Those nutrient-rich, pear-shaped cucurbits – which means that, botanically, they are a fruit, inasmuch as they develop from a flower's ovary and contain seeds – is, generally, enjoyed raw or used in cooking as a vegetable. They originated in southern Mexico and Guatemala, being cultivated by the Aztecs, Mayans...

Family: BrassicaceAlso known as: Chinese Radish and Japanese RadishOrigin: Mediterranean and Black Sea regions (Yes, both have sub-tropical areas) Daikons found their way to China around 500 BCE – OK, with a little help from humans! From there, they spread to other parts of Asia, becoming a staple in East...

Nicknamed: Brew, Cuppa’, Ink, Java, Joe, Mocha, and Mud Family: Rubiaceae Origin: Ethiopia This - for many, their morning “wake-up jolt” - was discussed in my earlier books, The Civilized Jungle, Volume I and The Medicinal Jungle, Volume II and will be featured in the, soon to be published, copies...

Also known as: Blowball, Cankerwort, and Irish Daisy Family: Taraxicum Origin: EurasiaGrowing worldwide, sometimes, seemingly everywhere - except Antarctica – we’ve the Dandelion, with around 250 different species. (Applicable to my series of Jungle books, they are found in tropical realms up in the cooler highlands!) Globally, this species...

Also known as: Hay, Buffalo Herb, Lucerne, Purple Medic, or SanfoinFamily: FabaceaeOrigin: South-central AsiaTraditional, purported, and contemporary uses: (“Hay,” you say? “Is this a gardening and plant guide for cows? Are you actually suggesting that alfalfa might have uses for we human sorts as well?” Yes, in fact, that heavy,...

Also known as: Jasminum sambac Family: Oleaceae (The Olive group of plants. I kid you not!) Origin: Though its name implies otherwise, it originated in India, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. “Let’s see, it’s strikingly beautiful, has a highly fragrant, captivating scent, can be creatively used in making a...

Also known as: Sweet Mace, Sweet Scented Marigold, Mexican Marigold, Mexican Mint Marigold, Mexican Tarragon, Sweet Mace, and Texas Tarragon Family: Asteraeceae Origin: Mexico through Central America to Honduras These plants – bearing simple (daisy-like appearing, as a child might draw), eight yellow-petaled flowers (well, not really; read on.) -...

Also known as: Garden Angelica, Norwegian Angelica, and Wild Celery Family: Apiaceae Origin: Europe and eastern Asia With a “one letter off” tip of the hat to Anjelica Huston, this plant is linked to two legends: one involving a monk's dream wherein an angel revealed its medicinal properties, particularly against...

Also known as: Angel Star, Angel’s Tears, Brazil’s White Angel Trumpet, Cornucopia, Datura, Devil’s Trumpet, Downy Thorn-apple, Hindu Datura, Hindu Thorn-apple, Hoary Thorn-apple, Horn-of-plenty, Jimson Weed, Metel, Night Bells, Queen of the Night, Snowy Angel’s Trumpet, Thorn Apple, Trumpet Flower and White Angel’s Trumpet Family: Solanaceae Origin: Southeastern Brazil (Nifty...

Also known as: Andes Alder, Alder or Alnus Family: Betulaceae Origin: Southern Mexico through Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru into Chile . . . but being a bit more specific, its three subspecies originate, in the higher altitudes, as follow: acuminate, from Colombia and Venezuela south to...