Category Archives: Herbarium RNG

By Emma Cooper When you think about Christmas plants you probably think about holly and ivy, possibly Christmas trees and poinsettias, and maybe even Brussels sprouts and parsnips. But I bet you don’t think about radishes. And yet, the humble … Continue reading →

By Macarena Cárdenas Think of the smell and taste of Christmas and Cinnamon may come to your mind, the sweet essence of mulled wine, or in the warmth of the apple and cinnamon pudding. But perhaps something you never thought … Continue reading →

By Jeanne Osnas and Katherine Preston (Botanists in the Kitchen) @BitKBlog The candy cane, that red- and white-striped hard candy imbued with peppermint oil, is a signature confection of the winter holidays. Peppermint has a long history of cultivation and … Continue reading →

By Sophie Marley By now most of us will be adorning our Christmas tree with dazzling decorations and scrummy treats. This year I have a new eye catching addition, strings of popcorn. I’d not heard of this American tradition until … Continue reading →

By Dr M Goes Wild Poaceae, as the song goes, is a family of grasses green and wonderful, but just how green and just how wonderful even Poaceae aficionado Dr M did not quite appreciate until he came to pen … Continue reading →

By Louise Denning An olive branch shown with a dove is often depicted on Christmas cards to symbolise peace and goodwill amongst men. Where this concept of the olive branch representing peace originated from is unknown but it is likely … Continue reading →