The Traditional and Modern Uses of Camellia
Common name Common camellia, Japanese camellia, tsubaki Scientific name Camellia japonica L. Family Theaceae Botanical description Camellia japonica is an evergreen shrub or small … Continue
Plants
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Sweet Flag
Acorus calamus, commonly known as Sweet flag is a plant typically found in marginal water areas, wetlands, alongside ponds, and in marshy areas. It … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Common Amaranth
Introduction Amaranthus retroflexus, known as common amaranth, is in the Amaranthaceae family. There are numerous species of amaranth in the British Isles. The BSBI … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Japanese Pagoda Tree
The Japanese Pagoda Tree (Styphnolobium japonicum) is grown as an ornamental in the United Kingdom. Most people grow this tree for its flowers. White cascades … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Scots Pine
Despite its common name, writes Peter Wyse Jackson, Scots Pine is not only found in its native Scotland but across northern Europe and as … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Rock Samphire
Rock Samphire has been regularly consumed as part of a traditional Mediterranean diet. It’s time to bring this delicious vegetable back into our kitchens … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Hazel
“Hazel was one of the first trees to colonise the land after the end of the last Ice Age,” writes Gabrielle Hatfield, “and for … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Sea Purslane
Sea Purslane is a slow-growing shrub belonging to the goosefoot family and found in salt marshes and muddy beaches. Its thick, succulent leaves have … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Himalayan Balsam
The transportation of seeds or whole plants is an offence under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 in England and Wales … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Orpine
Introduction Orpine is from the Latin verb sedeo, which means to sit. A reference to how the plant squats on rocks etc. The species … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Lady’s-smock (Cuckooflower)
As the cuckoo calls in late spring and early summer, so the cuckooflower’s conspicuous blooms start to appear. Cardamine pratensis was also known as ‘water … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Black Mustard
Introduction Black mustard is an intrepid plant that has trekked its way across the world and is now cultivated in many countries including England, … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Oxeye Daisy
A familiar sight in fields, the Oxeye Daisy is found throughout Britain, Europe and Russian Asia. When it was introduced to North America, the … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Hogweed
I no longer recommend this plant be served to the public. This plant is not for beginners. Never eat raw. Always wear gloves when … Continue
The Traditional and Modern Uses of Sweet Violet
There are around 400 species of violet found in the world, many of which are economically important. With so many species to distinguish between … Continue