Curated category
Non-timber forest products
- CinnamonThe genus Cinnamomum contains the trees that produce cinnamon, a spice derived from their inner bark. Only a few species within this family are grown…
- Black pepperThe pepper plant is a perennial woody vine that grows up to 10 meters in height. It climbs on supporting trees, poles, or trellises found in Southeast Asia…
- Vascular cambiumA cross-section of a Helianthus stem reveals the vascular cambium labeled as F. This tissue divides to form phloem on the outside and xylem on the inside.
- ChanterelleIn 1997, scientists identified the Pacific golden chanterelle as a distinct species named Cantharellus formosus. This discovery marked a turning point in…
- CoconutA fossilized fruit from New Zealand dates back to the Miocene epoch, roughly 23 million years ago. This specimen, named Cocos zeylandica, measured only about…
- NutmegThe Banda Islands in Maluku, Indonesia, remain the only place where true nutmeg trees grow wild. These dark-leaved evergreens stand as dioecious plants…
- ResinMost plant resins are composed of terpenes. Specific components include alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. These molecules form the backbone of the substance.
- CloveThe Syzygium aromaticum tree stands as an evergreen reaching heights of up to 20 meters. Its large leaves and crimson flowers grow in terminal clusters that…
- Natural rubberThe Olmec culture of Mesoamerica used natural latex from the Hevea tree to make balls for their ballgame as early as 1600 BC.