Episode 13

Lavender! Lavandula spp.

Published on: 8th September, 2021

Lavender is the common name given to a few species of the Lavandula genus. Each has different uses and dominant compounds. What are the most commonly grown species and how do they differ? How closely are they related? Which has the best flavor for cooking? What are their dominant compounds? How does this affect the aroma of their essential oil?

Opening tune: Botanical Berceuse by Carmen Porter (https://carmenporter.com)


References:

Renata Prusinowska, Krzysztof B. Śmigielski, Composition, biological properties and therapeutic effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.). A review. http://www.herbapolonica.pl/articles/view/1346

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/eucalyptol

Iman Bajalan., (2015) Chemical composition of lavandin essential oil (Case study: Borujerd from Iran). J. Appl. Sci. & Agric., http://www.aensiweb.com/old/jasa/rjfh/2015/March%202015/12-14.pdf

Insawang S, Pripdeevech P, Tanapichatsakul C, Khruengsai S, Monggoot S, Nakham T, Artrod A, D'Souza PE, Panuwet P. (2019) Essential Oil Compositions and Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Five Lavandula stoechas Cultivars Grown in Thailand. Chem Biodivers. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201900371

M. M. Barazandeh (2002) Essential Oil Composition of Lavandula latifolia Medik from Iran, Journal of Essential Oil Research, doi: 10.1080/10412905.2002.9699784

https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/blog/products/a-helpful-guide-to-buying-your-lavender-essential-oil.html

https://www.lavenderwind.com/lavender-essential-oils/



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About the Podcast

Song and Plants
Botanical musings and music
Learning the binomial nomenclature (scientific names) of biota is a fascinating way to glean insight into the natural world. Though daunting at first, they can become familiar and accessible with the help of melody and context. This podcast will present tunes where the scientific names of species comprise the lyrical content. Episodes will describe habitats, growing conditions, nutritional information, and locate species within their taxonomic hierarchy. Historical significance, interviews and anecdotal stories will also be presented. Each musical release will inspire eight weekly episodes. Come grow with me!

About your host

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Carmen Porter

Growing up, my playground was the forest and orchard behind my house which were teeming with fascinating flora and fauna. I was the little girl singing to her extensive plant collection and pet caterpillars. After leaving home for too many years to pursue higher education and wander around the world, I returned to plant a garden. There are currently more than 500 cultivars of fruits and vegetables growing around my house.

'Song and Plants' came about when I started writing music to help me learn the binomial nomenclature (scientific names) of local biota. The podcast accompanies the tunes by providing information that extends beyond the lyrical content.