Sacred Trees and Plants of the Ancient World: Myths, Meanings, and Spiritual Traditions

This article is about the sacred trees and plants that shaped ancient civilizations. “When you look at the natural world the way ancient peoples once did, every leaf becomes a page in the story of humanity.” – The Economic Botanist Ancient cultures all over the world saw trees and plants as living gateways between humans,…

Read More

9 Creative Botany Activities to Engage School-Aged Students in Herbaria and Plant Science

This article is about sharing creative botany activities to engage school-aged students. “Teaching children botany is more than learning about plants—it’s planting the seeds of stewardship, curiosity, and resilience that our future Earth depends on.” – The Economic Botanist And what better way to believe in tomorrow than by getting young minds excited about the natural…

Read More

Lamiaceae Family: The Ultimate Guide to the Mints, Basil and Lavender

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…

Read More

Maitake Mushrooms: All you need to know

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…

Read More