James F. Brown - Master Gardener

Feb 13 2024

James F. Brown is regarded as one of America’s first master gardeners by the…


By Kenneth Reginald Otero-Walker

Black Rice

Apr 10 2024

African rice, Oryza glaberrima, has been essential to recognizing the contributions of…


By Kenneth Reginald Otero-Walker

Black Pepper: King of Spices

Feb 18 2023

Specimen Stories

It’s hard to imagine entering a diner, sitting down on the shiny…


By Amy Sahud

Tobacco

Aug 3 2023

The history of tobacco and the people who cultivated the plant have…


By Angel Tobar

Vanilla in Puerto Rico

Aug 12 2023

Vanilla also has a long history in the Caribbean, especially in Puerto…


By Jason Lopez

Vanilla in Mexico

Aug 12 2023

It is in Mexico where Vanilla planifolia is said to originate, where…


By Jason Lopez

Coquito

Aug 12 2023

The scent of vanilla has always been one of my absolute favorites. It…


By Jason Lopez

A Vanilla Voyage: Exploring the Spice's Legacy in…

Aug 12 2023

Specimen Stories

Vanilla planifolia, commonly known as vanilla, is one of the most instantly…


By Jason Lopez

Mango

Aug 3 2023

The mango plant, scientifically known as Mangifera indica which means “an Indian…


By Michael Noi

Cultivation and Ecology of Dates

Apr 10 2024

Focus on Science

The date palm requires ample sunlight, high temperatures (though it can survive…


By Tara Allen

The Nourishing Power of Dates

Apr 10 2024

Specimen Stories

As the Islamic month of fasting – Ramadan – comes to a…


By Tara Allen

Date Syrup Jallab

Apr 10 2024

Specimen Stories

There are many recipes featuring dates and their byproducts across many cultures,…


By Tara Allen

Ethnobotanical Uses of Dates

Apr 10 2024

Specimen Stories

Although eating the fruit may be the most well-known use of the…


By Tara Allen

Bearclaw Poppy

Feb 1 2019

Specimen Stories

Native to a small area of southern Utah, only six populations of…

Banded Mottlegill

Feb 5 2019

Specimen Stories

This mushroom was called 'weed Panaeolus' because it would frequently grow as…

Lavender

Feb 4 2019

Specimen Stories

Lavender has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its soothing…

Tea

Feb 5 2019

Specimen Stories

Tea is a widely popular and culturally significant beverage brewed from the…

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