Ethnobotany

What is Ethnobotany? The term ethnobotany is derived from the terms “ethnology,” the study of culture, and “botany, the study of plants.” Ethnobotany is the scientific study of the relationships that exist between people and plants scientific studypeopleplantsscientific studypeopleplants

What do Ethnobotanists do? Ethnobotanists aim to document, describe and explain complex relationships between cultures and (uses of) plants, focusing primarily on how plants are used, managed and perceived across human societies. This includes use for food, clothing, currency, ritual, medicine, dye, construction, cosmetics and more.

Food Yum! Yum!

Bird’s-nest fern, a species native to Taiwan, is a popular food among indigenous peoples. The plant takes its name from its large leaves, which radiate outward to give the appearance of a nest. Sharifa fruit is a sweet fruit which can found in Pakistan and India.

Clothing From Haute Couture to comfy and casual…

Non Bai Tho or Non La (Vietnamese conical hat made of bamboo) used to protect people from the sun Cotton is used all over the world in the manufacturing of clothing. What percentage of your wardrobe is made from cotton?

Currency Show me the money!

Most paper currency around the world is derived from plants: paper from trees and may include cotton fibers shown:US $100 bill (top) and Mexican pesos (bottom)

Ritual The practices which bring meaning to our life…

The Huichol Indians will then venture down into the Catorce Valley to gather a catcus called peyote, tfor use in rituals. Peyote causes hallucinogenic visions. The traditional healers of the northern Peruvian Andes use blood leaf (resine herbstii) with the ritual aim to expel bad spirits from the body.

Medicine To your health!

The aloe medicine plant is often used by many cultures to relieve skin irritations Aspirin, a common pain reliever, comes from the bark of the willow tree.

Dye Color your world!

Beets are used to make a burgundy colored dye. Henna comes from the henna plant and is used to create temporary tattoos. It is very commonly used during celebrations in the Middle East and in Asia.

Construction Home is where the heart is

Log Cabin Apache grass hut

Cosmetics How do I look?

The flower which is used to make Chanel N 5 Nothing like cucumber to soothe those eyes and skin!

Other What? There’s more?

Nothing like flowers to brighten your day! Tree stump sidetable