Forest facts

	Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are "all biological materials other than timber which are extracted from forests for human use”. It includes food – fruits, nuts, mushrooms, honey, etc animal feed, medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, dyes, exudates -gums, resins, construction materials – rattan, bamboo, etc. Most of these products are locally consumed and traded and account for the income of about a sixth of the world´s population. More here.
	Did you know… the common cinnamon you buy is not true cinnamon? Because true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is more expensive, it has become increasingly replaced by a relative known as cassia (Cinnamomum aromaticum), which can even be toxic if consumed in high quantities! More info here.
	48% of all terrestrial evapotranspiration occurs in forests: This massive amount of water release is accompanied by huge quantities of stomatal cavity bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Areogenes. Bacterial activity is fundamental for Cloud Condensation Nuclei, which can help cool the planet by increasing the earth´s albedo (reflectivity). To learn more view the full document here.
	The kola nut (Cola nitida) is a reported tonic, stimulant, and aphrodisiac. In addition to being a main ingredient in the popular soft drink Coca Cola, the nut contains medicinal properties. For example, in many places it is recommended to treat heart and lung disease, fatigue, and convalescence, among others. The kola nut has a bitter taste and so it is usually added to beverages such as coffee, or the leaves alone can be chewed to obtain the same effect. To learn more please visit the following website.
	What is soil? Healthy soil looks chocolate brown and feels crumbly, loamy, rich and tilthy. While it seems light, it’s densely charged magnetically, minerally, and elementally. Two grams of backyard soil contain millions of bacteria and fungi, thousands of protozoa and nematodes, hundreds of ciliates, flagellates, amoebas, algae, and even some micro arthropods and earthworms. Soil is alive with organic matter and microorganisms who burrow, feed, multiply, excrete, and decay—releasing essential plant soluble minerals, nutrients, and fluids in the process. The feeding, mating and predation cycles of all these microorganisms in a balanced soil creates a perfect habitat for healthy plants to thrive. By feeding the soil rather than the plants we build a long lasting ecology that is both durable and resilient. Click here for ideas on composting methods!