Please note: We are traveling in the highlands of Peru and Bolvia from mid April to mid May. Orders received during this time will be shipped asap in the second half of May. We appreciate your understanding and support!
This is only a partial list of the plants and seeds we have available.
Books
A CACTUS ODYSSEY: Journeys in the Wilds of Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina
by James Mauseth, Roberto Kiesling and Carlos Ostolaza
This book presents the lively stories of three avid field biologists
who over the course of fifteen years frequently traveled together in
search of cacti in Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina. Documents their field
work studying, collecting, and researching those countries' intriguing
cacti. They cover the natural history, ecology, and a little
ethnobotany of many plants offered in our Sacred Succulents catalog.
Includes nearly 200 color photographs. Recommended!
Hardcover, color photos, 306 pages $16 (normally $40!!) (1 lb)
ANCIENT AGRICULTURE: Roots & Application of Sustainable Farming
by Gabriel Alonso de Herrera compiled by Juan Estevan Arellano
This is the first translation of Obra de Agricultura, originally published in 1513 as an instruction manual for farmers in central Spain. The influence of this excellent treatise eventually spread throughout Europe and the New World regions of the southwestern U.S., Central and South America. Much of the information in the book is highly relevant for sustainable agricultural practices today, from the backyard garden to large scale organic farms. Many traditional crops are discussed as well as soil improvement, harmonizing working the land with natural cycles and astrological influences, and the proper use of irrigation ditches. Essential for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture.
Hardcover, illustrated, 168 pages $14.95 (normally $25 ) (2 lbs)
CHIA
by Ricardo Ayerza Jr. & Wayne Coates
A much needed overview of the history, nutritional and medicinal value of this forgotten yet important Central American crop. Details Chia's ancient and contemporary use in Mesoamerica as food and medicine. A thorough breakdown of Chia's nutritional value and comparison to other sources of EFA's, protein, and antioxidants. Also contains a good synopsis of current agricultural practices for Chia in Central and South America.
Softcover, black & white illustrations, 200 pages $14.95 (1 lb)
EDIBLE FOREST GARDENS, VOLUME 1 & 2
by Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier
These monumental volumes are the definitive work on temperate climate permaculture gardening and land stewardship. Explains how we can participate in ecological revitalization while producing our own food and medicine through growing useful plants together in mutually beneficial groupings that are self maintaining. We have found this set to be an invaulable reference.
Volume 1 covers in detail the ecological and cultural context for forest gardening. It offers clear and concise directions for designing and maintaining such gardens.
Volume 2 builds on the ecology of the first volume to offer practical techniques for constructing functional gardens of any scale--from a small back yard to many acres of land. It also contains important information on the food, medicine, and functional value of hundreds of plants and how they can fit into a forest garden.
Each volume stands on its own, and are highly complementary as a set. Very useful to those gardening outside temperate climates as well.
Volume 1: Ecological Vision & Theory for Temperate Climate Permaculture
Hardcover, color illustrations, 378 pages $69.95 (normally $75 ) (3 lbs)
Volume 2: Ecological Design & Practice for Temperate Climate Permaculture
Hardcover, black and white illustrations, 655 pages $69.95 (normally $75 ) (4 lbs)
SPECIAL! Volume 1 & 2 as a set for $126 (7 lbs)
Fruit & Nuts: A Guide to the Cultivation, Uses & Health Benefits of Over 300 Food-producing Plants
By Susanna Lyle.
Details 300+ subtropical and temperate fruit and nut plants. All the well known cultivars and lesser known species such as Goji berry, Seabuckthorn, Che, Haw, Gevuina, Serviceberry, and lots more. Includes plant history, description, detailed propagation and cultivation, harvesting and storing, nutrition and health benefits, medicinal properties, etc.
