In Collaboration with Dr. Kristin Mercer (The Ohio State University) and Dr. Lev Jardón-Barbolla (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México)  

The Evolutionary History Garden is a testament to agricultural influence on a crop species. Many of the fruits and vegetables we consume today hardly resemble their wild counterparts. Since the onset of plant domestication at least 10,000 years ago, local cultures near crop centers of origin have saved seed from generation to generation, slowly modifying seen and unseen characteristics of the plants, while at the same time preserving their local essence. Termed “Landraces” these local varieties serve as a bridge from the wild to the domesticated. In the modern era, plant breeders and scientists make intentional selections resulting in a new generation of “improved” varieties, deemed cultivars.  

From front to back, this garden represents a visual demonstration of the domestication process. Beginning with modern cultivars (Capsicum annuum var. annuum and Zea mays subsp. mays) and progressively moving through various landraces, with true wild chile pepper (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) and maize (aka. teosinte, Zea mays subsp. mexicana) planted at the far end of the beds. Crop wild relatives and landraces were collected throughout Mexico, with permission for research purposes.  

Notice diversity in plant habit, height, fruit shape, and fruit size as you move through the evolutionary history of these important crops.  

The Solanaceae family, also known as the potato or deadly nightshade family, is one of the most diverse and ecologically significant groups in the plant kingdom, comprising around 102 genera and approximately 2,700 species. This expansive family includes some of the world’s most important and widely cultivated food crops, such as potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, ground cherries (tomatillos), and eggplants, all of which are dietary staples in many cultures. In addition to its agricultural value, the Solanaceae family also contains numerous ornamental species and medicinal plants. However, it is also known for containing highly toxic plants like belladonna, mandrake, jimsonweed, henbane, and tobacco, many of which have played significant roles in folklore, traditional medicine, and even ritual practices. Solanaceae are predominantly found in the tropical regions of Latin America, with about 40 genera being endemic to the area. In North America, around 50 species are found in the United States and Canada combined. The Solanaceae family generally prefers growing in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil, at temperatures ranging from 67-80ºF (18-27ºC) during the growing season. 

The Cucurbitaceae family, also known as the gourd family, comprises approximately 98 genera and around 975 species of primarily food and ornamental plants. This diverse and agriculturally significant plant family includes a wide array of familiar crops such as cucumbers, melons, squash and pumpkins, and a variety of gourds, which have been cultivated by humans for thousands of years. Members of the gourd family are typically annual or, less commonly, perennial herbaceous vines or trailing plants that often exhibit tendrils for climbing or spreading. They are native to temperate and tropical regions, though most species are sensitive to temperatures near freezing. While they generally have low nutrient content – with the exception of winter squash – they have played a significant role in human agriculture. In fact, regions where these edible fruits are found were among the earliest centers of plant cultivation in both the Old and New Worlds. The gourd family ranks among the highest of all plant families in terms of the number and percentage of species used as human food. This family thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, at temperatures ranging from 68-86ºF (20-30ºC). 

Fabaceae – legume, pea, bean family 

The Fabaceae, or legume family – also known as the pea or bean family – is the 3^rd-largest family of flowering land plants in terms of species diversity, encompassing approximately 765 genera and around 20,000 recognized species. This globally distributed family is notable not only for its ecological importance but also for its immense agricultural and economic value. Members of the Fabaceae family include a wide variety of growth forms, such as trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, vines, and lianas. Herbaceous members may be annuals, biennials, or perennials and are typically characterized by their compound leaves, which are usually arranged alternately along the stem, and by the absence of basal or terminal leaf aggregations in many species. Among the largest genera in the Fabaceae family are Astragalus with over 3,000 species, Acacia with more than 1,000 species, Indigofera with about 700 species, Crotalaria with about 700 species, and Mimosa with about 400 species. While Fabaceae species thrive in a range of environments, they generally prefer full sun at temperatures ranging between 68-86ºF (20-30ºC), and well-drained soil. 

Malvaceae – hibiscus or mallow family

With approximately 243 genera and at least 4,225 species, this diverse and widespread plant group includes a wide variety of life forms including herbs, shrubs, and trees. Members of this group are distributed across nearly every continent and ecosystem, with the notable exception of the coldest polar regions and high alpine zones. Although many species have adapted to temperate climates, the majority are most abundant and diverse in tropical and subtropical climates, where warm temperatures and abundant rainfall provide ideal growing conditions. This plant family includes several species of major economic, agricultural, and cultural importance. Among the most notable are cotton, cacao, linden, durian, hibiscus, and okra. Ecologically, these plants occupy a wide range of habitats, from rainforests and woodlands to grasslands and cultivated fields. Many species in this family are known for their showy, often brightly colored flowers, which attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds. 

