Brigitte MarsOkra (Hibiscus esculentus) is also known as gumbo and lady’s fingers. It is a member of the Malvaceae (Malva) Family, which makes it a relative of cotton, hibiscus and hollyhock. Okra is native to Africa, probably near Ethiopia. The word okra...
Onions (Allium cepa) are members of the Liliaceae (Lily) Family, making them relatives of garlic and leeks and scallions. The genus name cepa, is from its old Latin name. Native to Asia, they are one of the planet’s oldest cultivated foods...
Oranges (Citrus sinensis, C., aurantium, C. reticulata (Tangerine), are native to Asia. They are native to the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family. Some authorities believe the English word orange is from the Sanskrit nararunga, meaning, “fruit favored...
Papaya (Carica papaya) is a member of the Caricaceae (Paw Paw) Family and native to Central America. In Cuba “papaya’ is slang for “female fruit” or “female genitalia,” as the shrub, resembling a palm, has male...
Peas (Pisum sativum) are members of the Fabaceae (Pea) Family, making them relatives of beans and peanuts. The genus name, Pisum is from the ancient Greek and Latin word for this vegetable. Sativum, the species name, means “with a long history...
Peaches (Prunus persica, P. vulgaris) are a member of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family and a close relative of almonds and apples. Nectarines are basically peaches, without the fuzz. Peaches are believed to be native to China, though they were originally...
Mentha pulegium Labiatae Habitat:A common wild or garden plant, in America, Britain, France andGermany. Collection: The stems should be gathered just before flowering inJuly. Part Used: Aerial parts. Constituents: * Volatile oil, consisting mainly...
Pears (Pyrus communis) are native to Asia, in the region of The Caspian Sea. They are members of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family, and close relatives of apples and peaches. Once called “butter fruit,” the genus name pyrus is from the Latin...
Peppers (Capsicum annum), also known as Green or Red Peppers are in the Solanaceae (Nightshade) Family and relatives of chilies and paprika. The genus name, Capsicum comes from the Latin. Capsa, meaning, “box” referring to its hollow...
Persimmons (Diospyros virginiana, D. kaki) are members of the Ebenaceae (Ebony) Family. The genus name, Diospyros comes from the Greek, dios and pyros, meaning “grain, ” hence the meaning “God’s grain.” In Europe...
