[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.91,0:00:03.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know, it's a big privilege for me
Dialogue: 0,0:00:03.34,0:00:07.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to be working in one of the\Nbiodiversity hotspots in the world:
Dialogue: 0,0:00:07.23,0:00:09.93,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:09.93,0:00:13.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These islands — Mauritius,\NRodrigues, and Réunion —
Dialogue: 0,0:00:13.67,0:00:16.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,along with the island of Madagascar,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:16.81,0:00:18.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they are blessed with unique plants
Dialogue: 0,0:00:18.73,0:00:20.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,found nowhere else in the world.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:20.84,0:00:23.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And today I will tell you \Nabout five of them
Dialogue: 0,0:00:23.53,0:00:25.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and their particular features
Dialogue: 0,0:00:25.52,0:00:28.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and why these plants are so unique.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:28.41,0:00:29.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Take a look at this plant.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:29.97,0:00:33.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I call it benjoin in the local vernacular,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:33.37,0:00:37.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the botanical name \Nis Terminalia bentzoe,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:37.30,0:00:39.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,subspecies bentzoe.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:39.20,0:00:42.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This subspecies is endemic to Mauritius,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:42.51,0:00:44.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and its particular feature
Dialogue: 0,0:00:44.32,0:00:46.79,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is its heterophylly.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:46.79,0:00:48.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What do I mean by heterophylly?
Dialogue: 0,0:00:48.92,0:00:50.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's that the same plant
Dialogue: 0,0:00:50.48,0:00:53.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,has got leaves that are different shapes and sizes.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:53.56,0:00:55.15,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, these plants have evolved
Dialogue: 0,0:00:55.15,0:00:57.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,very far away from the mainland,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:57.50,0:01:00.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and within specific ecosystems.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:00.90,0:01:03.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Often, these particular features
Dialogue: 0,0:01:03.72,0:01:06.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,have evolved as a response to the threat
Dialogue: 0,0:01:06.54,0:01:08.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,presented by the local fauna,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:08.97,0:01:12.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in this case, grazing tortoises.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:12.59,0:01:15.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Tortoises are known to have poor eyesight,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:15.75,0:01:18.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and as such, they tend to avoid the plants
Dialogue: 0,0:01:18.24,0:01:20.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they don't recognize.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:20.29,0:01:23.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So this evolutionary \Nfoil safeguards the plant
Dialogue: 0,0:01:23.67,0:01:26.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,against these rather cute animals,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:26.59,0:01:31.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and protects it and of course \Nensures its survival.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:31.65,0:01:34.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now the question you're \Nprobably asking yourself is,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:34.66,0:01:37.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,why is she telling us all these stories?
Dialogue: 0,0:01:37.56,0:01:41.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The reason for that is that we tend to overlook
Dialogue: 0,0:01:41.25,0:01:45.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the diversity and the variety of the natural world.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:45.63,0:01:48.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These particular habitats are unique
Dialogue: 0,0:01:48.52,0:01:52.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and they are host to a whole lot of plants.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:52.75,0:01:54.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We don't realize how valuable
Dialogue: 0,0:01:54.92,0:01:57.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and how precious these resources are,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:57.53,0:01:59.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and yet, through our insouciance,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:59.73,0:02:01.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we keep on destroying them.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:01.90,0:02:03.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We're all familiar
Dialogue: 0,0:02:03.63,0:02:06.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with the macro impact of urbanization,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:06.82,0:02:10.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,climate change, resource exploitation,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:10.27,0:02:12.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but when that one last plant —
Dialogue: 0,0:02:12.44,0:02:14.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or animal for that matter —
Dialogue: 0,0:02:14.65,0:02:16.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when that very last specimen
Dialogue: 0,0:02:16.85,0:02:18.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,has disappeared from the face of this Earth,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:18.96,0:02:20.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we would have lost
Dialogue: 0,0:02:20.36,0:02:24.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an entire subset of the Earth's biology,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:24.26,0:02:27.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and with it, important plants \Nwith medicinal potential
