The Plant Report- Every Plant Has A Story
Learn about the botanical world one plant at a time. The Plant Report is an educational resource about plants, herbal medicine, ethnobotany and the human/plant relationship. The Plant Report is a project of Sustainable World Radio.
info_outline
The Fabulous Fig
05/16/2023
The Fabulous Fig
Episode 38: Our plant today is Fig and our guest is Dr. Lee Reich. Lee is a writer, horticultural consultant, and educator with graduate degrees in soil science and horticulture. Lee is a big fan of Figs (Ficus carica) and in this episode we learn how to successfully propagate, grow, and harvest this ancient plant. Lee explains why it’s a challenge to know how many varieties of Figs there really are and shares his tips about how to keep your Fig trees healthy and happy. Figs are unique in the fruit world. Did you know that when you eat a Fig, you aren’t eating a fruit? A fig is really a syconium (or synconium), a part of a stem that expands into a sac containing flowers. Luckily for us, Fig syconiums are so delicious! Although, Figs are a true Mediterranean plant, they are adaptable and resilient. Those who live in colder climates, rejoice! You can successfully grow Figs and enjoy your own delicious syconiums. :) Lee shares some of his many methods for Fig growing in cold regions, including growing them in pots, overwintering them in greenhouses and basements, and pruning them so their low growing arms are very close to the ground. Learn more about these techniques in depth in Lee’s book Growing Figs in Cold Climates. A former plant and soil researcher for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Cornell University, Lee’s books include Weedless Gardening, Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden, and Growing Figs in Cold Climates. Lee wrote a syndicated gardening column for the Associated Press for nearly 30 years. Lee’s farmden- his term for his more than a garden, less than a farm, piece of land, has been featured in many publications like the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living and has won awards from National Gardening and Organic Gardening magazines. Visit Lee’s website at to learn about Figs, fruit, gardening, soil, and more! Lee was a guest on my other podcast Sustainable World Radio. where Lee discusses the art and science of building soil from the ground up and why he believes it’s important to pay attention to the top few inches of soil and let nature take care of the rest. Learn about mulch, the importance of compost, and why Lee loves to repurpose what others might call waste in his quest to improve soil fertility and grow vibrant and resilient plants.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/26855991
info_outline
The Wild World of Hops
12/04/2021
The Wild World of Hops
Welcome to the world of Hops, Humulus lupulus.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/21375425
info_outline
Sensational Spilanthes
06/18/2021
Sensational Spilanthes
Have you heard of Spilanthes? An herbal ally with a long history of use for oral health and immune support, Spilanthes is known by a multitude of common names like Electric Daisy, Toothache Plant, and Party in the Mouth. Spilanthes is a a plant whose reputation precedes it. Chewing on the flowers produces a strong tingling and anesthetic sensation in the mouth- in our guest Javan Bernakevitch,'s words, "It's like feeling a 9 volt battery on your tongue."
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/19528109
info_outline
Wheat- An Ancient Grain for Modern Times
04/23/2021
Wheat- An Ancient Grain for Modern Times
Did you know that Einkorn wheat is 27,000 years old? Wheat is one of the world's oldest grains and like it or love it, it’s been part of human life for thousands of years. Learn about this long revered and recently reviled plant with ancient grain farmer Larry Kandarian of Kandarian Organic Farms.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/18841193
info_outline
Tulsi Basil
02/01/2021
Tulsi Basil
Tulsi is a beautiful aromatic plant with strong medicinal qualities. In this interview with organic farmer Alena Steen of Night Heron Farm we learn how to propagate, grow, harvest, and utilize this lovely and revered plant.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/17762663
info_outline
The Happiness Tree: Albizia julibrissin
08/11/2020
The Happiness Tree: Albizia julibrissin
Albizia julibrisson is one of my new favorite new trees. Commonly called The Tree of Happiness, Persian Silk Tree, and Mimosa, Albizia is native to Asia and a member of the Fabaceae family. I love its pink puffball flowers, gorgeous fragrance, whimsical nature, and potent medicine.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/15563270
info_outline
The Amazing Amaranth Family
07/25/2020
The Amazing Amaranth Family
Episode 32: Meet the broad and beautiful Amaranth family in this episode with farmer and seed saver Andrew McMillion. Andrew shares his experiences propagating and growing Amaranth and tells us about his favorite members in this low maintenance and resilient family including: Orach (Atriplex hortensis), Caucasian Mountain Spinach (Hablitzia tamnoides), Syrian Medieval Chard, and Strawberry Spinach (Blitum capitatum).