Hardcover, 300+ color photos, 480 pages $38 (normally $60!) (5 lb)
GAIA'S GARDEN: A Guide to Homescale Permaculture
by Toby Hemenway foreword by John Todd
Expanded 2nd edition. One of the best organic horticulture book we've come across and an excellent introduction to permaculture concepts. Hemenway offers up a gardening system that combines features of wildlife habitat, edible/medicinal landscapes, and conventional flower/vegetable gardens into a self renewing low maintenance backyard ecosystem that balances the needs of humans and nature. Really everything you need to know to have an ecologically vibrant vegetable garden and yard. An excellent guide to incorporating many of the interesting and unusual edible and medicinal plants that we offer into your landscape.
Softcover, color illustrations, 314 pages $34.95 (2 lbs)
GREEN INHERITANCE: Saving the Plants of the World
by Anthony Huxley foreword by Sir David Attenborough
A beautiful book celebrating the diversity and importance of the botanical world. An introduction and overview of the plant kingdom and ethnobotany detailing our remarkable dependence on our green brethren for food, medicine, fuel, and even clean air. Discusses a broad spectrum of conservation issues. Lavishly illustrated with gorgeous paintings and photos throughout, this is an excellent book to deepen your appreciation and understanding of our green inheritance.
Softcover, color illustrations, 192 pages $15.95 (normally $30!) (2 lbs)
HERBAL EMISSARIES: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West
by Steven Foster & Yue Chongxi
This important collaborative work blends eastern and western traditional wisdom and scientific knowledge of 44 Chinese herbs including Astragalus, Codonopsis, Dan Shen, Eleuthero, Ginkgo, Ginseng, He Shou Wu, Lycii (Goji) berry, Jujube, Licorice, Schizandra, etc. The history, medicinal uses and dosage, distribution, cultivation, harvesting and processing of each herb is thoroughly covered. An fascinating and useful reference for herbalists, gardeners and conservationists.
Softcover, color photos, 356 pages $19.95 (2 lbs)
IMPERFECT BALANCE: Landscape Transformations in the Precolumbian Americas
edited by David L. Lentz
An amazing collaborative effort detailing the extensive interactions and modifications of the vegetation and land by the precolumbian peoples of the Americas. An interdisciplenary work from experts in botany, paleoclimatology, ecology, and conservation management, that reveals the secret of how indigenous people heavily modified North and Central America, the Andes and Amazonia. Thoughfully arranged with an overview of each regions botanical richness, coupled with case studies of human alterations to the vegetation, fauna, soil, hydrology, microclimate and land surface itself. Vital information on how we may be able to avoid the ecological mistakes of past cultures and begin to learn from their remarkably innovative relations to the land! Highly recommended.
Softcover, black & white photographs, 547 pages $17.95 (normally $42.50) (3 lbs)
INVASION BIOLOGY: Critique of a Psuedoscience by David Theodoropoulos
The author has worked in the field of conservation biology for over
30 years and with extensive research brings to light the controversial
yet compelling deduction that the invasive species "crisis" lacks
scientific merit. With a fascinating overview of evolutionary biology,
invasion is shown to be a completely natural phenomenon, essential to
evolution. Through personal field work and a highly thorough,
non-biased examination of the work of invasion biologists, the author
demonstrates how scientific facts do not support the widespread belief
that invasive species are damaging ecosystems. What the data does show
is that they often increase biodiversity, may prevent extinctions, and
aid in restoring disturbed and polluted environments. With a wealth of
evidence, the whole concept of invasives appears to be a major
scientific blunder based on misperceived notions arising from our loss
of intimacy with the natural world. Most importantly, the author points
to how the the natural dynamics behind invasion can be harnassed to aid
species conservation. Even if you don't agree with all the author's
analyses, the facts must be considered. Essential reading!! For more
info see- www.dtheo.org
Softcover, 256 pages $32 (1 lb)
THE MEDICINAL HERB GROWER: A Guide to Cultivating Plants that Heal
by Richo Cech illustrations by Sena Cech
Brand new book from master plantsman Richo Cech, sure to become a classic. Draws on the author's 25+ years cultivating and living with an amazing diversity of medicinal plants. Pretty much everything you need to know about natural organic gardening techniques, from seed to harvest, for a great majority of healing herbs. This is hands down the best reference for medicinal plant cultivation there is. Full of personal anecdotes and life stories, not only useful, this book is a joy to read!
