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Marija Petkovska's avatar

Love this <3 Particularly wowed by this insight of viewing the heart and soul of a people through their art. Oh how scrumptious of a reminder that is. And how you've welcomed the plants into that exploration as well, really beautiful. Intrigued to explore this within my own heritage. Thank you for this beautiful reflection.

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Val Alcorn's avatar

Yes! I think plants can be gateways to so many stories that have been lost or forgotten. Like little breadcrumbs we can follow.

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kate gardiner clearlight's avatar

This honoring of the orange tree really touched me Val. I saw Bisan post in the past few days that her breakfast in Gaza was a moldy orange, and that it is almost impossible to find citrus anywhere there right now.. I found it so moving to see you bringing those precious trees into the conversation 🧡

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Val Alcorn's avatar

Thank you Kate, It's hard to focus on anything other than the violence right now, but when I read this story while researching the Jaffa orange I had to share.

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Eve Minson's avatar

Rhodiola’s native habitat is cold northern regions and high altitudes. Alaska, etc.

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Val Alcorn's avatar

Yes! That is where it originated, but it also was transported by Siberians to the Caucasian mountains where they traded the plant for fruit, garlic, honey, etc. (according to a book called Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief by Winston Maimes). Because of the high altitude of the Caucasian Mountains, it naturalized easily. Like the story of Prometheus and his liver, it was scattered widely! I've added an edit in the article to clear this up.

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