#lajacmelienne

[growninhaiti]

@Essenseofyi and I did a bit of urban exploring in search of plants, cuttings and seeds at some of the abandoned properties around town. We found quite a variety of cuttings here at La Jacmelienne Hotel which has unfortunately becoming a public dumping ground since its destruction from the earthquake. In its heyday it was reviewed by The New York Times and drew international political and cultural elites but unfortunately, no restoration efforts have been made. Glad to be able to save a small part of this place in our garden. #growninhaiti #lajacmelienne #jacmel #urbanexploring #cuttings #haiti #ayiti #reforestation #preservation #aftermath #hippie

[touthaiti]

#senathaiti #lajacmelienne #hotel #haitigovernment #purchase #hotel #senators

[growninhaiti]

I find it funny how the universe works. Within days of @essenseofyi reading about and asking me if cattails grew in Haiti, we conveniently found some at the old pool of La Jacmelienne Hotel. Many parts of the Typha plant are edible to humans. The starchy rhizomes are nutritious with a protein content comparable to that of maize or rice and can be processed into flour. Unfortunately we won't be trying that from these since plants growing in polluted water can accumulate lead and pesticide residues in their rhizomes, and these should, of course, not be eaten. The outer portion of young plants can be peeled and the heart can be eaten raw or boiled and eaten like asparagus. The leaf bases can be eaten raw or cooked, especially in late spring when they are young and tender. In early summer the sheath can be removed from the developing green flower spike, which can then be boiled and eaten like corn on the cob. In mid-summer when the male flowers are mature, the pollen can be collected and used as a flour supplement or thickener. The seeds have a high linoleic acid content and can be used to feed cattle and chickens. The rushes are harvested and the leaves often dried for later use in chair seats. Stems and leaves can be used to make paper. Because of their extreme buoyancy, they have been used to construct rafts and boats. The fibers are used as thermal insulation in buildings as an organic alternative to conventional insulating materials such as glass wool or stone wool. The stem fibers resemble jute and can be used to produce raw textiles. The leaf fibers can be used as an alternative to cotton and linen in clothing. Seed hairs can be used as tinder to start fires, down for pillows, shoes, cradles, etc... Cattails can even be used as a source of starch to produce ethanol! Now why aren't we putting this awesome plant to use? 🤔 #growninhaiti #cattail #typha #lajacmelienne #growth #abandoned #pool #haiti #ayiti #beneficial #preservation