Plants are incredibly diverse, and so are botanists! In its mission to spread fascinating stories about the plant world, Botany One also introduces you to the scientists behind these great stories.
Today we have , a botanist and conservation biologist focusing on plant-animal interactions and seed dispersal mechanisms. During her PhD, Andriantsaralaza investigated the seed dispersal ecology of Malagasy baobabs and their interactions with animal seed dispersers. Now, she is the Chief Operating Officer at Fanamby, a Malagasy conservation organization. In this position, she combines scientific research with conservation efforts by managing protected areas, such as Baobab Avenue in western Madagascar, where these trees are vital for ecosystem health and local communities.
What made you interested in plants?
While I appreciate plants as organisms, I am more fascinated by natural ecosystems and the complex interactions within them. I am driven to understand how different species connect and influence each other to create functioning ecosystems. Plants captured my interest specifically because they serve as foundational elements in these ecological networks. Particularly with baobabs in Madagascar, I discovered how these charismatic trees function as ecological anchors—providing food, habitat, and resources that support diverse wildlife communities while simultaneously depending on animals for their own reproduction through seed dispersal.
What motivated you to pursue your current area of research?
What motivates me to pursue my research is uncovering these mutual dependencies between plants and animals. The relationship between baobabs and their seed dispersers perfectly illustrates the intricate connections that fascinate me—when you understand a plant, you’re actually understanding an entire web of ecological relationships. This systems-level perspective drives both my scientific curiosity and conservation work at Fanamby.
What is your favourite part of your work related to plants?
My favorite aspect of working with plants is observing their phenology and the interactions with animals over different periods.
Are any specific plants or species that have intrigued or inspired your research? If so, what are they and why?
Baobabs are my favourite plants, and they have greatly inspired my research. I am fascinated by their ability to stand tall for such long periods—some of the oldest baobabs are over 1,300 years old. They have survived climate change, fires, and deforestation, and this resilience inspires me.
Could you share an experience or anecdote from your work that has marked your career and reaffirmed your fascination with plants?
I visited Tsimanampesotse National Park in southern Madagascar, where I saw the oldest baobab for the first time, known as the grandmother. Surrounding the baobab, there were only stones. When I touched the trunk, I felt a deep emotional connection; it was as if the baobab was sharing its story of endurance, highlighting how ecosystems have changed due to drought and climate change, yet it continues to survive despite these challenges. I know this may sound overly sentimental, but this experience reaffirmed my passion for studying baobabs, particularly their conservation.
What advice would you give young scientists considering a career in plant biology?
Every study and research endeavour comes with passion and purpose. Find your passion and never let anyone tell you that you cannot pursue a career that excites you. Remember to “never give up,” as you will face many challenges along the way. But like plants, you will develop the resilience needed to pursue your research, discover new things, and adapt, turning challenges into opportunities.
What do people usually get wrong about plants?
Many people believe that studying plants is easy because they don’t move like animals do. However, this is a misconception. The fact that plants are stationary can complicate the study of them. Observations made on one tree in a forest can vary over time. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a keen eye to ensure that all relevant observations are collected during the same period.
Carlos A. Ordóñez-Parra
Carlos (he/him) is a Colombian seed ecologist currently doing his PhD at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) and working as a Science Editor at Botany One and a Communications Officer at the International Society for Seed Science. You can follow him on BlueSky at @caordonezparra.
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