What’s on Your Thanksgiving Plate? The Botanical Origins of Holiday Foods

This article is about the botanical food traditions of Thanksgiving. If you’re someone who loves uncovering the stories behind the foods on your plate, curious about the plants that shaped our holiday traditions, or just want to know where that Thanksgiving feast really comes from, you might wonder: How did corn, pumpkin, cranberries, and even…

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The Giant Waterlily Revealed: A Botanical Marvel of the Tropics

This article is about the fascinating world of the Giant Waterlily including its ecological, cultural and historical value. “When you marvel at the Giant Waterlily, you’re not just looking at a plant—you’re witnessing nature’s gentle giant holding up its kingdom.” – The Economic Botanist You might think of giant waterlilies as just oversized lily pads floating…

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The Road to Herbaria: How Pressed Plants Teach us about Biology, Beauty, and Botanical History

This article is about pressed plants teach us about nature and science. “Plants may not walk, but their legacy travels far—through pages, pixels, and the people who cherish them.” – The Economic Botanist You’re about to journey down the road to herbaria—an exciting route that shows how dried plant specimens became more than just pressed…

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Under the Mistletoe: Surprising Secrets of a Holiday Classic

This article is about the history, surprising facts and symbolism of mistletoe. “Sometimes, the smallest traditions carry the biggest stories — like the mistletoe hanging quietly, waiting for its chance to bring a little magic to the holidays.” – The Economic Botanist If you’ve ever found yourself standing under a sprig of mistletoe, wondering whether…

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From Aztec Gardens to Christmas Décor: The Journey of Poinsettias

This article is about the cultural and economic evolution of poinsettias, from their origins in Mexico to their status as a holiday symbol.  “Sometimes the most ordinary plants carry the most extraordinary stories—poinsettias are living proof.” – The Economic Botanist If you’ve ever decorated your home for the holidays, chances are you’ve seen a poinsettia. Those…

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Magnolias Through Time: The Ancient Blooms That Survived the Dinosaurs

This article is about the long history of survival, evolution, and importance of magnolias in nature today. “Some flowers are like timeless travelers, crossing epochs without losing their beauty. The magnolia is one such wanderer, rooted in the past, yet still blooming in the present.” – The Economic Botanist Magnolias are an iconic symbol of beauty,…

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