This session will provide a brief overview of the reported uses, identification, and culture of medicinal plants and select essential oils; the history of phytomedicinals; the role of horticulture in the advent of modern pharmaceuticals; and how to explore the benefits of medicinal plants safely.

Dr. Andrew King is an assistant professor of ornamental horticulture for Texas A&M AgriLife in Overton, Texas. Andrew’s research interests include ornamental plant improvement, ornamental plant trialing, medicinal plants and nursery/greenhouse production systems. Andrew is a fourth generation horticulturist whose family business, King’s Nursery in Tenaha, Texas, is well over 100 years old. Andrew has served on faculty in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences in College Station, Texas and as the Assistant Director of SFA Gardens on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.