The cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, is one of only three cultivated fruits native to North America. Author Susan Playfair traces the story of this perennial vine and poses the question of how the cranberry, and by inference other fruits, will fare in a warming climate. In her attempt to evaluate the effects of climate change, Susan interviewed growers throughout the cranberry’s temperature tolerance range. She spoke with scientists studying the range of health benefits of cranberries, plant geneticists mapping the cranberry genome, a plant biologist who provided her with the first regression analysis of cranberry flowering times, and a migrant beekeeper trying to figure out why the bees are dying Could the American cranberry cease growing in the United States? If so, what would be lost?
Susan will speak at the Wellesley College Botanic Garden on Wednesday, October 14 from 12:30 – 2, and her book, America’s Founding Fruit, will be available for purchase and signing. WCBG friends free, nonmembers $10. Call 781-283-3094, or email wcbgfriends@wellesley.edu.
