Scientific name: Allium schoenoprasum Regel & Tiling Family: Amaryllidaceae You might know chives as those slender, grass-like herbs that add a fresh, oniony zing to your favorite dishes. But did you know this humble herb is a kitchen staple with a rich history, culinary versatility, and some surprising health benefits? In this Plant Compendium entry, we’re here…
This article is about the origins of the plants and spices behind traditional holiday beverages like mulled wine, wassail, eggnog, and hot cocoa. “Every sip of a holiday drink holds centuries of trade, tradition, and travel. It’s a warm blend of plants, people, and stories passed through time.” — The Economic Botanist Every winter, the same…
Scientific Name: Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray Family: Meripilaceae Maitake mushrooms are a highly revered edible mushroom found in North America, Europe, and Asia. Also known as the “dancing mushroom” due to its graceful, fan-shaped appearance, Maitake has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries. Known for its rich flavor and impressive health benefits, Maitake…
Scientific Name: Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt. Family: Rosaceae Saskatoon berries are small, dark purple fruits native to the North American prairie regions, stretching across Canada and parts of the northern United States. These berries are often compared to blueberries due to their similar size, color, and taste, but they are unique in their own right, offering…
This article is about the diverse Lamiaceae Family, from mint to lavender! “Fragrance, flavor, and function—wherever humans cultivate beauty or food, a member of the Lamiaceae family is never far behind.”— The Economic Botanist You probably know the Lamiaceae family through familiar herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, lavender, sage, and thyme. But what many people…
This article is about how AI in vertical farming is transforming sustainable food production by optimizing resources and reducing waste. “When sustainability meets artificial intelligence, farming stops being bound by land and seasons—and starts becoming a smarter, cleaner system designed for the future of food.” – The Economic Botanist Sustainability is no longer a buzzword—it’s…
This article is a simple introduction to plant family identification suitable for beginners. “Plants may seem silent, but every leaf, flower, and stem is telling you a story. You just need to know how to listen.” – The Economic Botanist If you’ve ever wandered through a forest, garden, or even a backyard and wondered, “What…
This article is about the fascinating world of flower evolution and how it shapes nature’s beauty. Learn about Flower Evolution’s role in survival strategies. “Flower evolution is nature’s quiet dialogue with its environment, shaped by ecological pressures that turn survival into an art of form, color, and timing.” – The Economic Botanist Flowers aren’t just…
This article is about the concept of weedness and its vital role in ecology. Discover how embracing Weedness can transform our understanding of weeds. “Weeds are not trespassers but storytellers—rooted in resilience, they remind us that wildness has wisdom beyond human design.” – The Economic Botanist When you hear the word “weed,” what do you picture?…
This article is about the fascinating link between Plants and the Planets. Did you know that centuries ago, people believed every plant had a planet looking over it? That’s right—plants weren’t just plants; they were little cosmic citizens, each ruled by Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, the Sun, or the Moon. This belief shaped not…
