Donald Rice

When strolling through the fantastic valleys, there may still be a “non-owned” cherry tree that gives the walker and the birds their small but tasteful fruit without chemical insecticides or …

Dioscorides and Theophrastus already knew about the sarsaparilla plant, and Laguna and Mattioli also mentioned it. However, it only became popular when Spaniards applied its name to some American species …

The first to describe the many medicinal properties of the goldenrod plant was Arnau DE Vilanova (Valencia, Spain, 1240- Genova, Italy, 1311), a great Middle Age physician among whose patients …

Indian corn was an essential food for most inhabitants of America before Columbus arrived there. Aztecs, Mayans, Incas, and Native Americans cultivated it from the Southern United States to Peru …

These people drink a dark beverage made with the cacao plant, which they say comes from Paradise. A Spanish soldier said in astonishment to his captain Hernan Cortes I want …

Dioscorides, the great Greek botanist and physician of the 1st century A.D., recommended giant reed to increase urine production. This plant was probably used in ancient times with these aims …

Despite the delicate appearance of the white birch tree, its name evokes punishment applied in olden times to naughty pupils. It’s okay; elastic branches have been historically used to whip …

More than 150 agave plant species are known, each similar in appearance and properties. They’re spread all over Mexico and Central America. Ancient Aztecs once used these plants for medicinal …

The arbutus plant stands with the bear in Madrid’s shield, the capital of Spain: this is the city’s symbol. Dioscorides already knew about the plant in the 1st century A.D. …

Nature lovers would appreciate knowing that the radii that form the umbels of the bishop’s weed, once dry, make excellent toothpicks. Moreover, they have the advantage of a pleasant aroma. …