Category: Plant Families
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The Pea Family
The Pea Family Fabaceae Fun Fact: Peas are considered one of the oldest cultivated crops, with archaeological evidence of their domestication dating back to the late Neolithic period. Plants in the Pea Family share these traits: -Flowers have “Banner, wings, and keel” –Pea-like pods, often with pinnate leaves Learn more about the Pea Family Pea … Continued
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The Cashew Family
The Cashew Family Anacardiaceae Fun Fact: Cashew shells are covered by urushiol, the same toxic oil found in poison ivy. Post-harvest, the cashews are always roasted, boiled, or steamed before the shells are removed. Plants in the Cashew Family share these traits: -Flowers often with 5 petals and sepals -Pinnate and alternate leaves -Irritant oils … Continued
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The Onion Family
The Onion Family Alliaceae, sub family of Liliaceae Fun Fact: Some specialized giant onion varieties can weigh over 10 pounds. Plants in the Onion Family share these traits: Flowers Produced on scapes 6 tepals produced in 2 whorls 6 stamens Leaves Pungent Linear Bulbs reform annually from the base of the old bulb (most are … Continued
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The Rose Family
The Rose Family Rosaceae Fun Fact: Roses possess significant medicinal properties, offering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidepressant effects derived from their petals, hips, and oil. For free tips on how to draw a rose, click here. Plants in the Rose Family share these traits: Flowers Separate petals in multiples of five … Continued
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Mushrooms of New York 1 (April thru August 2023)
Mushrooms of New York (April thru August 2023) Fungi Kingdom Fun Fact: Luke Sarrantonio (a brilliant, local fungi education, foraging, and cultivation consultant) has been guiding me to the best secret mushroom hideouts and teaching me about how mushrooms grow and develop once they are above ground. (Find Luke on Instagram @mycophilicorganism) If you … Continued
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The Tulip Family
The Tulip Family Tulipa, sub family of Liliacea Fun Fact: Tulip Mania was a 17th-century Dutch economic bubble where rare tulip bulb prices soared, often exceeding the cost of houses or a skilled worker’s annual income. For free tips on how to draw a tulip in 12 easy steps, click here. Plants in the Tulip … Continued
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The Mustard Family
The Mustard Family Brassicaceae Fun Fact: All of the plants in this composition are edible! Taste testing is definitely part of the fun. The colors in this family really delight me. Plants in the Mustard Family share these traits: Flowers 4 petals and 4 sepals 6 stamens (4 tall and 2 short) 2-chambered ovary Seeds … Continued
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The Coffee Family
The Coffee Family Rubiaceae Fun Fact: Coffee beans are technically seeds derived from the pits of bright red fruits known as “coffee cherries.” Plants in the Coffee Family share these traits: Leaves Elliptical and waxy Oppositely arranged along the stem Often feature prominent venation Fruit (known as “coffee cherry”) 1 or 2 seeded drupe Learn … Continued
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The Citrus Family
The Citrus Family Rutaceae Fun Fact: Almost all modern cultivated citrus fruits—including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits—are hybrids derived from three ancestral species: the Citron (Citrus medica), Pummelo (Citrus maxima), and Mandarin (Citrus reticulata). Plants in the Citrus Family share these traits: Leaves Glossy and oval-shaped Flowers 5 white petals Numerous stamen Fruit Hesperidium – … Continued
