The plants in this collection are used mainly in the class PBIO 103, Plants and People. This class discusses the importance and impact plants have had on people throughout history as well as in the daily life of the student. Most specimens are kept in large pots so that they can be easily transported to classes in Porter Hall. The topics covered in this class include:

• Fruits and Nuts
• Grains, Grasses, and Legumes
• Spices and Herbs
• Perfumes, Oils, and Waxes
• Medicinal Plants
• Beverages, Fiber, and Dyes

Some of the holdings include such specimens as orange, lemon, coffee, bamboo, banana, pineapple, fig, cinnamon, vanilla, black pepper, Madagascar periwinkle, Eucalyptus, olive, mahogany, bay laurel, coconut palm (in picture), chocolate, and star fruit.