Study: Ethnobotany of Stingless Beekeeping by the Maya of Belize
The achiote tree native to the tropical Americas sources seeds from which annatto is made. A condiment and dye, annatto pigments a yellow-orange dye and is used in natural food and textile coloration.
Audio:
Rosebelle Ines
“Sharp-lobed Hepatica”
Binghamton University
Locale: New York
Study: Using ant-mediated seed dispersal to restore and augment wildflowers in New York’s secondary forests
This flowering plant in the buttercup family grows natively in central and eastern North America. Flowering in early to mid spring, this low growing clump is an early growing herb pollinated by ants, bees, and butterflies.
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Video:
Joey Jaros
“Spicebush”
The Ohio State University
Locale: Ohio
Study: Using Alliaria petiolata relationship models in context of environments to predict impact of invasion and improve management
Spicebush is a shrub in the laurel family, native to eastern North America. Within its native range it is a relatively common plant where it grows in the understory in moist, rich woods, especially those with exposed limestone.
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Video:
Viviana Londoño-Lemos
“Anamu”
University of Minnesota
Locale: Columbia
Study: Discovering germination strategies for tropical dry forest species in a changing world
A deep rooted perennial shrub, Anamu is native to southern North America and in the tropics. Anamu contains active chemicals that give of a strong garlic-like odor when disturbed.
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Video:
Pablo Lopez-Bustamante
“Bull nettle”
Virginia Commonwealth University
Locale: Costa Rica
Study: Influence of density-dependence and resource partitioning on dispersal syndromes in tropical dry forests
Bull nettle occurs in tropical central and south America growing into a woody shrub with stinging spines that cause irritation and allergic reactions in those it stings.
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Video:
Gabriela Quesada-Avila
“Annatto”
University of South Florida
Locale: Panama
Study: The role of soil-borne fungi on seed germination and survival
The achiote tree native to the tropical Americas sources seeds from which annatto is made. A condiment and dye, annatto pigments a yellow-orange dye and is used in natural food and textile coloration.
Audio:
Video:
David Felipe Rodriguez Mora
“Chiparo”
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Locale: Colombia
Study: How Yage tourism has changed Cofan-Yage Lianas’ interactions, understandings, and shamanic knowledge
This woody herb in the pea family grows in the tropical Americas along river and creek beds. Its strong, plentiful wood is valued in small construction and crafting projects.
