Today has been wet and gray here in Minneapolis. I made a late start to my day, but after a cup of coffee and some walking with my shih-tzu, Waste, Im feeling productive and good, albeit mixed with the desire to nap more. As we went around our familiar paths, I saw some abutilon theophrasti, also named velvetleaf, Indian mallow and, more popularly in the Midwest USA, as buttonweed. The seed pods are round with little spikes at the end and the ensuing texture is one of beauty. I looked up information on it and found that the leaves of the plant are edible and that it is actually grown in Asia as a fiber similar to jute. In the Maldives, the chopped leaves plays a role in cusine often with coconut. In China and Kahmir, the seeds are eaten, as well. The Latin name includes a reference to the ancient Greek philosopher and botanist Theophrates (ca. 371-ca. 287 BCE). See what a nice walk can produce to get you mind seeing things? All on a wet and cloudy day.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 22:43:21 +0000