I'd never before heard of Ethnobotonology, the study of the complex relationship between cultures and the way they use plants. The science focuses on how plants are used, managed and perceived across human societies. Because of its temperate climate, Oaxaca is the perfect place for scientists to grow, preserve and study the diverse plants we use plants for food, medicine, currency, clothes, dyes, construction, rituals, cosmetics and so forth.
Right smack in the middle of Oaxaca is the large and impressively well managed Ethnobotanical Garden. One of the shrubs there is the indigo plant which was first used in India to make the colour we use in blue jeans today. The colour indigo is made here in Mexico to produce rugs with all natural products. In one of the photos you'll see the organ cactus, so called because it resembles a tall pipe. If you are a plant or tree lover, you might recognize some of the plants. The bark of one tree looks like birch and is of the birch family. If you see one with prickles, it's probably the one nicknamed The Marriage Tree. It's fruit is bitter.
Upcoming -- rug making with sheep wool and natural dyes, making Mezcal and more.
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