ETHNOBOTANY

Ethnobotany is the study of people and the plants people use for food, medicine, shelter, clothing, spiritual practices and beyond.

ETHNOBOTANY

Ethnobotany is the study of people and the plants people use for food, medicine, shelter, clothing, spiritual practices and beyond.
Vegetables found in the market of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Vegetables found in the market of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Spice market in Beijing, China.
Spice market in Beijing, China.
Mayan healer roasts leaf on the fire to demonstrate a technique for treating arthritis pain in Punta Gorda, Belize.
Mayan healer roasts leaf on the fire to demonstrate a technique for treating arthritis pain in Punta Gorda, Belize.
Herbs sold in a market in Mexico City, Mexico.
Herbs sold in a market in Mexico City, Mexico.

Almost everything you interact with in life involves plants in some way.

Ethnobotanical researchers analyze these interactions to quantify, support and preserve knowledge about plants worldwide.

Almost everything you interact with in life involves plants in some way.

Ethnobotanical researchers analyze these interactions to quantify, support and preserve knowledge about plants worldwide.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit soaking in water to make a wash for Buddhist status in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit soaking in water to make a wash for Buddhist status in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Supports for a Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa) found near a temple near Mae Moei National Park, Thailand.
Supports for a Bodhi tree (Ficus religiosa) found near a temple near Mae Moei National Park, Thailand.

Many ethnobotanists will travel to study cultures other than their own to learn about the different uses of plants.

But there is ethnobotany found close to home wherever plants are talked about for their use and benefit to humans.

Many ethnobotanists will travel to study cultures other than their own to learn about the different uses of plants.

But there is ethnobotany found close to home wherever plants are talked about for their use and benefit to humans.
Dr. Offringa specializes in medicinal and food plants, but has examined plant use in numerous contexts and enjoys any conversation that includes plants.
Fermented tea leaves (Miang) in Mae Taeng
Palm Leaf Manuscript.