I was thinking earlier today about the diverse origins of the various plants in our garden. The following is off the top of my head with a bit of googling where I wasn't sure:
North America
Saskatoon
Oregon Grape
Jerusalem Artichokes
Aronias / Chokeberries
South America
Fuchsia
Asia
Goumi
Goji berry
Apple - according to Wikipedia, the main ancestor of malus domestica grows in Kazakhstan.
Pear (?) - according to Wikipedia, the genus originates in China, but it's been widespread across Europe and Asia for a long time
Rugosa Rose
Blueberry Honeysuckle
Flowering quinces
Japanese wineberry
Middle East
Medlar - still popular in Iran!
Europe
Pear (?) - Pears have been in Europe for a long time, but the genus originates in China
Plum (?) - Does anyone know the exact origin of prunus domestica? It's assumed to be some kind of hybrid...
Cherry
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Blackcurrant - also in parts of Asia
Red/whitecurrant
Sweet Cicely
Lemon Balm
Bay Tree
Widespread
Raspberries - various native species across much of the world
Blackberries - various native species across much of the world
Gooseberry - Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. I think there is some cross-breeding with related American species for disease-resistant cultivated varieties.
St John's Wort - across Europe and Asia
Admittedly the list of European plants is longest, which is what you might expect since the UK is part of Europe. But I think it's quite impressive how many of the plants are actually from a very long way away from here originally.
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