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/15351920
info_outline
The Mighty Oak
11/11/2019
The Mighty Oak
Journey into the world of Quercus, the amazing Oak. Found worldwide, Oaks have been revered for thousands of years. Horticulturalist Byron Joel is an avid Oak fan and shares his knowledge about Oaks from tiny acorn to robust tree.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/11990045
info_outline
Nettle- The Prickly Medicinal Herb
05/03/2019
Nettle- The Prickly Medicinal Herb
If you've ever wandered into a patch of Nettle, you probably remember its ferocious sting! But, did you know that Nettle is a nutritional powerhouse and herbal medicine rock star?
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/9648131
info_outline
Meet the Geranium Family!
08/31/2018
Meet the Geranium Family!
In this episode, I speak with Geranium expert Robin Parer about the entire Geraniaceae Family: Hardy Geraniums, Pelargoniums, Erodiums,and Monsonias. Robin talks in depth about how to grow and propagate them, where they are found in nature, the mistaken identity of Pelargoniums, and why she has been entranced with this plant family for so long.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/6993575
info_outline
The Lovely Loquat
04/13/2018
The Lovely Loquat
Have you ever heard of Loquats? In this episode, farmer, educator, and author Ken Love talks about this sweet and prolific fruit tree.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/6479406
info_outline
Lovely Lavender
02/23/2018
Lovely Lavender
Lori, aka Lavender Lori, farms Lavender in Western Montana on Rosalie Ranch where she distills her own brand of essential oils, hydrosols, and salves.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/6295405
info_outline
Native Plants of the Appalachian Woodlands
10/13/2017
Native Plants of the Appalachian Woodlands
Learn about native Appalachian herbs in this interview with educator, designer, and farmer Trevor Piersol.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/5838973
info_outline
Hawthorn for the Heart
06/23/2017
Hawthorn for the Heart
Episode 25: Have you heard of Hawthorn? Herbalist Bonnie Rose Weaver is a big fan and in this episode fills you in on why she loves this plant! Hawthorn, Latin name Crataegus, is a heart tonic extraordinaire. A member of the Rose family, (like Bonnie), Hawthorn is also known as May Apple, Mayblossom, and the May Tree. Edible parts of the plant include the young leaves and flowers and the fruits or berries. Medicinally, Hawthorn has been used to prevent and treat heart problems, to regulate blood pressure, and to increase vein health. Hawthorn berries are rich in antioxidants and can be made into jams and incorporated into a medicinal honey. The flowers and leaves can be made into tinctures. Hawthorn has a rich folklore and history. Fairies are said to hang out with Hawthorn and in Welsh lore, the Goddess Olwen walked an empty universe and left a trail of Mayblossoms which became the Milky Way. Hawthorn also provides shelter and food for a biodiverse group of small mammals, insects, and birds. According to Bonnie, Hawthorn is also a valuable plant ally for those times when you are dealing with heartbreak or heartache. Bonnie Rose Weaver is an urban farmer, community herbalist, artist and educator in San Francisco, CA. In 2014, Bonnie launched the seed to bottle apothecary - 1849 Medicine Garden, a project that teaches urbanites about the benefits of locally grown plant medicine. Bonnie is the author of the book, .
