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One of the most mystical records from Darwin’s studies was his study of the genus Angraecum orchid that he hypothesised was being pollinated by a moth like long tongued creature. In January 2010, scientists at Kew Gardens decided to test Darwin’s theory and set up night cameras watching the Angraecum. A wingless raspy cricket was filmed jumping from leaf to leaf of neighbouring plants. It then began feeding off the nectar of the orchid while carrying pollen on it’s head. This is the first time in history that this has ever been filmed and proves Darwin theory many years later.

If you visit Kew there is also much to see in the tree top walkway where for example Britain’s native Salix Frigilis crack willow tree can be observed. The crack willow tree is so named for the crack sound it makes when it’s twigs break away, which they commonly do. Normally found by lakes and rivers a crack willow tree when fully grown will make at least twenty four cricket bats. Crack willow trees grow very quickly and produce a light wood that is ideal for manufacturing cricket bats.

Kew has a long association with cricket, boasts The Cricketers pub and cricket has been played on the green since 1737 when a match between the then Prince of Wales and Duke of Malborough was played there.  To this day Kew Cricket Club’s home ground is Kew Green.

For the Kew Gardens website please visit