The Library — botanicals RSS

Nutmeg is the aromatic seed of Myristica fragrans, once wrapped in the scarlet aril that becomes mace. Explore its marbled interior, Banda Islands origin and extraordinary history as a valuable traded spice.

Illicium verum produces the woody star shaped fruits known as star anise. Explore how its unusual fruit develops, why it smells like unrelated anise and the symbolism gathered around its naturally distinctive shape.

Turnera diffusa is an aromatic American shrub better known as damiana. Explore its fragrant leaves, changing botanical classification and enduring associations with desire and attraction.

Benzoin begins as a sticky response to cuts in the bark of Styrax trees before hardening into fragrant resin. Explore its Sumatran origins, long trade history, sweet balsamic scent and inconvenient tendency to fuse when warm.

Myrrh begins as a sticky exudate from the thorny Commiphora myrrha tree before hardening into dark aromatic tears. Explore its dry habitat, ancient trade, bitter name and long companionship with frankincense.