WEEKNIGHTS AT THE WAGNER: Flowers, Flies and Fermentation

WEEKNIGHTS AT THE WAGNER: Flowers, Flies and Fermentation: the Pollination Ecology of Pawpaw With Dr. Kate Goodrich

The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a fascinating local tree that produces the largest native fruits in North America. It was widely known and consumed by indigenous people and early colonists, but it is less well-known today. Pawpaws bloom in early spring with small, maroon, yeasty-smelling flowers. The oddly-scented flowers attract a collection of flies normally associated with fermenting fruits or sap. This is an example of floral mimicry, whereby deceptive flowers “pretend” to be something they’re not in order to fool specific pollinators into visiting. Kate Goodrich will share her recent research on the pollination strategy of this tree, and the fly species responsible for pollination – and fruit set – of pawpaw.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Kate Goodrich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Widener University. She is a botanist and a chemical ecologist, with research focusing primarily on scents (volatile chemical blends) used by plants to communicate with other organisms in the environment.

The Museum will be open to visitors until the talk begins at 6 PM.

This event will be in-person and will not be recorded.

THINGS TO KNOW FOR YOUR VISIT

• Walk-in attendees are welcome. Advance ticket reservations are appreciated and will speed up your entry.

• For the safety of all our guests, our staff will be masked and we require that all visitors over age 2 are as well

• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light

• To protect the specimens and our historic interiors, photography is not allowed in the museum and food and drink are not permitted in the building.

A dream that keeps growing…

In 1855, William Wagner had a dream of providing free science education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of background or ability to pay. Today, the Wagner offers more programs to more people than ever before! Your support helps us provide free education, not only through the museum, but through a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and children’s science programs. Donations also assist us in caring for the museum and library collections and in preserving our wonderful building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. To learn more about what we do please visit our website.

TICKET INFORMATION

In keeping with its original charter, admission is free—donations are suggested to ensure the future and quality of Wagner’s free education programs and to preserve its National Landmark building and collections.

Suggested Donations

$10/adult

$5/person for college students & children

For any questions, please email tickets@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x17.

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