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Why this wildflower is worrying naturalists in Arizona.

AZPM
Published April 27, 2023 at 11:14 AM MST
Stinknet Invasive key
Tony Figueroa
The stinknet weed (Oncosiphon pilulifer), seen here with a key for scale, was being traded as Globe chamomile before being renamed. Scientists say it is an invasive plant in our region.
Stinknet hero
Tony Paniagua / AZPM
Stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulifer) is a highly invasive wildflower that is spreading across Arizona.

Featured on the April 27th, 2023 edition of ARIZONA SPOTLIGHT with guest host Tony Paniagua:

Why this wildflower is worrying naturalists in Arizona.

  • An annual weed with attractive little, yellow flowers is causing big headaches for environmental groups in Arizona. Invasive Plant Program Manager for the Tucson Audubon Society Tony Figueroa sat down to tell us about stinknet, one of the latest invasive species that is taking root in our state. For more information, you can also check out this special stinknet website with details.
Stinknet invasive in field
Tony Figueroa
The stinknet weed (Oncosiphon pilulifer) was being traded as Globe chamomile before being renamed. Scientists say it is an invasive plant in our region.
Tony Figueroa spotlight
Tony Paniagua / AZPM
Tony Figueroa in the AZPM Studio.
Stinknet invasive in field
Tony Figueroa
The stinknet weed (Oncosiphon pilulifer) was being traded as Globe chamomile before being renamed. Scientists say it is an invasive plant in our region.

  • Meet Tucson resident Martha Retallick. She transformed her urban property into an oasis for native plants, insects, and birds, and now she’s sharing her photography and observations in a new book: City Nature.
Martha Retallick spotlight
Tony Paniagua / AZPM
Martha Retallick in the AZPM Studio.
Martha Retallick Book
Tony Paniagua / AZPM
Martha Retallick's book was inspired by harvesting rainwater, photography, gardening, and other interests.

  • And hear from a young German professional who recently visited AZPM as part of a transatlantic program to increase understanding in the field of broadcasting. Listen to his take on immigration, free education, and universal health care in Germany, and why he was surprised to see palm trees on UA’s campus.
Abel Fekade German Visitor 1
Tony Paniagua / AZPM
Abel Fekade, who was born in Leipzig, Germany, visited Arizona and other parts of United States as part of an exchange program between citizens of both countries.

  • And, listen to an Audio Postcard featuring Tucsonans having fun at a “Dolly Party”, a Dolly Parton-inspired disco, country & western diva dance celebration.
Dolly Disco 3 unsized
Photo by Isabella Laos
Attendees at the "Dolly Party," the traveling dance party that stopped at Club Congress on Feb. 16.
Dolly Disco 2 spotlight
Photo by Isabella Laos
Attendees at the "Dolly Party," the traveling dance party that stopped at Club Congress on Feb. 16.
Dolly Disco 1 spotlight
Photo by Isabella Laos
Attendees at the "Dolly Party," the traveling dance party that stopped at Club Congress on Feb. 16.

Webpage by Leah Britton

Arizona Spotlight
Arizona Spotlight airs every Thursday at 8:30 am and 6:00 pm and every Friday at 8:00 pm on NPR 89.1 FM / 1550 AM. You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, or the NPR App. See more from Arizona Spotlight.