Softcover, black and white illustrations, 159 pages $19.95 (1 lbs)
MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE WORLD
by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink
Comprehensive and easy to use reference guide to more than 320 of the most important medicinal plants and their close relatives. Each plant is documented through several striking color photographs along with description, geographical origin, therapeutic category, historical and modern uses, active constituents and pharmacological effects. This excellent book also contains overviews of the various healing cultures of the world, ailments and their treatments, the pharmacology of active compounds, and a quick guide to 900 of the most well known medicinal plants of the world. With over 800 color photos, this book is an instant classic!
Hardcover, color photos, 480 pages $25.95 (normally $40) (3 lbs)
NATIVE AMERICAN MEDICINAL PLANTS: An Ethnobotanical Dictionary
by Daniel E. Moerman
Borne out of the author's monumental Native American Ethnobotany, this volume focuses exclusively on medicinal plants, over 3000 species used by 218 tribes in North America! Arranged into 82 categories of medicinal uses ranging from analgesics, contraceptives, stimulants, kidney aids, to love and witchcraft medicines and toothache remedies. A top notch easy to use reference.
Softcover, black & white illustrations, 799 pages $29.95 (3 lbs)
PERENNIAL VEGETABLES: A Gardener's Guide to Over 100 Easy to Grow Edibles
by Eric Toensmeier
A useful illustrated guide to growing some of the fantastic but relatively unknown perennial food crops. From the common (asparagus, artichoke) to exotics such as air potatoes, chufa, camass, the "lost crops of the Incas" (oca, ulluco, yacon, mashua, achira, golden berry, etc.), ramps, Opuntia spp., Lycium, pepino, Toona, nettles, and much more! Details organic cultivation and permaculture integration, harvesting techniques and culinary recipes. In a time when self reliance is ever more vital, this book offers assistance in diversifying your garden for year round harvests while aiding the conservation of heirloom crops. Discusses many plants that we offer. Essential.
Softcover, color illustrations 241 pages $35 (2 lbs)
PLANTING THE FUTURE: Saving Our Medicinal Herbs
edited by Rosemary Gladstar and Pamela Hirsch
Viable conservation methods including land stewardship, habitat protection, and cultivation, along with the medicinal uses of over 30 endangered North American herbs are thoroughly covered in this important volume featuring over 30 highly respected herbalists. To name a few of the plant covered- Calamus, Kava, Echinacea, White Sage, Yerba Santa, Goldenseal, Ginseng, Wild Yam, and more. Recommended.
Softcover, color illustrations, 328 pages $22.95 (2 lbs)
PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PLANT CONSERVATION
by David R. Given
An extensive treatment of the issues of plant conservation. Examines the causes of plant rarity and endangerment, and details the management of plant populations in natural habitats, in modified landscapes, and off-site. The importance of botanical gardens and amateur horticulturists to germplasm preservation is explored. Going beyond the biology of conservation, chapters are devoted to the ethical, educational, and economic aspects of plant conservation. An essential reference for those concerned with how best to preserve our botanical heritage, from conservationists to home gardeners.
Hardcover, black and white illustrations, 292 pages, $15.95 (normally $40) (2 lbs)
THE REMARKABLE BAOBAB
by Thomas Pakenham
Acclaimed historian and author of Remarkable Trees of the World,
devotes an entire volume to one of the most impressive life forms on
our planet, the fantastical Baobab tree. 8 years in the making, the
author traveled the world in search of the most striking Baobabs, this
book is a photographic and literary ode to these gargantuan trees.
Covers the ecology, mythology, religious impact, value as food,
medicine, and shelter. An informative and entertaining read, packed
full of spectacular and bizarre color photographs.
