Orchids of Mexico

Orchids grow in warm, humid climates and are found largely in the tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Their unusual, long-lasting blossoms and often heady scents have inspired curiosity and wonder over the ages. A handsome volume titled “The Orchidaceae of Mexico and Guatemala,” written by James Bateman, Continue Reading →

Sarsaparilla Root Beverage

Sarsaparilla: an old-fashioned beverage made from the root of a tropical vine. Sarsaparilla is a climbing plant native to tropical America; Mexico, Honduras, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Jamaica are important sarsaparilla-producing countries. According to Medicinal Plants of Tropical and Subtropical Regions, a book that is found on-line in the Continue Reading →