Scientific Name: Myrciaria dubia Kunth McVaugh Family: Myrtaceae Camu Camu is a small, shrub-like fruit native to the Amazon Rainforest, primarily found in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. Known for its exceptionally high vitamin C content, Camu Camu has gained worldwide attention as a powerful superfood that offers a wide range of health benefits. In fact,…
This article is about finding the perfect Christmas gifts for plant lovers in 2026—those green-thumbed friends and family who brighten every room and mood with their love of plants. “A gift that grows is a gift that keeps on giving—especially for those who nurture life one leaf at a time.” – The Economic Botanist Plants aren’t…
Scientific name: Rubus spectabilis Pursh. Family: Rosaceae If you’ve ever wandered through the lush forests or along the riverbanks of the Pacific Northwest, you might have stumbled upon a plant with vibrant pink flowers and berries that range from golden yellow to deep red. That plant is the Salmonberry, a native shrub cherished for its beauty, edibility,…
This article is about the rich world of indigenous plants native to North America and how these plants are shaping not just ecosystems but also economies and communities today. “Nature’s gifts, once quietly rooted in tradition, are now blooming with new opportunity and respect — reminding us that what’s native is also highly valuable.” – The…
This article is about the history and future of economic botany, highlighting the role of plants in agriculture, medicine, industry, and sustainability. Learn about key collections and breakthroughs shaping global food security and environmental conservation. “Economic botany reveals the quiet power of plants—not just as food or medicine, but as the foundation of economies, cultures,…
Scientific name: Rubus idaeus L. Family: Rosaceae Raspberries have a rich history, believed to have originated in Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, valued them not only for their sweetness but also for their medicinal properties. Over time, cultivation spread across Europe and into North America, where they became a staple in…
This article is about how bioeconomy harnesses biological resources for sustainable development. Learn why it is crucial for our future. “The bioeconomy isn’t just about replacing fossil resources—it’s about rethinking how we grow, use, and value life itself to build an economy that works with nature rather than against it.” – The Economic Botanist The…
Scientific name: Taraxacum officinalis L. Family: Asteraceae You might know dandelion as that sunny yellow flower popping up in every crack of the sidewalk or sprawling across your lawn. But did you know this humble plant is a botanical superstar—packed with nutrition, steeped in history, and full of surprises? In this Plant Compendium entry, we’re here to walk…
This article is about the incredible Moringa tree—a natural powerhouse that’s quietly helping to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges: malnutrition and climate change. “Sometimes, the greatest solutions come from the simplest trees.” – The Economic Botanist Imagine a tree that grows almost anywhere, packed with nutrients that can help feed millions, and strong enough…
This article is about the famous ‘The Complete Herbal by Nicholas Culpeper’ for timeless herbal wisdom. “Nature always wears the colors of the cure if we know where to look.” – The Economic Botanist Herbal medicine isn’t just for medieval apothecaries—it’s something you can explore today, right in your own kitchen. And if there’s one…
