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Plant Profile: Shiitake
by Lex Barnard Common Names Shiitake, Shiitake Mushroom, Black Forest Mushroom, Chinese Black Mushroom, Donko (dōnggū) aka “winter mushroom”, xiang gu aka “flower mushroom”, bai hua gu Latin Name: Lentinula edodes Family: Marasmiaceae Habitat: Native to east Asia, largely China and Japan, as well as in warm and moist climates. Shiitake grows on decaying broadleaf (deciduous) trees and is largely cultivated throughout the world. They fruit during spring to late summer and early autumn. Parts Used: Fruiting body and mycelium
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In Memoriam: Steven Foster (1957-2022)
Steven Foster is a teacher to many students at the Florida School of Holistic Living, whether or not they’ve ever taken a class with him. Through his 19 books, most notably the Petersen’s Field Guide to Eastern and Central Medicinal Plants, Steven has captured a legacy of plant wisdom for future generations. Steven traveled to Florida to keynote our 2015 Florida Herbal Conference, where many Florida herbalists got to understand the depth and dynamism of this humble herbal legend.
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2021 Reflections from Maggie & Emily
As we approach the final days of 2021, I encourage us all to allow a deep exhale as we reflect on the last twelve months, preferably with a warm cup of herbal tea in hand. One of my dear friends and FSHL graduate, Lisa Ray, used to tell me that in hard times, “it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon” – as a reminder to slow down and pace myself for the long haul. If 2020 taught us anything, it was recognizing that the uncertainty of our times will persist, possibly far longer than we can imagine, and that the only way we can cultivate resilience to get through it…
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Join us for the 10th Annual Florida Herbal Conference!
No matter the challenges we’ve faced this year, now it’s time to celebrate. Mark your calendars for the 2021 Florida Herbal Conference, February 25-27. It’s the tenth anniversary of the Sunshine State’s herbal gathering – and we want to celebrate the plants and this special community with YOU!
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November Plant of the Month – Hibiscus
Common Names: Hibiscus, Jamaica, Roselle, Cranberry Hibiscus, Sorrel, Florida Cranberry, Isapa, Yakuwa, Gurguzu, Flor de Jamaica Latin name: Hibiscus sabdariffa; H. acetosella Family: Malvaceae