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/5476067
info_outline
The Medicinal, Edible Thistle
03/07/2017
The Medicinal, Edible Thistle
Episode 24: Thistles! To many of us, they are those annoying, prickly plants that "bite." Classified as a noxious weed in many areas, thistles are the topic of this podcast with Thistle admirer Katrina Blair, author of the book What does Katrina do for Thistle weed control? She eats them! In this episode Katrina Blair talks about the many uses of this weedy plant. Thistles regenerate liver cells, are full of minerals, and their leaves make an alkaline drink. You can make flour out of thistle seeds, chew the flowers and white fluff as a gum, and use large amounts of fermented thistles as a substrate for growing oyster mushrooms. Other edible parts of Thistles include the root which Katrina makes into a Chai Tea or eats like a potato and the stalk which is sweeter than celery. Katrina's favorite Thistle variety is the Musk Thistle: Carduus nutans. To learn more about Katrina's work, visit her website: To hear a longer interview with forager, chef, writer, and plant lover Katrina Blair on Sustainable World Radio,
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/5138525
info_outline
Marvelous Mallow
03/03/2017
Marvelous Mallow
Episode 23: Katrina Blair, author of the Wild Wisdom of Weeds, shares the many medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic uses of Mallow. We focus on Malva neglecta, a common weed found around the world. In many places, Malva is known as an invasive species, so why not utilize this ubiquitous plant? In this episode, Katrina gives her recipes for a sweet Mallow Milk and a "living" body lotion. She also talks about the medicinal uses of Malva (it's great for sore throats and laryngitis) and how to prepare it like a vegetable. This was recorded at the Heirloom Expo. Sorry folks for any background noise! Katrina Blair is a forager, chef, writer, and plant lover who runs the nonprofit whose mission is to celebrate the connection between personal health and wild lands. If you'd like to learn more about Katrina's work and get her recipe for Wild Marshmallows, check out her book on our. To hear a longer interview with Katrina Blair on Sustainable World Radio,
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/5138461
info_outline
Durian: The Aromatic King of Fruits
12/12/2016
Durian: The Aromatic King of Fruits
Episode 22: Imagine leaving your regular life behind and traveling for a year in search of a ripening fruit. This is what Lindsay Gasik did and it changed her life. The fruit she was searching for is Durian. One of the largest tropical fruits, Durian are renowned for their unusual taste and aroma and have the reputation of "smelling like hell and tasting like heaven." In fact, their strong odor is so pungent, Durians have been banned from the Singapore Rapid Mass Transit System. Durians are high in fat and sugar, covered in thorns, can weigh up to 22 pounds, and fall off the tree when ripe. Be sure to look out for this falling fruit! In 2012, Lindsay set off on a twelve month sojourn around Southeast Asia to follow the Durian season. In this podcast interview we learn about her travels on the Durian Trail, how to eat and prepare Durian, the parallels between wine and Durian, and what happens when you follow a fruit to explore other cultures. Lindsay also tells us how she became a Durian Travel Agent and why she still loves this thorny, aromatic King of Fruit! To learn more about Lindsay and Durian, visit her website:
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/4904377
info_outline
Relax and Calm With Lemon Balm
10/14/2016
Relax and Calm With Lemon Balm
Episode 21: Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis, is an easy to grow herb with many uses. To learn about Lemon Balm, I spoke with Kami McBride. Kami is an herbalist, herbal medicine instructor, and creator of the Kami has 27 years of experience in inspiring people to use herbs in their daily lives and in this episode, she shares her knowledge about this wonderful plant. Lemon balm makes a pleasant tasting tea, lemonade, and infusion. Palatable to children, Lemon Balm fights colds and flus, is antispasmodic, and carminative. Kami talks about how and when to harvest and use lemon balm and why she calls it a "confetti herb." Kami describes Lemon Balm as the "crowd-pleasing herb" because it elevates mood and is soothing and calming. A favorite of bees, Lemon Balm is a great addition to your garden. Kami advises people to "let yourself fall in love" with a plant and Lemon Balm is an easy herb to fall for. To hear a 2009 interview with Kami McBride on Sustainable World Radio,
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/4745494
info_outline
The Power of Pulses with Dan Jason
06/30/2016
The Power of Pulses with Dan Jason
Episode 20: Have you heard about Pulses? The edible seeds of legumes, Pulses are, in the words of my guest Dan Jason, a "simple, beautiful, nutritious, and versatile crop". Easily grown without herbicides or pesticides, pulses are resilient, need little water, and increase soil fertility. They contain protein, are highly nutritious, and easy to grow and prepare. Dan Jason is an organic farmer, seed saver, and author based on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Dan is the author of the new book . Farming organically for over thirty years, Dan is the owner and founder of the heritage and heirloom seed company, . An advocate for untreated, open-pollinated, and non-GMO seeds, Dan believes that pulses can help renew the health of our planet. 2016 is the International Year of Pulses. Make this the year that you incorporate the incredible family of pulses into your diet and, if you have the space, into your garden.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/4483366
