Nitrogen Fixer
Plants (nearly always legumes) that convert atmospheric nitrogen to bioavailable forms through root-nodule bacteria. Even when harvested, their residues improve soil fertility naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer. Gardeners value this tag for designing sustainable crop rotations.
The Sensitive Plant: Meaning and Movement
Mimosa pudica, known for its touch-sensitive leaves, has captivated observers for centuries, sparking fascination with plant intelligence. This story traces how the plant’s responsiveness inspired both scientific curiosity and colonial exploitation, while highlighting the resilience of diverse cultural knowledge systems surrounding it.
shrub, ornamental, nitrogen-fixer, tropicalPeanut: From Luxury Food to Livestock Feed
Despite its name, the peanut is a legume with deep roots in South America, where it was first cultivated over 7,000 years ago. This story follows its global journey through the Columbian Exchange, highlighting its cultural, agricultural, and symbolic significance across continents.
legume, nut, oilseed, nitrogen-fixerSoybean: The Versatile Miracle Crop
Soybeans are everywhere—from grocery store shelves to livestock feed—covering six percent of the Earth’s surface and dominating global agriculture. This story explores soy’s journey from a humble wild plant to a genetically modified powerhouse entangled in issues of deforestation, food systems, and environmental politics.
legume, grain, oilseed, nitrogen-fixer
