PLANTS HAVE FEELINGS (2020-2024)

The role of culturally-significant plants in our QTBIPOC anti-displacement resilience

♥ archival research
♥ plant oral histories
♥ shifting perspectives of map-making
♥ community love

2020: Mapping Plant Oral Histories in the SOMA, Mission and Excelsior District (online project)

2024: Hyperlocal collaboration with elder and community gardener William Collins (in-person planting, and photography and publication presentation at Southern Exposure’s 50th Anniversary

In March 2020, San Franciscans sheltered-in-in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Households grew in close quarters with their roommates, family members, existential thoughts, essential items and house plants. In the Mission, Excelsior, and South of Market where Black, brown, and immigrant families have built histories over a century, we asked this simple question: 

What plants have accompanied us in our gardens and communities which provide grounding and a homelike atmosphere for our communities?

This project provides a glimpse of how plants have cohabitated with humans unappreciated or unnoticed, yet perform a calm and healing presence if only noticed of their significance in our daily urban lives despite earthquakes, evictions, and pandemics.

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Sown by Erina Alejo and collaborators during San Francisco’s mandated COVID-19 pandemic shelter-in-place, Plants Have Feelings participants shared plant oral histories across three San Francisco districts threaded by Mission Street (Excelsior, Mission, and South of Market). Alejo and organizer Lian Ladia archived the entries online on a map and photo album. Artist England Hidalgo contributed a visual interpretation of the gathered plant narratives.

In 2024, Erina revisited the project through collaborating with William Collins to activate the empty soil plot in front of Southern Exposure to add donated plants, in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary.

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Mrs. D's Inner City Garden

Luisa De la Cruz, also affectionately called Mrs. D, was an activist and organizer who wanted to provide a homelike atmosphere for the seniors and long-term residents of the International Hotel at Kearny Street in San Francisco. Also known as the I-Hotel, it was at the front and center of an eviction process and a community in demise due to urban renewal in the city in the 70’s.  Mrs. D brought in plants to cultivate an inner-city garden in the building’s airshaft.  She rarely spoke in rallies, but it was within the lives of the tenants where she contributed to the activist prism in the I-Hotel struggle and the history of Filipinos in San Francisco. 

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Image description: L-R: Claudio Domingo, Anacleto Moniz and Luisa de la Cruz (R) tended a garden in the second-floor light well of the I-Hotel, circa 1970s. Photograph by Crystal K. Huie. Courtesy of the Huie Estate and Manilatown foundation.

↓ next: Narratives

About the Collaborators

If A Tree Falls by England Hidalgo

A Component of If A Tree Falls (2020)

Plants Have Feelings was a part of Ladia's If A Tree Falls, a curated online exhibition and project created during her 2019-20 YBCA Fellowship. If A Tree Falls deals with the crucial ability for artistic introspection in order to respond to situations of crises. The curation also features “FOBcast,” a Bindlestiff Studio podcast on Filipino American immigrant creative reflections on COVID-19 in the Bay Area, and “Where Do We Go From Here”, a reflective response to issues artist and sculptor Weston Teruya has been grappling with as a sculptor on environmental disruption. Plants Have Feelings, as part of this programming, equip the viewer with tools to listen, introspect and explore in order to self-actualize in this pandemic moment.

Plants, Alejo and Marcius Noceda at yucca. Photo by Lian Ladia

Acknowledgements

Plants Have Feelings would like to thank all plant narrative participants, and

2024: William Collins, Southern Exposure

2020: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Anna Lisa Escobedo, Manilatown Heritage Foundation, Chris Huie and Family, Southern Exposure, England Hidalgo, Marcius Noceda, and Pepe the Hefe.

Pepe with plants. Photo by Erina Alejo

The following are selections from submissions from participants regarding the plants’ medicinal uses, and their personal connection to the plants.

Lacy Tree Fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi)
Excelsior District

Ferns are herbs. Particular ferns have medicinal purposes; used by Native Americans for rheumatism, gynecology, digestion, and for the lungs and blood.

"I love encountering them during my walks. The fern tree grows wild in Baguio/Ifugao areas." - Manai Alleluia Panis

Bromeliad (Vriesea fosteriana)
Mission District

Bromeliads are monocots that have been consumed by indigenous communities in Latin America since pre-Hispanic times. The principal ways bromeliads are used as food sources include the whole fruit or another part of the plant. They are eaten as a vegetable or prepared in beverages.

“I bought the Bromeliad because I spent a summer in Brazil and the jungle/urban landscape really resonated with me. I loved the elegant bromeliad, and its interesting lifecycle. My favorite landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, used bromeliads often.” - Cheyenne Concepcion

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra)
Mission District

Aside from being ornamental, the bougainvillea also has medicinal properties, historically used by indigenous communities in South America. Fresh or dried bougainvillea petals can be consumed in tea to ease joint pain, control diabetes, reduce a fever, and alleviate a sore throat.

