2 minute read
After-school adventures
WRItING AND ARt by KAI yoSHIDA
For many of us, the best part of the school day is the trip back home. But even this can feel repetitive at times. So, we can learn from “John of the mountains,” John Muir, and turn to nature to spice up these afternoons and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Belmont a little more.
Advertisement
CALIFORNIA PEPPER TREE
Nicknamed the California pepper tree, the Schinus molle has leaves that droop willow-like, with picturesque gnarled bark. Contrary to its name, the California pepper tree is not native to California and is actually from South America, according to Britannica. It has become naturalized around the world, mainly as an ornamental plant. The tree has clusters of bright red pepper seeds. When you crush them, they give off the distinct aroma of black pepper.
MINER’S LETTUCE
Easily recognized for its broad spade-shaped leaf with a pale white flower at its center, miner’s lettuce thrives in shaded areas amongst shrubs and grasses. According to the Atlantic, it is native to the western coast of North America and got its name during the Gold Rush; miners would eat this lettuce to get essential vitamin C and prevent scurvy. Characterized by a mildly sweet taste similar to spinach, it has been consumed throughout the centuries, from natives to miners, and now, restaurants to hikers.
SOAP ROOT
Soap root is a highly versatile plant. Californian indigenous tribes used it as glue, soap, for eating, and more. It can be identified by its long wavy leaves and the hairs around its stem. If you dig the bulbous root out, peel the skin, crush it, and mix it with water, it becomes a bubbly white soap. Not only could this lather be used for washing, but also for catching fish. According to KQED, Natives would put the soap into slow-moving streams, clogging the fish’s oxygen transport through the gills; eventually, fish would float to the surface for accessible collection.