Category: Ethnobotany

Originating from the Garo Hills of Northeast India, the endangered wild citrus species *Citrus indica* holds significant cultural and medicinal value for local communities, particularly the Garo tribe. This small, sour fruit is utilized for far more than culinary purposes, including traditional remedies and spiritual ceremonies.

Crabgrass, commonly despised as a lawn weed, was once a significant global food crop. Historical records show Stone Age dwellers in Switzerland cultivated it, and it was an important food source in China by 2700 B.C.. Yes, the seeds of certain *Digitaria* species are indeed edible for humans, a fact often lost in modern lawn care culture.

Over centuries, numerous indigenous cultures in North America have utilized snowberry (Symphoricarpos) plants for a range of topical medicinal applications. The key question remains: Are snow berries medicinal in a way that is safe and effective for modern use?

Scientific studies report highly variable iron content in *Justicia secunda*, ranging from approximately 20 mg/kg to potentially higher levels depending on the plant part, processing method, and geographic origin. This variation highlights the complexity of analyzing the mineral composition of medicinal plants.

Used in traditional medicine for centuries across cultures, the leaves of *Passiflora foetida* have a documented history of use for a range of ailments. This evergreen climbing vine, also known as stinking passionflower, is recognized for both its therapeutic applications and its potential toxicity.

In traditional coastal communities, particularly across Asia and the Pacific, the Portia fruit has been a versatile resource for centuries. Derived from the *Thespesia populnea* tree, the fruit is not only a food source but also a significant component of traditional remedies and crafting materials.

The San people, Southern Africa's oldest human inhabitants, developed an intricate knowledge of desert plants to ensure their survival in harsh environments. This traditional knowledge included chewing the succulent Hoodia during extended hunts to effectively suppress feelings of hunger and thirst.

For hundreds of years, the Khoi and San indigenous peoples of South Africa used the buchu plant, which they considered sacred, for a wide range of practical applications, from treating internal ailments to cosmetic use. The plant is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and was an essential component of their traditional knowledge.

For centuries, the Mahua flower has been a nutritional mainstay and medicinal resource for tribal communities across central and eastern India. Yes, the mahua flower is edible and packed with natural sugars, vitamins, and minerals, making it a cherished forest superfood.

For over 20,000 years, the San people have inhabited the challenging environments of Southern Africa, relying on extensive plant knowledge for survival. A key part of this knowledge answers the question: **What did the San people use hoodia for?** They used it to suppress hunger and thirst during strenuous hunting expeditions across the harsh Kalahari Desert.