what is it before that? We go back in time today to explore the dark history of the changes of this land from indigenous river people to farmland to massive theme park, and the one tree that survived it all, the Canary Island date palm ( Phoenix canariensis ). Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary ...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast Sweet Neem! That’s right, today we’re talking all things Curry Leaf Tree ( Murraya koenigii ), and all things curry! This Indian tree is one of the most important trees in India, and one of the most delicious. You may even learn a little something about “curry”. Then, we answer a question about kelp! Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find addi...
Sep 21, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast The Margosa (Azadirachta indica) is one of the world’s most magical trees. Why? It’s in the oil! We call it neem oil, and its benefits have been lauded for centuries, for humans and plants alike. And join us for a discussion on Ayurveda, a traditional medicine system from India. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our ...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast What does it mean to be “extinct in the wild”? Just ask the Franklinia (Franklinia alatamaha), who lives it existence only in arboretums and gardens. But it wasn’t always like this…. Then, we answer a question about TREE LAW. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves an...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast A curious and very special relationship exists between the Sourwood (and its family) and the fungus that feeds it. Find out all about this ancient pact, and hear us wretch and spit our way through a very sour segment of Trail Snacks. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 27 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast Bees go to trees and get pollen on their knees. That tree is very likely a Silver linden (Tilia tomentosa). On this episode, we talk about bees. Unlike the last episode in which we talked about bees, this one has a happy ending. Plus, learn about Honeydew honey (just don’t think about it too much before you eat it). To hear Casey’s “Save The Bees” rant, join the Patreon! Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Membe...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast One of the world’s loneliest and most critically endangered trees, the Sahara cypress ( Cupressus dupreziana ) stands nearly alone in the dead center of the mindblowingly vast Sahara desert in northern Africa. With only a handful of these trees left, we ask the question… what in the world is going on with these curious reproducers. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortr...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast When does a tree that seems to be able to provide so much good become a tree that is reviled for causing so much harm? Today’s subject is the beach sheoak ( Casuarina equisetifolia ) a tree that is loved and loathed by many, including the Loggerhead turtles ( Caretta caretta ) of Keewaydin Island, where some well-meaning locals caused harm to the local sea turtle population in an effort to stay the gulf winds. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support t...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find additional reading on our website Cover art by Jillian Barthold Music by Aves and The Mini-Vandals See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast The tree under which The Buddha sat and reached enlightenment, the sacred fig (Ficus religiosa) is one of the world’s most iconic trees. As an ending to our Summer Vacation series, we trip to Sri Lanka where we visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. Hear our uneducated takes on Buddhism, and a reminder about what dark waspy rituals go on inside your favorite figs. See you next Fall! Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium M...
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast The Baobab! One of Africa’s most storied and mythological trees, the baobab (Adansonia grandidieri) is one tall, thicc mother. Learn about how this tree is the camel of the arboreal world, listen to the myths associated with its topsy-turvy appearance, and learn about one of the best places to view them, Madagascar’s Avenue of the Baobabs. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast This week we head to Sierra Leone and take a look at their famous kapok, the Cotton Tree of Freetown ( Ceiba pentandra ). The kapok is a tree that has had uses for humans for thousands of years, but the Cotton Tree of Freetown was far more than just a useful tree representing the spirit of a nation. Completely Arbortrary is produced and hosted by Casey Clapp and Alex Crowson Support the pod and become a Treemium Member Follow along on Instagram Find Arbortrary merch on our store Find addit...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast 
