If we could only take a handful of plants with us to start life on a new planet, what would they be? Some plants provide basic food stuffs, others provide structural shelter or fibre for protection from the elements in textiles, roofing materials or other applications. A wide variety of plants have multiple purposes and are a fundamental part of the cultures where they are known.

This section examines some of these plants in detail, talking to people who have worked closely with them or are experts in the field. Look through the following links to check out previous plants or tune into the Generator each week, to hear about the latest plant.

New York readers can read regular contributor, Luke Hughes, in the Epoch Times each Thursday.