Rutabagas (Brassica napus) are believed to be a mutation of a wild cabbage and turnip, all members of the Brassicaceae (Mustard) Family. Rutabagas are believed, native to Siberia and Russia and grow either as an annual or biennial. The word rutabaga...
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a member of the (Chenopodiaceae) Goosefoot Family. The genus name Spinacia means “spine”, referring to its spiny seeds and the species name oleracea refers to a garden herb used in cooking. Native to...
Soursop (Anona muricata) is a member of the Annonaceae Family and a close relative of cherimoya. It is also known as prickly custard apple and guanabana. The species name, muricata means “roughened on the surface” describing its spines...
Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana F. species) is a member of the Rosaceae or Rose Family. The genus name comes from the Latin fraga and refers to the plant’s enticing fragrance. How the name strawberry came to be, is theorized that either it was...
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...
Pineapple (Ananas comosus,) is native to Brazil or Paraguay, and known to the Indians as na-na, meaning “fragrance.” Columbus encountered it on the island of Guadalupe. The Spaniards referred to it as “pina” due to its...
Brigitte Mars