info_outline
Paw Paw: The Forgotten Fruit
12/31/2015
Paw Paw: The Forgotten Fruit
Episode 19: Have you ever eaten a paw paw? If you haven't, you'll probably want to, after hearing this interview with Andrew Moore, author of the book, Paw Paw In Search of America's Forgotten Fruit.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/4047279
info_outline
The Beautiful Rose
10/24/2015
The Beautiful Rose
Episode 18: Our plant for this episode is the Rose. Roses are edible, medicinal, and therapeutic. To learn about this beautiful plant, I spoke with Linda Buzzell Saltzman, an Eco-Therapist and Rosarian who grows roses in and around her backyard food forest.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3885772
info_outline
Amazing Yeast- Tiny, Ubiquitous, and Invaluable
08/14/2015
Amazing Yeast- Tiny, Ubiquitous, and Invaluable
Episode 17: Our plant for this episode is not a plant. It's yeast. Tiny in size, huge in utility, yeast is all around us. Found in the Ecuadorian Rainforests, the Arctic, and on our skin, this single-celled member of the Fungi Kingdom is part of Nature's Recycling Team and has been on the planet for millions of years. Used for brewing and baking, humans have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with yeast.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3737510
info_outline
Kalo- An Important Hawaiian Plant
07/11/2015
Kalo- An Important Hawaiian Plant
Episode 16: In this episode we talk about Kalo or Taro, Colocasia esculenta. To learn about this staple of the Hawaiian diet, we visit the located in Kahului on the island of Maui.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3668993
info_outline
The Magic of Mulberries
06/14/2015
The Magic of Mulberries
Loren Luyendyk has been working with Mulberry Trees for over 15 years. In this episode Loren talks about why he thinks more people should be growing this incredibly versatile plant.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3614892
info_outline
The Winter Squash Fan Club
04/17/2015
The Winter Squash Fan Club
Episode 14: Are you a winter squash fan? If not, you may become one after hearing organic farmer and seedsman Justin Huhn talk about one of his favorite crops- Winter Squash or Cucurbita. In this episode, Justin gives us his tips on growing this beautiful and productive plant. He also talks about how to save squash seeds and shares his favorite recipe. Delicious and nutritious, winter squash is a great plant for home gardens.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3499556
info_outline
Thistles- The Prickly Plant With An Important Job
03/28/2015
Thistles- The Prickly Plant With An Important Job
Episode 13: Ecological Designer and Permaculture Instructor Larry Santoyo talks about thistles. More interesting than you might think, thistles play an important role in soil restoration.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3453615
info_outline
Chaya- The High Protein Greens You've Never Heard Of
03/14/2015
Chaya- The High Protein Greens You've Never Heard Of
Chaya (Cnidoscolus chayamansa) commonly called Tree Spinach is a very nutritious plant with high protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins. Reaching 3 meters (10 feet high), Chaya has maple-shaped leaves that are delicious steamed or cooked. Chaya is resistant to disease and pests, is highly productive, and needs little inputs to thrive in both arid and rainy areas. A fast-growing perennial shrub, Chaya is easily propagated by stem cuttings.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3425677
info_outline
Moringa- The Miracle Tree
11/15/2014
Moringa- The Miracle Tree
Moringa is called the Miracle Tree and after listening to this episode, you'll know why! Native to Africa and Asia, Moringa offers a plethora of benefits. Fast and easy to grow in the right climate (tropical and sub-tropical), Moringa is loaded with nutrients. Many parts of the Moringa are edible and/or medicinal, including the leaves, oil, bark and gum.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3181817
info_outline
Outdoor Mushroom Cultivation
09/17/2014
Outdoor Mushroom Cultivation
In this episode of we talk with about outdoor mushroom cultivation. Growing mushrooms at home is fun, surprisingly easy and offers multiple benefits including a delicious medicinal crop, increased mycelium in your soil and mycoremediation opportunities.
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3069503
info_outline
Hala- The Hawaiian PVC Pipe
08/24/2014
Hala- The Hawaiian PVC Pipe
We met with farmer and Hawaiian plant expert John Aquino on the beautiful grounds of the located on the island of Maui. In this episode, John talks about the many uses of Hala- Pandanus tectorius. Hala can be woven into floor mats, canoe sails, and baskets. Hala is a famine food, has male and female trees and its trunk can be used for irrigation. John calls Hala- the Hawaiian PVC Pipe!
/episode/index/show/theplantreport/id/3028406