Dialogue: 0,0:02:27.94,0:02:29.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or which could have ingredients
Dialogue: 0,0:02:29.87,0:02:31.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that would speak to the cosmetic,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:31.40,0:02:33.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,nutrition, pharma,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:33.32,0:02:35.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and even the ethno-veterinary sectors,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:35.74,0:02:37.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,be gone forever.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:37.48,0:02:39.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And here we have a very prime example
Dialogue: 0,0:02:39.41,0:02:42.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of the iconic dodo, which comes from Mauritius,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:42.16,0:02:46.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and, of course, we know is \Nnow a symbol of extinction.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:46.54,0:02:49.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We know plants have a \Nfundamental role to play.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:49.16,0:02:51.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, first of all, they feed us
Dialogue: 0,0:02:51.00,0:02:53.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and they also give us \Nthe oxygen we breathe,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:53.89,0:02:56.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but plants are also the source
Dialogue: 0,0:02:56.21,0:02:59.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of important, biologically active ingredients
Dialogue: 0,0:02:59.76,0:03:02.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that we should be studying very carefully,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:02.96,0:03:07.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because human societies over the millennia,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:07.25,0:03:10.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they have developed important knowledge,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:10.30,0:03:12.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,cultural traditions,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:12.12,0:03:16.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and important plant-based medicinal resources.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:16.42,0:03:18.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Here's a data point:
Dialogue: 0,0:03:18.40,0:03:22.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,1.4 percent of the entire land surface
Dialogue: 0,0:03:22.56,0:03:26.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is home to 40 percent of\Nthe species of higher plants,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:26.47,0:03:29.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,35 percent of the species of vertebrates,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:29.16,0:03:31.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and this 1.4 percent
Dialogue: 0,0:03:31.70,0:03:36.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,represents the 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:36.37,0:03:39.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and this 1.4 percent of the entire land surface
Dialogue: 0,0:03:39.52,0:03:42.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,already provides for 35 percent
Dialogue: 0,0:03:42.41,0:03:44.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of the ecosystem services
Dialogue: 0,0:03:44.24,0:03:46.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that vulnerable people depend on.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:46.92,0:03:48.27,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And as you can see,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:48.27,0:03:49.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the island of Mauritius
Dialogue: 0,0:03:49.68,0:03:51.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where I work and where I live,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:51.76,0:03:54.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,belongs to one such biodiversity hotspot,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:54.47,0:03:56.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and I study the unique plants
Dialogue: 0,0:03:56.68,0:04:00.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,on the island for their \Nbiomedical applications.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:00.34,0:04:01.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, let's go back again
Dialogue: 0,0:04:01.68,0:04:03.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to that first plant I showed you,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:03.52,0:04:06.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the one, of course, with \Ndifferent-shaped leaves
Dialogue: 0,0:04:06.55,0:04:09.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and different sizes, Terminalia bentzoe,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:09.40,0:04:11.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,subspecies bentzoe,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:11.07,0:04:13.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a plant only found in Mauritius.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:13.66,0:04:15.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, the local people,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:15.11,0:04:17.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they used a decoction of the leaves
Dialogue: 0,0:04:17.34,0:04:19.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,against infectious diseases.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:19.87,0:04:22.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now our work, that is,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:22.32,0:04:25.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the scientific validation of \Nthis traditional information,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:25.73,0:04:27.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,has shown that precisely
Dialogue: 0,0:04:27.80,0:04:32.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that leaf extract shows activity, potent activity,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:32.13,0:04:34.35,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,against a wide range of bacteria
Dialogue: 0,0:04:34.35,0:04:37.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that could be pathogenic to humans.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:37.43,0:04:39.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, could this plant be the answer
Dialogue: 0,0:04:39.87,0:04:42.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to antibiotic resistance?