Hardcover, color photographs, 145 pages $14 (normally $20!) (2 lb)
TENDING THE WILD: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources
by M. Kat Anderson
The most significant and impacting book we've read in the last few years. A thorough and unparalleled account of the profound interrelationship Native Americans had with the California landscapes and how this influenced the evolution of plant and animal communities over millennia. Plenty of insight into how we might begin to use indigenous knowledge in our own conservation efforts, how we can rekindle the human-nature relationship through restoring and reinhabiting our neglected and damaged lands. The author presents a wealth of information on native land management practices gleaned from interviews with indigenous Californian elders and an extensive survey of historical records. The complex picture that emerges from this explodes the myth of Native Californians as "hunter-gatherers" or "foragers." What early European explorers and settlers mistook as pristine untouched wilderness was in fact a vast intimately managed "garden." This volume carefully illuminates the variety of ways early Californians purposefully tended their environment and how these practices gave rise to California's unique habitats, increased biodiversity and sustained beneficial vegetation types. Through annual controlled burning, coppicing and harvesting, California's once majestic woodlands, sweeping grasslands, dazzling wildflower meadows, and expansive wetlands were shaped and maintained. This provided an abundance of food and material goods for what was one of the most dense and diverse native populations in North America. The astounding loss of biological and cultural diversity, the extreme and drastic changes brought on by European colonization, the far ranging affect of the decline of California tribes and suppression of their land management practices is hard to fully grasp today, but the author does an excellent job presenting this history. She helps to reshape our understanding of native cultures and environments, not just in California, but around the world. We come to see indigenous people as active agents of environmental change and stewardship. This volume offers a view of human beings as full participants in the natural world, a much needed remedial middle ground to the modern polarity between the industrial overexploitation of nature and the preservationists' hands off approach. Traditional ecological knowledge is vital to developing a meaningful sustainable life in our modern global age, this work offers much practical wisdom. It has radically altered the way we look and relate to the ecosystems around us. We consider this book required reading for anyone living in California and recommend it widely to everyone interested in deepening their relations with nature.
Softcover, black and white illustrations, 555 pages $21.95 (2 lbs)
BOOKS
To determine shipping costs, add up the number of lbs in parentheses ( ) that is listed after the price. Priority Mail- add $6 for the first lb, $2.25 for each additional lb. When ordered with plants just add $2.25 for each lb
Books only sent Media Mail - add $4 for the first lb, $0.75 for each additional lb
Please email us for international shipping costs; sacredsucculents@hushmail.com
Succulent Natural Products
Copal Oro
Dried pieces of sap wildcrafted from Bursera microphylla
(Burseraceae) trees in Baja, Mexico. This "food of the gods" can be
burned as a delightfully sweet, purifying incense. Powdered and
dissolved in alcohol or vegetal oils for its antiseptic properties.
1 ounce $3.50
8 ounces $18
1 pound (16 oz.) $28
Frankincense
Dried tears of sap from the bizarre Boswellia carteri (Burseraceae)
trees of Somalia. An ancient incense widely revered since the dawn of
civilization, often in combination with myrrh. At one time worth more
than its weight in gold! It has a powerfully rich fragrance that
produces a calm meditative state, heightening mental perception. It has
very strong anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal
properties.
1 ounce $3
8 ounces $15
1 pound (16 oz) $22
Myrrh
Dried pieces of sap from Commiphora molmol (Burseraceae) trees of
northeast Africa. Utilized for thousands of years as a precious
medicine, sacred incense, perfume and ointment. A powerful antifungal,
antibacterial and broad spectrum antiseptic for treating wounds.
Powdered or dissolved in alcohol it can be made into a mouth wash.
Taken internally as an expectorant, it can help treat colds, boost the
immune system, aid digestion, and may even reduce cholesterol. Produces
a heavenly aroma when burned, said to revitalize the spirit.
1 ounce $3
8 ounces $16
1 pound (16 oz) $25
Natural Products Shipping & Handling
Up to 8 ounces $3.50 9 ounces to 1 pound $5 $2.25 each additional pound Double shipping costs for international orders $2.25 per pound when ordered with plants under 8 ounces with plants = free shipping