Scientific name: Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don Family: Apocynaceae Periwinkle is one of those plants that quietly earns a place in gardens all over the world. You may have seen it spilling over stone walls, filling shady corners, or forming a lush green carpet beneath trees. With its glossy leaves and charming blue-purple flowers, periwinkle…
Scientific name: Cymbopogon citratus (hort. ex DC.) Stapf Family: Poaceae Lemongrass is one of those plants that seems to do a little bit of everything. It smells amazing, tastes bright and citrusy in food, grows beautifully in the garden, and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. If you enjoy Southeast Asian cooking, herbal…
The article is about how the Red Queen Hypothesis explains the constant evolutionary race in plants, shaping their anatomy, species, and even the ways we use them in agriculture and industry. “Evolution isn’t about winning; it’s about staying in the race while the world keeps changing around you.” – The Economic Botanist When you think…
Scientific name: Allium sativum L. Family: Alliaceae Garlic is one of those plants that quietly runs the world. It’s been seasoning food, supporting health, and showing up in folk remedies for thousands of years. You’ll find it in almost every cuisine, from Italian pasta sauces to Korean marinades, from Middle Eastern spreads to simple roasted…
This article is about the meaning, history, and significance of plant myths in our lives today. “Every plant carries two stories: the one written in its cells and the one carried by its people.” – The Economic Botanist Plants have always been more than food, shelter, or medicine. For thousands of years, humans have wrapped…
This article is about the different areas of knowledge and research covered by economic botany. “Plants don’t just grow in nature — they grow our economy, our health, and our future.” – The Economic Botanist Have you ever looked at a cup of coffee or a cotton shirt and wondered how plants connect so deeply to…
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…
Scientific name: Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews Family: Orchidaceae Vanilla is more than just a flavor—it’s a fascinating plant with a rich history, unique biology, and so many ways to use it, especially in cooking and health. In this Plant Compendium entry, we’ll explore everything from how vanilla grows to why it’s so prized in your kitchen and…
Scientific name: Aloe vera (L.) Burm. Family: Asphodelaceae You’ve probably seen this spiky green plant in homes, skincare ads, or the grocery store, but there’s a whole universe behind its gel-filled leaves. In this Plant Compendium entry, we’ll explore the history, botany, growing tips, culinary and health perks, and so much more. Whether you’re a green-thumb newbie or…
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…
