Each and every plant has a fascinating story. It is rarely just used for one particular purpose and it often associated with ancient traditions and legends. In this section, you will find a collection of plant stories, with detailed information about many different aspects of its significance, both, with regard to its habitat and ecological role, as well as their history, lore and their medicinal or mundane uses.
Plant Profiles
History of the Cocoa Tree- Theobroma cacao
This article is a short introduction to one of my favourite plants: Cocoa – Theobroma cacao, the food of the gods.
Frankincense (Boswellia sp.)
Frankincense is well-known as that stuff that is burnt in church. But what exactly is it, and where does it come from?
The Cultural History of Grapes
There are at least 8000 cultivated varieties of grapes, most of which are grown in the Northern Hemisphere. Grapes are one of the most important agricultural crops in the world. But they have far more uses than ordinarily meet the palate.
Plant Profile: Moringa
The Moringa tree, though not well-known outside its native habitat, is a blessing, offering multiple gifts for the benefit of mankind.
Plant Profile: Aloe vera
Plant Profile Aloe vera – Aloe Vera is no longer an exotic stranger. It has found its way into all kinds of common household products from washing-up liquid to latex gloves, and even razors.
Plantains – Plantago sp.
As masters of adaptation, Plantains are ubiquitous. They have managed to eke out a living in almost every conceivable kind of habitat.
Trees
Foraging: Sweet Chestnuts (Castanea sativa)
Nothing quite conjures up the magical atmosphere of autumn as the warm, sweet scent of roasted chestnuts. It immediately invokes images of bonfires and harvest feasts.
the Elder-tree in myths, magic, and medicine
The Elder tree is the medicine cabinet of the country people. This much loved, bushy tree is a common sight throughout Britain, Europe, and North America.
The Old Tree and the Carpenter
A parable about the ‘usefulness’ of other species’, vs. the innate value of all species for their own sake, and the preciousness of life.
Why Hawthorn is your heart’s best friend
The Camphor Tree
The characteristic scent of Camphor is familiar to anyone who has had a close encounter with VapoRub, but few have ever seen the pure, white crystalline substance from which the scent derives. Still, fewer are aware that this mysterious substance is entirely natural and comes from a tree that is native to southern China, southern Japan, and Taiwan. The Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is closely related to the Cinnamon Tree, (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), with which it is sometimes confused. However, the unmistakable scent of the leaves immediately reveals its true identity.
Apple Tree
Annatto (Bixa orellana)
