Teaching plant steals the show

FLOWERING sprays from a plant, similar to one used to teach Imperial undergraduates, has taken first prize at the Royal Horticultural Society summer show. The Erythrrina Christa-Galli, also known as a coral tree, was submitted by Peter Mantle, professor of microbial biochemistry, and was awarded first prize in the ornamental plants from the open, class two section; a tree or shrub other than a rhododendron, azalea or rose, in bloom, one vase.

The plant was used throughout the 1970s in the department of chemistry to demonstrate the way in which some of its alkaloids are formed; the early steps are identical to the way the opium poppy makes morphine .

These substances were once used as muscle relaxants in surgery. "I was looking for plant material to illustrate aspects of biosynthesis for teaching biochemists," the professor explained.

"Ive never entered anything before in my life. I did this year as the plant looked amazing - in total, it just about fits into a black taxi. I had fun being a complete amateur. I learned a lot about flower arranging."

*** © Imperial College 2001. This article originally appeared in IC Reporter, the staff newspaper of Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine. Please contact the editor Tanya Reed (Email: icreporter@imperial.ac.uk, Telephone: +44 20 7594 6697) for permission to re-use any or all parts of this article.***