Featured Picks

Orchids Named for Mexico!

Jan 23 2025

Focus on ScienceWhat's in a name?

Scientific names for plants can indicate a number of different attributes, including…

By Matthew C. Pace

Prosthechea of Mexico!

Jan 23 2025

Focus on Science

Prosthechea is a large tropcial American genus of 125 known species, occuring…

By Matthew C. Pace

No Leaves, No Problem!

Mar 5 2020

Cabinet of Curiosities

Although the vast majority of plants have leaves, not all plants do,…

By Matthew C. Pace

The Vanilla Plant and Edmond

Feb 20 2020

Vanilla planifolia is the only orchid of significant economic importance as an…

By Rashad Bell, Nuala Caomhanach

The Herbarium of Endangerment: Vanilla planifolia

Jun 30 2022

What's in a name?

One may be most familiar with vanilla’s taste and aroma. The fruit…

By Dr. Kathleen Cruz Gutierrez, Liz Orton

The Ames–Britton Connection

Mar 14 2023

Specimen StoriesWomen in Science

Blanche Ames Ames (February 18, 1878 – March 2, 1969) was not…

By Kenneth Reginald Otero-Walker, Matthew C. Pace

Vanilla in Puerto Rico

Aug 12 2023

Vanilla also has a long history in the Caribbean, especially in Puerto…

By Jason Lopez

Vanilla in Mexico

Aug 12 2023

It is in Mexico where Vanilla planifolia is said to originate, where…

By Jason Lopez

Coquito

Aug 12 2023

The scent of vanilla has always been one of my absolute favorites. It…

By Jason Lopez

A Vanilla Voyage: Exploring the Spice's Legacy in…

Aug 12 2023

Specimen Stories

Vanilla planifolia, commonly known as vanilla, is one of the most instantly…

By Jason Lopez

The Case for Coevolution

Sep 18 2024

Focus on ScienceCabinet of Curiosities

Charles Darwin’s keen observations of the natural world famously yielded predictions about…

By Johanna Mitra