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...
Celery (Apium graveolens) is a member of the Apiaceae (Parsley) Family and a relative of dill and carrots. The genus name, is derived from the Latin, apis, meaning bee, as bees are attracted to its small white flowers. The species name gravelones...
Kiwifruits (Actinida chinensis), are a member of the Actinidiaceae (Kiwi) Family, and developed from a smaller, less flavorful Chinese gooseberry. The genus name Actinida is from the Greek aktin, meaning, “ray,” describing the ray-like...
Chayote (Sechium edule) (pronounced chy-O-tay) is also known mirliton, vegetable pear, sapote, huisquil, mango squash, pear squash, and custard marrow. It is a member of the Curcurbitaceae (Gourd) Family. It has a flavor considered a blend of apple...
Kumquat (Fortunella margarita) looks like a miniature orange and like its relative, is a member of the Rutaceae (Citrus) Family and native to China. Kumquat is named in honor of an English traveler, Robert Fortune who collected plants for the Royal...
Cherries (Prunus avium, P. cerasus) are members of the Rosaceae (Rose) Family, and relatives of apples and strawberries. The species name, avium means “for the birds”. Cherries are native to Eurasia. In ancient Greece, cherries were...
Lemons (Citrus limon) are native to Southeast Asia and a member of the Rutaceae family. The storage capacity of lemons and limes made them useful for sailors who took them on long sea voyages to prevent scurvy (hence the sailor’s nickname...
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are members of the Liliaceae (Lily) Family, which makes them closely related to garlic and onions. The species name schoenoprasum is derived from two Greek words: schoinos, meaning reed-like and prason, meaning leek...
Brigitte Mars