The Brassicaceae, commonly known as the mustard family, crucifers, or cabbage family, is a large and agriculturally significant plant family that includes approximately 1,800 species across 100 genera worldwide. One of the most prominent genera within this family is Brassica, which contains more than 40 species of plants that are typically annuals, biennials, and in some cases, perennials. Members of this family are particularly well-suited to deep tillage and open-soil cultivation, although many species also perform well under plasticulture and conservation tillage methods. Brassicaceae crops generally prefer deep, fertile, well-drained, and friable soils, especially sandy or silt loams, and thrive best in cool-season climates. This family includes many economically important vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and mustard, making it vital to both commercial agriculture and small-scale gardening.

The Asteraceae and Apiaceae families are two of the most ecologically and economically significant groups of flowering plants, known for their wide distribution and diverse species. 

The Asteraceae family, also called the Compositae family, is one of the largest and most widespread plant families, encompassing about 23,000 species across 1,620 genera. Its members are typically annual or perennial herbs, and the family includes a wide array of ornamental plants such as aster, marigold, calendula, daisy, chrysanthemum, dahlia, and zinnia, as well as medicinal plants like yarrow and grindelia. Some species are particularly valued for their milk-like latex, which is found in plant tissue. Asteraceae plants exhibit a notable diversity in leaf shape, texture, and margin. Asteraceae are cool-season, frost-tolerant crops capable of surviving temperatures as low as 25°F. They thrive in well-drained, organic-rich sandy or silt loam soils with good moisture retention. Due to their shallow fibrous root systems, they are heavy feeders that require consistent watering. 

The Apiaceae family, commonly known as the umbellifers, includes around 434 genera and 3,700 species, making it one of the largest families of flowering plants. Most species are herbaceous and are commonly found in temperate climates and tropical highlands. Many are biennial dicots suited for cool-season cultivation and are classified as half-hardy vegetables, meaning they can tolerate frost and light freezes. The optimal temperature for growth ranges between 61–70°F. Apiaceae crops grow best in deep, friable, fertile, and well-drained soils, particularly sandy loams, or peat soils. This family includes many culinary and medicinal plants, such as carrots, celery, parsley, dill, and fennel, and is prized for both its agricultural value and its contribution to biodiversity.

The Amaranthaceae and Amaryllidaceae families represent two diverse and agriculturally important groups of flowering plants, each with unique characteristics and cultivation needs.

The Amaranthaceae family, commonly referred to as the amaranth family, includes the former Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot family) as a subfamily and is the most species-rich lineage within the order Caryophyllales, comprising around 165 genera and 2,040 species. This family consists of dicotyledonous annuals, biennials, and perennials. Economically important food crops in this family include crops such as sugar beets, chard, mangel-wurzel, lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea). It also includes grain-like crops such as Inca wheat or red amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus), valued for both their edible leaves and seeds. Amaranthaceae species are generally cool-season biennials, but are often cultivated as annuals, requiring approximately 50 to 80 days to reach harvest maturity. These hardy crops can tolerate subfreezing temperatures down to 15°F. They prefer porous, friable soils, including sandy loams, silt loams, and well-drained organic soils, and are notably tolerant of saline conditions. Due to their shallow root systems, these plants require a consistent supply of water to ensure healthy growth and root development.

The Amaryllidaceae family, known as the amaryllis family, falls within the monocot order Asparagales and includes the subfamily Allioideae, which encompasses many bulb-forming plants. Native to Middle Asia and first domesticated in regions of modern-day Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, members of this family have been cultivated as far back as 600 BCE. This family includes amaryllis, daffodils, snowdrops, and edible species such as onions, garlic, leeks, and shallots. Amaryllidaceae species are primarily herbaceous biennials, though many are grown commercially as annuals or perennials, and thrive in cool-season conditions. While they can tolerate light frosts, they are sensitive to extended periods of freezing temperatures. Plants in this family grow best in well-drained soils, as their bulbous structures are highly susceptible to rot in waterlogged environments. To improve drainage in heavier soils, amendments such as sand or grit are best.

Vegetable Crop Production students are responsible for maintaining the Gardens for the Fall semester. Two beds are reserved for the class  to plan and plant. 

The “Three Sisters” planting method is a traditional Native American agricultural technique used by tribes such as the Iroquois and the Cherokee, who named it after the close relationship between corn, beans, and squash. This planting system is named for how the three plants support and benefit each other when grown together. In this method, corn is planted in small soil mounds, with beans sown around the corn and squash interspersed throughout the field. This companion planting system is rooted in ecological harmony and has proven to be very effective. Corn grows tall and provides a natural trellis for beans to climb. Beans, in turn, enrich the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, which supports the growth of all three crops. Squash, with its broad leaves and sprawling vines, serves as a living mulch, helping to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and shade the soil to prevent erosion. Together, the three plants form a self-sustaining micro-ecosystem that minimizes the need for synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation.