Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Carob (Ceratonia siliqua)
Karen Carob tree, also called St. John’s-bread and locust bean, is an evergreen tree and member of the pea family (Fabaceae) that also includes beans, lupines, and mimosa . It is…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Chickpea (Cicer arientinum)
Also known as carbanzo bean, chickpea is an annual in the legume family, Fabaceae, that also include lupine, acacia, and scotch broom. It was domesticated about 7500 years ago and…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Filbert (Corylus avellana)
Also called common hazel, this deciduous suckering shrub is a member of the birch family, Betulaceae, that also includes alder and hornbeam. It is native to most of Europe, north…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Persian Walnut (Juglans regia)
Also called English walnut, this deciduous tree belongs to the Juglandaceae plant family that also includes pecan and hickory. It probably originated in Iran but was spread in pre-historic times…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
Also known as common poppy, field poppy, and Flanders poppy, this annual wildflower is native from Africa to temperate and tropical Asia and Europe, and is a member of the…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum)
Also known as Old Man, Lad’s Love and Maiden’s Ruin, this bushy evergreen sub-shrub is native to southern Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, and is a member of the…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Carrot (Daucus carota)
The carrot is a herbaceous biennial in the parsley family, Apiaceae, that also included celery, anise, and parsnip. It is probably native to Persia where it was cultivated for its…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Common Bear’s Breeches (Acanthus mollis)
Karen Meyers Also called sea dock, bear’s foot, and oyster plant, this tender herbaceous perennial is a member of the mostly tropical plant family, Acanthaceae, that also includes polka dot plant, shrimp…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
The sacred lotus is an aquatic perennial native to Asia and cultivated in China for over 3000 years for its ornamental, medicinal, and culinary value. Although an exotic in Italy,…
Plants of Ancient Pompeii: Cucumus (Cucumber and Melons)
The genus Cucumis is in the gourd family, Cucurbitaceae, and includes at least two species valued by the ancient Romans for food: cucumber (Cucumis sativus,) and muskmellons (C. melo). Plant…