botany

Why Botany?

Why Botany?

Over the years, people have asked why I’ve studied botany. Why do I care what happens in a forest half a world away? Usually the same people follow this with the assertion that yes, climate change is real, but it’s up to the big corporations to reverse it because they’re the initial cause.

Botany After Dark Podcast, Episode 1: The Morning Glory, +BONUS Waffle and Plans

Botany After Dark Podcast, Episode 1: The Morning Glory, +BONUS Waffle and Plans

Welcome to the experiments in voice editing and mic use that has been my life for the past week and a half.

In today's episode, we dive into the weird and wonderful world of the morning glory, specifically the Mexican morning glory (tlitliltzin, Ipomoea. tricolor), a vibrant blue and featured in the episode artwork, and the Beach moonflower (Ipomoea. violacea). Join me in discovering the... altered states and effects of this plant.

California Poppies (Eschscholzia californica)

Hail and well met, everyone!

So, I’ve been posting here and uploading largely separate content on my YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/Ethnobotanicam). I’m experimenting with still posting on the various platforms I currently use (Youtube, Instagram and the like), but cross-posting here as a method of aggregating all my botanical content into one place. Let me know what you think. Have a fab day, everyone, and happy LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

Kate

Things I Learned from Plants (A Series): #2. Water is Life and Should Be Respected.

Things I Learned from Plants (A Series): #2. Water is Life and Should Be Respected.

Water is party to all things, dear reader.  While all Earth-dwelling embodied lifeforms have their own characteristics, goals, needs, and expectations of their environments, water is a common necessity they all share.  Without proper hydration, the brain's receptors stop interpreting and correlating information and general organ failure occurs, plants are unable to photosynthesize, and moisture continues to evaporate from the body at a rather high rate. 

Decomposition and the Spring of Youth

Decomposition and the Spring of Youth

Death is a part of life, even in the Spring. There is new, budding growth on trees awakening from Winter's grasp. There are young lambs born and frolicking in the meadows. There is visible potential at nearly every turn. This is the same for death and decay.

Plants and Pop-Culture

Plants and Pop-Culture

Plants sprout up in the most interesting of locales, like your favorite TV show, book, or even album cover.  Here, we will begin to look at the significance, symbolism, and potential for creative license when working with plants.