Naming Thuja
We’ve established that common names are dumb, arbitrary concoctions that can be created by even the most botanically uneducated members of society. You however, are world-renowned experts on trees and other related topics, as well as the hosts of the prestigious treemy awards. My question is, who better to rename the false cedar family? Let’s stop calling this lovely genus by what it is not. Think of the Thuja plicata, pride of the Pacific Northwest! I call upon you, Casey and Alex, to give these nameless wonders their own identity!
Lily vs Water Lily
Hi Casey and Alex, my coworkers and I have gone down a Wikipedia wormhole and we are now stuck... What exactly is the difference between lilies and water lilies? Why are they both called "lily" when it doesn't look like they are closely related? They are in different orders, so I thought maybe it had to do with the structure of the flower, but they look completely different. Thanks!
Cutting Board Care?
Howdy Casey and Alex! Occasionally I scroll onto a social media post of someone recommending people to disinfect their wooden cutting boards. Then, I inevitably see arguments in the comments with many people insisting that wooden cutting boards (and utensils) are naturally antibacterial, unlike plastic cutting boards, when cared for correctly. They say this is due to the anaerobic environment inside of the woodgrain that would not support aerobic bacteria. But, there are many species of anaerobic bacteria, so I find that explanation uncompelling... Is there something integral to wood that does makes it antibacterial? Would the same thing apply to bamboo cutting boards? And lastly, how should wooden cutting boards and utensils be cared for? I'm just curious on what Casey and Alex's Completely Arbortrary opinion and experience is on this! Thank you guys and love the show! :)