Dialogue: 0,0:04:42.49,0:04:44.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know, antibiotic resistance is proving to be
Dialogue: 0,0:04:44.84,0:04:47.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a big challenge globally.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:47.56,0:04:50.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,While we may not be sure, one thing is certain:
Dialogue: 0,0:04:50.36,0:04:52.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we will not want this plant to disappear.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:52.97,0:04:55.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the harsh reality is that
Dialogue: 0,0:04:55.62,0:04:57.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this particular plant is in fact
Dialogue: 0,0:04:57.60,0:04:59.47,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,considered to be vulnerable
Dialogue: 0,0:04:59.47,0:05:01.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in its natural habitat.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:01.63,0:05:03.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This brings me to another example.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:03.78,0:05:07.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This bush here is known as baume de l'ile plate
Dialogue: 0,0:05:07.57,0:05:09.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the local vernacular.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:09.29,0:05:11.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The botanical name is Psiadia arguta.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:11.94,0:05:13.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a plant which is rare,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:13.84,0:05:16.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is endemic to Mauritius.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:16.55,0:05:17.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It used to grow on the mainland,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:17.77,0:05:20.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but through the sheer \Npressures of urbanization
Dialogue: 0,0:05:20.21,0:05:22.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,has been pushed out of the mainland,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:22.49,0:05:24.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and we've managed to bring it back
Dialogue: 0,0:05:24.19,0:05:25.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from the brink of extinction
Dialogue: 0,0:05:25.67,0:05:27.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by developing in vitro plants
Dialogue: 0,0:05:27.74,0:05:29.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which are now growing in the wild.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:29.58,0:05:31.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, one thing I must \Npoint out straightaway
Dialogue: 0,0:05:31.78,0:05:34.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is that not all plants
Dialogue: 0,0:05:34.66,0:05:37.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,can be developed in vitro.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:37.57,0:05:41.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,While we humans, we are \Nhappy in our comfort zone,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:41.40,0:05:43.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,these plants also need
Dialogue: 0,0:05:43.63,0:05:46.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,their ecosystem to be preserved,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:46.37,0:05:48.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and they don't react — endemic plants
Dialogue: 0,0:05:48.20,0:05:51.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,don't react to very harsh \Nchanges in their ecosystem,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:51.52,0:05:53.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and yet we know what are the challenges
Dialogue: 0,0:05:53.78,0:05:54.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that climate change, for example,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:54.87,0:05:56.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is posing to these plants.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:56.91,0:05:59.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, the local people again use the leaves
Dialogue: 0,0:05:59.44,0:06:01.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in traditional medicine
Dialogue: 0,0:06:01.19,0:06:03.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,against respiratory problems.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:03.87,0:06:05.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, our preliminary labwork
Dialogue: 0,0:06:05.96,0:06:07.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,on the leaf extract has shown
Dialogue: 0,0:06:07.69,0:06:11.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that precisely these \Nleaves contain ingredients
Dialogue: 0,0:06:11.82,0:06:14.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that are very close, \Nin terms of structures,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:14.92,0:06:17.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,chemical structures, to those medicines
Dialogue: 0,0:06:17.28,0:06:18.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which are sold in the chemist's shop
Dialogue: 0,0:06:18.80,0:06:20.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,against asthma.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:20.78,0:06:22.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So who knows
Dialogue: 0,0:06:22.69,0:06:24.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what humanity will benefit from
Dialogue: 0,0:06:24.77,0:06:30.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,should this plant decide \Nto reveal all its secrets.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:30.19,0:06:32.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, I come from the developing world
Dialogue: 0,0:06:32.68,0:06:35.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where we are forever being \Nchallenged with this issue
Dialogue: 0,0:06:35.48,0:06:37.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of population explosion.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:37.88,0:06:40.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Africa is the continent \Nwhich is getting younger,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:40.69,0:06:44.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and whenever one talks \Nabout population explosion,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:44.40,0:06:46.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,one talks about the issue of food security
Dialogue: 0,0:06:46.90,0:06:49.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as being the other side of the same coin.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:49.58,0:06:51.90,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now this plant here, the baobab,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:51.90,0:06:53.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,could be part of the answer.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:53.42,0:06:56.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's an underutilized, neglected food plant.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:56.57,0:06:59.06,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It defines the landscape of West Africa,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:59.06,0:07:01.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where it is known as the tree of life,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:01.60,0:07:04.10,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and later on I will tell you why
