Charlotte Scott

The difference between a fruit and a vegetable is one of the most fascinating conflicts between science and the kitchen. Botanically speaking, a fruit is defined as the mature, seed-bearing ovary of a flowering plant — a definition that is purely structural and has nothing to do with taste or culinary tradition. This means that … Read more

Few sights in the natural world rival the breathtaking spectacle of a cherry tree in full bloom. Among the many ornamental cherries celebrated across the globe, the Kwanzan cherry tree holds a place of particular reverence. Known for its extravagant, double-petaled blossoms and its dramatic seasonal displays, the Kwanzan — also spelled “Kanzan” — has … Read more

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Cucumber is a widely cultivated creeping vine plant belonging to the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, which also includes melons, squash, and pumpkins. It is believed to have originated in South Asia, specifically in the foothills of the Himalayas in India, where wild varieties still grow today. From its origins, cucumber cultivation spread to … Read more

Okra is a flowering plant belonging to the mallow family, Malvaceae, and is closely related to cotton, hibiscus, and hollyhock. It is believed to have originated in the Ethiopian highlands of Africa, from where it spread to North Africa, the Middle East, and eventually across the globe. Today, it is widely cultivated in tropical, subtropical, … Read more

Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are among the most beloved and iconic cottage garden flowers, with a history stretching back thousands of years. Native to southwestern China and the Middle East, they were introduced to Europe during the medieval period, likely by Crusaders returning from the Holy Land — hence one theory behind their name, with “holy” … Read more

Salvia is one of the largest and most diverse genera in the plant kingdom, belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. With over 900 recognized species, it is found across a wide range of climates and continents, from the Mediterranean basin and the Americas to Asia and Africa. The name “Salvia” is derived from the Latin … Read more

Iris flowers are among the most captivating and widely recognized blooms in the plant kingdom. Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the iris genus encompasses over 300 species and thousands of cultivated varieties, making it one of the most diverse flowering plant groups in the world. They are found naturally across the Northern … Read more

Nicotiana, commonly known as flowering tobacco, is a genus of plants in the family Solanaceae — the same family that includes tomatoes, peppers, and petunias. The genus comprises around 75 species, native primarily to the Americas, with a few species originating in Australia and the South Pacific. While the genus is perhaps most widely recognized … Read more

Pansies are among the most beloved and widely recognized flowering plants in the world. They belong to the genus Viola, specifically Viola tricolor var. hortensis or the hybrid Viola × wittrockiana, and are part of the Violaceae family. Originating from Europe and western Asia, pansies have been cultivated for centuries and have evolved from their … Read more

Morning Glory flowers (Ipomoea and related genera) are among the most captivating and widely recognized flowering vines in the plant kingdom. Belonging to the family Convolvulaceae, they are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas but have been cultivated across the world for centuries. The name “Morning Glory” is shared by over a … Read more