Further ethnobotanical plants - rare species beyond the classics

A collection of special plants with their own history

This subcategory complements the major ethnobotanical plant groups with all those species that cannot sensibly be assigned to a single genus or classic thematic field. This is precisely what creates a particularly varied selection: some plants were traditionally used as medicinal or ritual plants, while others are closely connected with agriculture, nutrition, fragrance, incense or regional plant knowledge.

The individual species differ greatly in origin, appearance and cultural significance. It is precisely this diversity that makes the category interesting for anyone who would like to discover and cultivate lesser-known species alongside familiar ethnobotanical plants.

From ancient cultivated plants to tropical rarities

Historical heirloom maize varieties are exemplary of plants that have been selected, passed on and adapted to regional conditions by people over generations. Their striking colours and forms show how great the diversity of traditional cultivated plants can be and how closely plant breeding and cultural history are connected.

Other species such as sweet flag, African dream root or various sage species have quite different ethnobotanical backgrounds. They were valued in different regions as medicinal, fragrant, ritual or symbolic plants and remain part of special plant and collector cultures to this day.

Hawaiian baby woodrose as a tropical speciality

A particularly striking representative of this category is Hawaiian baby woodrose. The vigorous climbing plant stands out with its large heart-shaped leaves and tropical appearance. At the same time, it is one of those plants that have become known far beyond their purely ornamental value because of their ethnobotanical tradition.

As with many species in this category, the appeal lies not only in the plant itself, but also in the stories, traditions and cultural contexts associated with it.

For curious gardeners and plant collectors

This category is aimed at anyone specifically looking for unusual ethnobotanical plants and wishing to discover something new beyond the well-known species. The range may include tropical climbing plants, rare herbs, historical useful plants and other botanical specialities, and may change depending on availability.

Many of the species offered here contain active or toxic compounds. Historical and ethnobotanical uses are therefore intended for cultural and historical classification and should not be understood as a recommendation for consumption or self-medication.