IX. Plants
A. Demonstrate a basic skill in understanding and using simple dichotomous plant key for vascular plants, trees, shrubs (see field guides): plant use throughout history from around the world; plant identification by form, color, shape and relative size; plants in prehistory; native and alien species; wild and cultivated varieties (origin in the wilds); plant habitats and zones; animal plant use; plants for medicine in the field; the magic of plants; plant use in indigenous tribal cultures; plants of the cities; human beings affect on plant distribution; learning to observe plants closely in the field and at home; plant anatomy; botany and biology; reproduction and seed dispersal; insects, plants and pollination; natures spirits and plants; diversity; forest succession from disturbed site to climax-plant progressions; annuals, biennials, perennials (using local plants; wildcrafting)
B. Compile an observation log and/or pressed plant collection of common useful plants, trees, shrubs
a. Edible
b. Utilitarian
c. Floral formula
d. Poisonous
e. Medicinal: first aid in the field
f. Scientific names: nomenclature
The scientific name for a plant, i.e., the name of the species, is always two-part, two words. The first word designates the “genus” to which the plant belongs and the second, called the “specific epithet” or “species epithet”, or “species name”, gives a name to distinguish this plant from all others in the same genus. For example, in the name Senecio serra, “Senecio” is the genus and “serra” is the specific epithet. Senecio serra is the name of the species. There are many other Senecios but only one Senecio serra. No other plant in the world has the name “Senecio serra”.
Both the genus and the specific epithet are italicized; the genus is capitalized and the specific epithet is lower case.
Scientific names describe a characteristic of the plant (hairy, short, twin seeds), show a relationship to other plants (similar to a plant from another country, similar to another genus), honor a place or person (see the Biographies of Naturalists section of this web site), or are derived from history (an ancient use or the name of an ancient country where the plant was first recorded).
g. Gathering season
h. Constructive
i. Growing conditions
j. Life-zone
k. Locations
l. Four seasons
m. Digging stick
C. Participate in various cooking and storage techniques used to prepare plant food
n. Stone oven
o. Teas
p. Ash cakes
Ash Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup buckwheat flour
1/3 cup cornmeal muffin mix
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup fresh or frozen berries
2 Tbsp water
In a small bowl, combine together the buckwheat flour and cornmeal muffin mix.
Add the chopped walnuts into the dry mixture.
Slowly, add a small amount of the water and begin combining the dry mixture into the water.
When the mixture is just beginning to stick together, add the berries.
Continue adding water, small amounts at a time, until the mixture doesn’t stick to your fingers.
If you add too much water, add more buckwheat flour into the mixture until the proper consistency is reached.
Separate into four pieces and roll each piece into a small, golf ball-sized ball.
Pat them down into tortilla-like patties, about a quarter-inch thick.
Place the patties carefully on the white ash, turning after 3-4 minutes to cook the other side.
Carefully remove the patties once both sides are done, brush off any excess ash.
Top with butter, honey, maple syrup, crushed fruit, powdered sugar, or you favorite sweet topping, and Enjoy!
q. Sprouting
r. Aromatics
s. Bark boxes
t. Grinding (mano and metate)
u. Baskets
v. Tote oven
w. Pemmican
x. Yeast
y. Drying
z. Taste tests
D. Construct a usable digging stick
E. Understand the nutritional requirements of people and how the basic food pack, supplemented by foraging and hunting can keep one healthy
A. Describe the basic life-zones and microclimates and how they affect hunting and gathering
B. Utilize various plants to produce
a. Fiber/ string/ rope (knots/ lashing/ bindcraft)
b. Poison
c. Tools and weapons
d. Soap
e. Bedding
f. Dyes
g. Fire
h. Insulation
i. Narcotics (for hunting and fishing use)