Plants of Pompeii: Madonna Lily (Lilium candida)
Karen This herbaceous perennial bulb is native to the Balkans and Middle East and has been cultivated for at least 3,000 years dating back to the Bronze age Minoans on the…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Garlic (Allium sativum)
Native to central Asia and northeastern Iran, garlic is a herbaceous perennial and a member of the amaryllis family, Amaryllidaceae, that also includes onion, leek, and shallot. It was cultivated…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Stone Pine (Pinus pinea aka Apinus pinea)
Also known as umbrella pine and parasol pine, this coniferous evergreen tree is native to the Mediterranean region including southern Europe, Israel, Lebanon and Syria. It is a member of…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Native to Iran and Iraq, the pomegranate is a deciduous tree or shrub and a member of the loostrife family, Lythraceae, that also includes crepe myrtle, henna, and Cuphea. It…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Peach (Prunus persica)
A native of China, the peach is a small deciduous short-lived tree in the rose family, Rosaceae, and in the same genus as plums, cherries, almonds, and apricots. Peaches have…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
This herbaceous biennial is native to damp grassland and woodland areas in Eurasia and North Africa and is a member of the honey suckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigela,…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
This deciduous small tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherry, almond, and lady’s mantle. It’s origin is uncertain but it was extensively cultivated in…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Native to maritime habitats of Europe and western temperate Asia, asparagus is a herbaceous perennial and member of the Asparagaceae plant family that also includes yucca, hosta, and spider plant.…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Ivy (Hedera helix)
This evergreen climbing vine is a member of the Aralia family, Araliaceae, that also includes Fatsia and Schefflera. It is native to most of Europe and western Asia where it…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Pear (Pyrus communis)
Native to Europe, this deciduous tree is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae, that also includes cherry, apple, and lady’s mantle. Although remains of pear have been found in…