Dialogue: 0,0:07:04.10,0:07:07.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the Africans consider it to be the tree of life.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:07.21,0:07:09.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now interestingly, there are many legends
Dialogue: 0,0:07:09.13,0:07:11.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which are associated with this plant.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:11.24,0:07:13.01,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because of its sheer size,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:13.01,0:07:15.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it was meant to be lording over lesser plants,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:15.91,0:07:17.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so God didn't like this arrogance,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:17.87,0:07:20.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,uprooted it, and planted it upside down,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:20.66,0:07:23.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,hence its particular shape.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:23.18,0:07:25.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And if you look at this tree again
Dialogue: 0,0:07:25.69,0:07:27.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,within the African context,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:27.85,0:07:31.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in West Africa, it's known \Nas the palaver tree,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:31.52,0:07:34.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because it performs great social functions.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:34.59,0:07:36.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now if you have a problem in the community,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:36.81,0:07:38.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,meeting under the palaver tree
Dialogue: 0,0:07:38.54,0:07:40.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with the chiefs or the tribesmen
Dialogue: 0,0:07:40.52,0:07:42.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,would be synonymous to trying to find a solution
Dialogue: 0,0:07:42.68,0:07:44.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to that particular problem,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:44.13,0:07:47.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and also to reinforce trust and respect
Dialogue: 0,0:07:47.07,0:07:49.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,among members of the community.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:49.59,0:07:51.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,From the scientific point of view,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:51.99,0:07:54.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there are eight species of baobab in the world.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:54.68,0:07:56.66,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There's one from Africa,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:56.66,0:07:58.33,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,one from Australia,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:58.33,0:08:01.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and six are endemic
Dialogue: 0,0:08:01.08,0:08:02.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to the island of Madagascar.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:02.73,0:08:04.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The one I have showed you
Dialogue: 0,0:08:04.36,0:08:05.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is the one from Africa,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:05.95,0:08:07.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Adansonia digitata.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:07.87,0:08:10.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, the flower, this \Nbeautiful white flower,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:10.19,0:08:12.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it opens at night, is pollinated by bats,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:12.31,0:08:14.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and it gives rise to the fruit
Dialogue: 0,0:08:14.91,0:08:16.46,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is curiously known
Dialogue: 0,0:08:16.46,0:08:18.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as the monkey apple.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:18.20,0:08:19.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The monkeys are not stupid animals.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:19.69,0:08:21.43,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They know what's good for them.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:21.43,0:08:24.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, if you open the fruit of the baobab,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:24.23,0:08:26.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you'll see a white, floury pulp,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:26.82,0:08:28.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is very rich in nutrients
Dialogue: 0,0:08:28.92,0:08:31.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and has got protein,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:31.29,0:08:35.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,more protein than in human milk.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:35.41,0:08:37.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yes, you heard right:
Dialogue: 0,0:08:37.20,0:08:40.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,more protein than in human milk.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:40.60,0:08:42.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And this is one of the reasons why
Dialogue: 0,0:08:42.50,0:08:44.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the nutrition companies of this world,
Dialogue: 0,0:08:44.32,0:08:46.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they are looking for this fruit to provide
Dialogue: 0,0:08:46.70,0:08:49.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what we know as reinforced food.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:49.29,0:08:53.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The seeds give an oil, a very stable oil
Dialogue: 0,0:08:53.17,0:08:56.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is sought after \Nby the cosmetic industry
Dialogue: 0,0:08:56.24,0:08:59.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to give to produce body lotions, for example.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:59.50,0:09:01.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And if you look at the trunk,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:01.13,0:09:04.73,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the trunk, of course, safeguards water,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:04.73,0:09:07.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which is often harvested by a thirsty traveler,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:07.54,0:09:09.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the leaves are used in traditional medicine
