Susan Elizabeth

Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the species in the onion, or allium, genus. It is closely related, therefore, to onions, chives, shallots, and leeks. All of these are flowering plants that are grown for their bulbs. This plant is…

Ginkgo or Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree. This large and hardy deciduous tree is referred to as a living fossil because fossilized remains have been found. Plants are either male or female. The species is…

The name Ginseng does not refer to a single plant but rather to 11 distinct varieties, all of which are slow-growing, low to the ground, and have fleshy roots. These herbaceous perennial plants are members of the ivy family. The…

The Camellia is a popular garden plant in many countries. However, one species has comparatively modest flowers but a hidden, significant value: Camellia sinensis or the Chinese Camellia, Tea Plant, or Tea Shrub. The plant’s third name, Tea Tree, can…

Fennel is a hardy but short-lived perennial and a member of the broad plant family that includes carrots, dill, celery, and parsley. Like many plants that have both herbal and culinary value, Fennel originated in the Mediterranean region. It is…

Lavender (Lavandula) is a flowering, perennial evergreen shrub that is in the same family as mint. Both the blooms and the scent are most distinctive and make this plant popular with gardeners and plant-lovers generally. This plant has a range…

Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum) is in the same group of peppers as jalapeños and bell peppers. It is widely used in cooking in many countries. Common names include Bird’s Beak and Cow Horn, Guinea, Mad, or Spanish Pepper. This medium-hot…

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical, herbaceous perennial. It is also commonly known as Common, Stem, Root, Canton, East Indian, Jamaican, or Red Ginger. This flowering plant is in the same family as two other fragrant and popular spices: turmeric…

Celery (Apium graveolens) is originally a marshland plant. Although the plant is by nature a hardy biennial, it is grown as an annual. It is classed as a cool-weather crop which, in the US for example, means that it is…

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera or Aloe barbadensis) is a succulent and one of more than 400 species of aloe found worldwide. Given this aloe has been grown for over 4,000 years for its health-giving properties, it’s no surprise that one…