Scientific name: Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz Family: Cucurbitaceae Chayote—sometimes called mirliton or vegetable pear—is a delicious, versatile squash-like plant that’s easy to grow and even easier to love. In this Plant Compendium entry, we’ll break down everything you need to know in a friendly, accessible way (but still backed by research!). You’ll learn its history, how to grow…
This article is about how farming wet or rewetted lands—called paludiculture—could be one of the smartest and most sustainable moves we can make today. “We don’t have to choose between farming and the environment—we just need to rethink where, how, and what we grow.”— The Economic Botanist Farming isn’t just about growing food—it’s part of…
This article is about how combining medicinal plants with forage crops through intercropping can improve your farm’s productivity, profitability, and sustainability. “Farming is not just about what we grow, but how we grow it—when we mix nature’s best, the harvest speaks louder.” – The Economic Botanist You might know medicinal plants mostly from teas, essential oils, or…
This article is about how medicinal and aromatic plants are transforming the way we grow food by bringing natural, effective, and eco-friendly solutions right to our fields. “Nature often holds the best answers; sometimes, all we have to do is look closer at the plants around us.” – The Economic Botanist You might have heard about…
This article is about how regenerative agriculture revives soil health and ensures a sustainable future. Learn why regenerative agriculture is key to a healthier planet. “Regenerative agriculture asks a simple but powerful question: what if farming didn’t just take from the land, but actively restored it—leaving soil, ecosystems, and communities healthier than before?” – The…
This article is about how traditional plant knowledge can transform modern agriculture and offer sustainable solutions today. “Traditional plant knowledge carries generations of insight, reminding modern agriculture that progress grows strongest when rooted in the past.” – The Economic Botanist In today’s world, modern agriculture faces a host of challenges. From climate change to soil…
This article is about the transformative potential of native plant species in agriculture. “Rewilding isn’t just about bringing back wildlife—it’s about restoring the full tapestry of life, where native plants and ecosystems thrive, creating a future that’s both sustainable and resilient.” – The Economic Botanist In a world that’s increasingly focused on sustainable living, the…