Dialogue: 0,0:09:09.21,0:09:11.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,against infectious disease.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:11.17,0:09:13.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, you can see now why the Africans consider it
Dialogue: 0,0:09:13.74,0:09:15.54,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to be the tree of life.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:15.54,0:09:17.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a complete plant,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:17.21,0:09:19.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and in fact, the sheer size of these trees
Dialogue: 0,0:09:19.75,0:09:21.85,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is hiding a massive potential,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:21.85,0:09:25.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not only for the pharma, nutrition,\Nand the cosmetic industry.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:25.30,0:09:27.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What I have showed you here
Dialogue: 0,0:09:27.30,0:09:29.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is only the species from Africa,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:29.53,0:09:31.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Adansonia digitata.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:31.42,0:09:34.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We have six species yet in Madagascar,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:34.08,0:09:37.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and we don't know what \Nis the potential of this plant,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:37.56,0:09:40.03,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but one thing we know is that the flora
Dialogue: 0,0:09:40.03,0:09:42.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is considered to be \Nthreatened with extinction.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:42.59,0:09:45.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Let me take you to Africa again,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:45.80,0:09:48.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and introduce you to one of my very favorite,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:48.30,0:09:50.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the resurrection plant.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:50.13,0:09:51.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now here you'll find
Dialogue: 0,0:09:51.48,0:09:53.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that even Jesus has competition.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:53.40,0:09:54.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Laughter)
Dialogue: 0,0:09:54.100,0:09:57.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, this plant here has developed
Dialogue: 0,0:09:57.99,0:10:00.97,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,remarkable tolerance to drought,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:00.97,0:10:03.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which enables it to withstand
Dialogue: 0,0:10:03.07,0:10:07.31,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,up to 98 percent dehydration \Nover the period of a year
Dialogue: 0,0:10:07.31,0:10:09.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,without damage,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:09.42,0:10:13.57,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and yet it can regenerate \Nitself almost completely
Dialogue: 0,0:10:13.57,0:10:17.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,overnight, over 24 hours, and flower.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:17.65,0:10:19.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, us human beings,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:19.88,0:10:23.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we're always on the lookout for the elixir of youth.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:23.11,0:10:24.94,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We don't want to get old, and rightly so.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:24.94,0:10:28.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Why should we, especially if you can afford it?
Dialogue: 0,0:10:28.18,0:10:30.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And this gives you an indication
Dialogue: 0,0:10:30.36,0:10:33.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of what the plant looks like before.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:33.16,0:10:36.02,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, if you are an inexperienced gardener,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:36.02,0:10:38.05,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the first thing you'll do \Nwhen you visit the garden
Dialogue: 0,0:10:38.05,0:10:40.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is to uproot this plant because it's dead.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:40.78,0:10:45.58,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But if you water it, this is what you get.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:45.58,0:10:47.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Absolutely amazing.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:47.75,0:10:50.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, if you look at our aging process,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:50.25,0:10:52.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the aging process is in fact the loss of water
Dialogue: 0,0:10:52.70,0:10:55.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from the upper epidermis, resulting in wrinkling
Dialogue: 0,0:10:55.87,0:10:57.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as we know it, especially women,
Dialogue: 0,0:10:57.44,0:10:59.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we are so conscious of this.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:59.28,0:11:03.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And this plant, in fact, is giving \Nthe cosmetic chemists
Dialogue: 0,0:11:03.96,0:11:05.95,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,very important ingredients
Dialogue: 0,0:11:05.95,0:11:08.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that are actually finding ways
Dialogue: 0,0:11:08.72,0:11:11.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to slow down the aging process
Dialogue: 0,0:11:11.11,0:11:13.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and at the same time reinforce the cells
Dialogue: 0,0:11:13.49,0:11:17.78,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,against the onslaught of environmental toxins.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:17.78,0:11:20.41,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, these four examples
Dialogue: 0,0:11:20.41,0:11:23.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I have just given you
Dialogue: 0,0:11:23.32,0:11:26.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are just a very tiny reminder
Dialogue: 0,0:11:26.76,0:11:30.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as to how our health
