Introduction Ficus benghalensis is a species of tree in the family Moraceae. It is native to India, Nepal and Bangladesh, where it is known as “the banyan” or “the Indian fig.” This ficus tree has many interesting attributes, including its ability to grow into an immense tree with thick trunk and branches that hang down…
Introduction For millennia, the Laurus nobilis plant has been a staple in the culinary world. From its native Mediterranean region to European and North American cuisines, this herb is found in a wide variety of dishes around the world. However, it is also known for its medicinal properties. Using both leaves and essential oils from…
Introduction Ginkgo biloba is a type of tree that has been used as natural medicine for thousands of years. It’s usually taken as a supplement in tablet or capsule form, but it can also be eaten in food or brewed into tea. Ginkgo biloba is mainly known for its ability to improve memory and cognitive…
Introduction Platanus occidentalis is the common name for American sycamore, a species of Platanus native to eastern North America. Sycamores are among the largest deciduous trees in the Eastern United States, with some reaching heights of over 100 feet (30m) and diameters of 15 feet (4m). The wood from sycamore trees was used in colonial…
Introduction Papaya trees are a delicious and nutritious addition to your garden. They’re easy to grow and don’t require much maintenance, making them great for novice gardeners who want to start their own fruit-bearing plants from scratch. Papayas are in the same family as the custard apple, soursop and cherimoya, but they have their own…
Introduction The journey from seed to chocolate is long and fascinating. The cacao tree is native to South America and Central America, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It’s called “the food of the Gods” for good reason—cacao contains more antioxidants than any other food on earth! Cacao seeds are inside of…
Introduction Trees are a crucial part of our environment. They provide shade, food and shelter for many animals and help to regulate temperature on Earth. Trees also clean the air we breathe by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. In short…they’re pretty important! But why should we care about trees? Here are…
Introduction Dogwood trees are a common sight in the spring, but they can also be grown as hardy shrubs or beautiful indoor plants. The dogwood is known for its beautiful white flowers in spring and its colorful berries in the fall. You might not know that it’s an excellent choice for your yard because it…
Introduction While most people think of coconuts as a popular snack, they are also an important part of life in many tropical countries. The coconut tree has been used by humans for thousands of years, but only became popular in Western societies in the early 1900s. Today, there are more than two billion coconut trees…
Introduction Stone pine trees are some of the most beautiful evergreens you can grow. They’re also known as Italian stone pines, although they are actually from Spain and Italy. These trees have a compact shape with dense foliage that grows up to 30 feet tall and wide. They grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture…
