h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I think it would be useful if you put a precis of the Ayurvedic uses of this plant.

In ethnobotany, it is generally felt necessary to examine traditional uses. They give important clues as to the possible applications this plant may have in the broader context. A brief summation of "active constituents" is less useful, though interesting to anyone with a knowledge of phytochemistry.

Thanks for an interesting article. Good work.

St. F.

Hi SF.

I hear what you're saying. However, I don't think it's necessasry as I've linked to a site which gives a bit more info on Ayurveda.

However, I think there's scope for a specialist Entry on Ayurveda. Fancy it?

Well, I agree there is space for some decent articles on all the natural therapies (there is a bit on herbalism in the unedited Guide ... it needs some work to say the least).

Although I studied Ayurveda, I feel like a tyro ... it would be back to the books for me ... though it would be interesting ... (thinks: it doesn't have to be a Huge Piece, but with all these scientific types around here, the idea of "energetics" i.e. the basic philosophy of Ayurveda, not to mention 'prana' or the life force, would send them all into a deep spin ...). However, a few terse paragraphs on the chemistry and pharmacology of the plants would probably shut them all up ...

Will consider the matter.

St. F.

Back again. That recommendation re. soaking the seeds in hot H20 before planting is a general one for Acacias. It seems, in Australia at least, that Acacia spp. have developed a dormancy that is broken by intense heat. In other words, they are fire adapted like many other Australian species.

My father used to sear Acacia seeds on a hot dry pan before planting them, and had a good strike rate with this method.

'That recommendation re. soaking the seeds in hot H20 before planting is a general one for Acacias'.

Yes, I was thinking of that at the time I wrote it. Maybe I'll put a bit more in...

(BTW SF, it'd be best if you post your comments to the PR thread for this Entry. That way more people will read it - and it will also keep this Entry at the top of the PR list