rootbound

Latest Episodes:

episode 108: Common Juniper and Black Pepper Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Maria Wesserle of Four Season Foraging. First, Steve ponders spice. Then Maria explores a flavorful evergreen and Steve discusses a spice that changed the world. Finally, the etymology of Juniper.

Show Notes!
Spice on Wikipedia
Common Juniper
Fermented Juniper Berry Juice (Smreka or Kleka)
Introduction to Borovicka
Toxic Juniper
The Therapeutic Properties of Juniperus communis L.
Pepper: A History of the World's Most Influential Spice
Four Season Foraging
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episode 107: Winter Dormancy 1.2 Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

Part 2 of 2 of Steve’s winter dormancy. Don’t worry, there are still some fun facts and dazzling details, this time (eventually) about snow!

Show Notes!
Snow: Nature’s Fertilizer?
Love Grow on the White Oak Tree.
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episode 106: Winter Dormancy 1.1 Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

On this episode Steve takes a little break but don’t fret! There are still some fun facts an dazzling details! Let’s talk about fat!
Show Notes!
Unsaturated vs Saturated vs Trans Fats
The Live Oak Tree by June Christy
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episode 105: Chili Pepper and Onion Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

The guest on this episode is Karla Arias. First, Karla gives Steve a quiz to prove his plant knowledge. Then, Karla tells us about a spicy little plant that’s for the birds. Steve talks about onions, onions, onions, onions, onions. Finally, some more chilli pepper names and some satirical headlines.

Show Notes!

Multiple lines of evidence for the origin of domesticated chili pepper

Colorado's spicy ancient history of chili peppers

The new world's hottest pepper, Pepper X, is 3 times spicier than its predecessor

How Do You Measure the ‘Heat’ of a Pepper?

Onion

The effects of Allium cepa and its active constituents on metabolic syndrome

Know your onions

Fresh Chilies Versus Dried Chillies In Mexico

The Onion

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episode 104: Winter In Mexico City Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

It’s winter and Steve is in a tour bus in Mexico City with a bunch of his family. Discussions encompass the Mexican solstice celebration, Christmas trees and an ancient candy. The whole gang ends up on a boat.

Show Notes!

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episode 103: Avocado! Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Jane Lui! This episode we talk all about the avocado! Steve can’t help but be a total bummer while Jane explains dueling mites. Finally, Steve asks a difficult musical question.

Show Notes!

Persea americana

Fuerte Avocado

The Fuerte Avocado Tree: A Profile

Hass Avocado

Americans Love Avocados. It’s Killing Mexico’s Forests.

Unholy Guacamole

Love avocados? Thank the giant ground sloths!

Biological control of spider mite - Neoseiulus californicus

Surrija - Jane’s Music

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episode 102: Crane-fly Orchid and Spring Crocus Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Hunter from Green Canvas Farms. First, Steve delivers a corm-related apology. Then Hunter shares about a very clever plant they hijacks moth’s eyeballs among other things. Steve share about a little white flower plus H.R. Giger. Finally, Steve shares some new vocabulary.
Show Notes!
Tubers, Corms, Rhizomes, and Bulbs... What's the Difference?
Tipularia discolor
A Real Hidden Gem: Cranefly Orchid
Gruyères, Switzerland
Crocus vernus
Crocus vernus albiflorus
Green Canvas Farms

episode 101: Spider Plant and Rattlesnake Plant Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Enoch Graham, The Urban Gardener. First, we learn what that little stem on a leaf is called. Then, Enoch talks about a familial connection to a plant named after a spider. Steve shares about a plant named Tabitha that is named after a snake. Finally, Enoch fills us in on 3 other meaningful plants.

episode 100: Mixed Greens no. 5 Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

One hundred episodes! Thanks to all the rootbound listeners! Steve announces a custom tote bag embroidered by his grandma. Then a popping sound, battles with trees, trees that glow, and a recipe for chocolate that is not chocolate. Did you guess the popping sound?
Show Notes!

Devilishly invasive Tree of Heaven
Using Hack-and-Squirt Herbicide Applications to Control Unwanted Trees
Spotted Lanternfly
Black Lights and Wood
Linden Chocolate Experiment
Green Canvas Farms
The Environmental Investigation Agency
Hidden City Foraging on instagram
Amy’s Linden Chocolate/Kentucky Coffee Tree Custard

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episode 099: Linden and Live Oak Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

The guest on this episode of rootbound is Sea Matias. First, questioning trees and a bit of insular woodiness. Then Sea explains their favorite tree, bast, cambium and the definition of obliquely cordate. Steve follows up with some big tree talk and a club that wouldn’t have him as a member. Finally, top ten live oak names and a poem by Walt Whitman.

Show Notes!

There’s no such thing as a tree

The evolution of insular woodiness

Tilia americana

Bast fibre

Unconventional Value of Basswood Trees

Linden Chocolate

Live Oak

North American Tree Specific Gravity

The Live Oak Society

A Massive Forest of Tiny Oaks

The Angel Oak