Dialogue: 0,0:11:30.49,0:11:33.100,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and our survival are closely linked
Dialogue: 0,0:11:33.100,0:11:36.81,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to the health and the resilience
Dialogue: 0,0:11:36.81,0:11:38.65,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of our ecosystem,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:38.65,0:11:40.59,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and why we should be very careful
Dialogue: 0,0:11:40.59,0:11:43.29,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,about preserving biodiversity.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:43.29,0:11:46.49,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Every time a forest is cut down,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:46.49,0:11:50.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,every time a marsh is filled in,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:50.11,0:11:53.86,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it is a potential lab that goes with it,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:53.86,0:11:56.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and which we will never, ever recover.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:56.17,0:11:57.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I know what I'm talking about,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:57.74,0:12:01.07,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,coming from Mauritius and missing the dodo.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:01.07,0:12:05.42,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Let me finish with just one last example.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:05.42,0:12:09.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Conservation issues are normally guided
Dialogue: 0,0:12:09.24,0:12:12.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,towards rare, endemic plants,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:12.21,0:12:14.75,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but what we call exotic plants,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:14.75,0:12:18.23,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that is, the ones which grow in many\Ndifferent habitats across the world,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:18.23,0:12:20.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they also need to be considered.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:20.63,0:12:23.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know why? Because the environment plays
Dialogue: 0,0:12:23.77,0:12:25.53,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a very important role
Dialogue: 0,0:12:25.53,0:12:28.19,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in modifying the composition of that plant.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:28.19,0:12:30.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So let's take a look at this plant here,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:30.82,0:12:33.30,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Centella asiatica. It's a weed.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:33.30,0:12:35.45,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We call it a weed.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:35.45,0:12:38.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, Centella asiatica \Ngrows across the world
Dialogue: 0,0:12:38.32,0:12:41.11,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in many different habitats — \Nin Africa, in Asia —
Dialogue: 0,0:12:41.11,0:12:43.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and this plant has been instrumental
Dialogue: 0,0:12:43.12,0:12:45.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in providing a solution \Nto that dreadful disease
Dialogue: 0,0:12:45.89,0:12:50.34,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,called leprosy in Madagascar in the 1940s.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:50.34,0:12:53.87,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, while Centella \Ngrows across the world —
Dialogue: 0,0:12:53.87,0:12:57.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in Africa, in Asia — \Nthe best quality Centella
Dialogue: 0,0:12:57.16,0:12:59.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,comes from Madagascar,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:59.50,0:13:03.69,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because that Centella contains\Nthe three vital ingredients
Dialogue: 0,0:13:03.69,0:13:05.91,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which are sought after by the pharma
Dialogue: 0,0:13:05.91,0:13:08.55,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the cosmetic companies.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:08.55,0:13:10.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the cosmetic companies \Nare already using it
Dialogue: 0,0:13:10.80,0:13:13.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to make regenerating cream.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:13.88,0:13:16.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, there is an ancient saying
Dialogue: 0,0:13:16.67,0:13:20.21,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that for every disease known to mankind,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:20.21,0:13:22.39,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there is a plant to cure it.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:22.39,0:13:24.62,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, you may not \Nbelieve in ancient sayings.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:24.62,0:13:26.18,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You may think they're obsolete
Dialogue: 0,0:13:26.18,0:13:29.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,now that our science and \Ntechnology are so powerful.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:29.13,0:13:31.17,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So you may look on Centella as being
Dialogue: 0,0:13:31.17,0:13:34.37,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an insignificant, humble weed,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:34.37,0:13:37.70,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which, if destroyed, won't be missed.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:37.70,0:13:40.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But you know, there is no such thing as a weed.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:40.14,0:13:41.89,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a plant.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:41.89,0:13:44.77,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's a living biological lab
Dialogue: 0,0:13:44.77,0:13:46.67,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that may well have answers
Dialogue: 0,0:13:46.67,0:13:48.63,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to the question that we may have,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:48.63,0:13:50.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but we have to ensure
Dialogue: 0,0:13:50.52,0:13:53.25,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that it has the right to live.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:53.25,0:13:55.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Thank you.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:55.13,0:13:59.13,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,(Applause)