Poor Man’s Weatherglass

Poor Man’s Weatherglass

You recognize this little weed—it is so well-travelled that it has naturalized throughout most of the world. The Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) has tiny gorgeous flowers, but did you know that they are believed to help predict wet weather, as they reportedly close early when rain is due? 

This little plant has a number of traditional medicinal uses, including as a topical wash for wounds, which is partially confirmed through science by findings of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.  As in this case, isn’t it interesting that indigenous wisdom has become a subject for scientific confirmation of medicinal uses; yet, what about the role of indigenous wisdom for predicting the weather? 

Indeed, there are numerous plant and animal activities which are tied to indigenous understanding of immediate and long-term weather patterns—the lowly Scarlet Pimpernel being an example of just one. If we are to tackle a climate solution, shouldn’t we perhaps try to listen a little harder to what indigenous knowledge of the environment can already tell us?

#ethnobotany #ethnopharm #indigenouswisdom #decolonialism #medicinalplants #climatechange 

Photo by Luis Nunes Alberto 

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