Category: Botanical science

Botanically, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant that encloses the seed. Given this scientific definition, the answer to the question "Is wheat a vegetable or a fruit?" is surprisingly straightforward, yet complex from a culinary standpoint.

While melons belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, including squash and cucumbers, a mango is definitively not a melon. It is a versatile and highly nutritious stone fruit, known botanically as a drupe. The confusion often arises from its sweet, fleshy nature and occasional use in fruit salads alongside melons.

While the Ephedra genus is known for its stimulant properties, the American species most commonly referred to as Mormon tea, specifically *Ephedra nevadensis*, contains little to no ephedrine. This distinction is crucial for anyone considering its traditional use or modern consumption, as it lacks the powerful and dangerous stimulants found in its Asian counterparts.

Despite a shared common name, horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) and moringa (Moringa oleifera) are not the same plant, belonging to entirely different botanical families. The confusion stems from moringa's spicy root, which offers a similar pungent flavour to its namesake. This article will delve into the distinct characteristics, origins, and uses of these two powerhouse plants to set the record straight.

Despite their name, groundnuts—commonly known as peanuts—are not true nuts; they are botanically classified as legumes, placing them in the same family as peas, lentils, and beans. This fact often comes as a surprise, given their culinary use and similarities to tree nuts.

Garcinia is a genus of trees, and a common point of confusion is believing 'Garcinia' and 'kokum' are entirely different things, when in fact, kokum is a specific species known as *Garcinia indica*. The primary distinctions most people are looking for are actually between *Garcinia indica* (kokum) and *Garcinia cambogia*, which is often the subject of health supplements.

Traditionally used in folk medicine across tropical regions for centuries, the question of what does guava leaf contain reveals a complex profile of potent bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals responsible for its wide array of therapeutic effects.

Over 60 plant species worldwide naturally produce the stimulating compound known as caffeine, a natural defense mechanism evolved over millennia. Understanding **which plants naturally contain caffeine** allows for more mindful and informed choices about your daily energy intake, whether from a morning brew or a dark chocolate snack.