🇮🇹 Finishing up in Palermo with @jchrispires.bsky.social and @alexmcalvay.bsky.social ! We found B. rupestris in rocky areas, while a ferry and bike journey took us to a nearby island to locate B. macrocarpa. 🚗🚲🚢 These plants offer crucial insights into the evolutionary pathways of Brassica! 🥦 (8/9)

🇮🇹 Next stop: Sicily! In Catania, we had the privilege of spending time with Dr. Ferdinando Branca and his fantastic team. A world-class Brassica expert, Branca shared invaluable insights as we explored B. incana populations together. (Vespa spotting with a Brassica!) #Brassica (7/9)

🚗🌿 In Naples, Dr. Giovanni Scopece and his team gave us an incredible tour of B. incana populations, going above and beyond to show us these unique sites. Truly grateful for their kindness and expertise! (Check out our journey!) #FieldBotany #Collaboration (6/9)

🐐 Tough terrain may be key to B. cretica survival in Crete—likely safe from hungry goats! It’s amazing how plants adapt to their environment in ways we’re only beginning to understand. #EvolutionaryBiology (5/9)

🚗🌿 In Crete, we found B. cretica thriving in the most unexpected places, from roadsides to steep cliffs (Check out the cliffs where we found them!). Some populations seem to survive by growing in areas too rugged for goats to reach. Fieldwork always has its surprises! #Botany (3/9)

🌍 Recently, @youngeukaryote.bsky.social and I journeyed to Crete to study Brassica cretica, a close relative of B. oleracea 🥦—and what a trip it was! First stop: the herbarium, where local experts helped us pinpoint key field sites. (2/9)