“Jet Martinez and Kelly Ording incorporated it into the mural they created as part of their wedding ceremony to one another in 2006 called "Sons of Satya" on Clarion Alley. Every year when the bougainvillea blooms the space comes to life and the bougainvillea becomes its own personality within the space ... I look forward every year to it coming back. In the winter time when it's not in bloom, the space feels empty without it. For me it has the same impact as when certain birds arrive - either seasonally or at a certain time during the day (I LOVE when the parrots announce themselves in whatever neighborhood they're passing through) ... also when the butterflies return. All of these living beings are part of my/our community and become family members to some degree. I feel even more connected to this specific bougainvillea too because of its history/story connection with Jet and Kelly, who I also consider part of my greater family.” - Megan Wilson of Clarion Alley Artists

Winter Jasmine or Hardy Jasmine (Jasminum Nudiflorum)
South of Market District

Winter jasmine is originally from China and Tibet. Conscientious pruning is necessary when it is left without a structure to which it cannot root, otherwise it can be quite invasive. It is not edible.

“When I was a Teaching Artist/Resident at Root Division, I'd always smell these flowers on my walk to the studio. I've always had a personal connection to jasmine. My Titas and Titos would tell stories about how my Lola used to sell sampaguita outside of the church. I never got to know my Lola in those parts of her life, so those stories have always felt like mysteries I needed to investigate. When my Lola passed, I got 'sampaguita' written in Baybayin on my back. (I got this tattoo done in 2008 and had the baybayin transliterated by Kristian Kabuay. We didn't know each other back then when I lived in MD, and I find it super neat that we are friends now, and that I have his artwork on my back.) Smelling these sampaguita on the way to the studio always reminded me what I needed to root my practice in. My art is about them; my ancestors. Jasmine has always been a reminder of my ancestors, and it feels so serendipitous that there were many bushes & vines of these in my studio neighborhood.” - kimberley a. arteche

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Excelsior District

In Spanish-speaking New Mexico and southern Colorado, it is called plumajillo, or "little feather," for the shape of the leaves. In antiquity, yarrow was known as herbal militaris, for its use in staunching the flow of blood from wounds. Native Americans had many uses for the plant, including pain relief, fever reduction, and blood issues of all kinds.

“Found this plant as native to SF. Also medicinal like, it’s literally superfood.” - Lian Ladia

”I love visiting this fella at Lian’s because of how green and joyful and nourishing it is to communities for generations.” - Erina Alejo

Redwood Tree (Sequoia Sempervirens)
Mission District

A poultice of the heated leaves has been used in the treatment of earaches. The needles are high in vitamin C and good as a tea for colds and flus. They are also antimicrobial and and stimulates circulation.

“I enjoy seeing it while playing basketball at the courts of Rolph Playground. It is rare to see old redwood trees around 100 years or more in the flatlands of San Francisco Peninsula. This could be the oldest redwood tree in Mission District.” - Lester Laserna

Succulent Terrarium with Mexican Snowball (Echeveria elegans) and Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Mission District

The Mexican Snowball is native to semi-desert regions of Mexico, non-poisonous, and are known to be snacks and nibbles for tortoises, squirrels, and other critters. The Jade Plant is a popular good luck charm in Asia, and is known as a folk remedy used for treating warts, nausea, corns, and diarrhea.

“I made the terrarium for an event 8 years ago and at some point some of the original succulents died. A friend gave me a small succulent as a gift and I planted it in the terrarium and it has flourished ever since.” - Sandy Panopio

English Ivy (Hedera helix)
South of Market District

Other than ornamentation, the English ivy also has medicinal properties. In ancient Greece, Hippocrates used ivy to prevent intoxication, reduce swelling, and as an anesthetic. Now herbalists use it to treat respiratory conditions. Durable to the point of it being invasive outdoors. English ivy was brought to the New World by colonial settlers, but soon naturalized into the wild.

“Nagbibigay-silong at medyo tago sa kalsada. Wala ako masyadong maalala kasi hindi ko pinapansin yan nung nag-aaral ako sa Filipino Education Center, eh. [It gives shade and shields us from prying eyes. I don’t recall much about these vines because I didn’t pay much attention to them when I was a student at Filipino Education Center.]” - Gene Alejo

Cannabis (Cannabis)
Excelsior District

The greatest amount of evidence for the therapeutic effects of cannabis relate to its ability to reduce chronic pain, nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, and spasticity [tight or stiff muscles] from Multiple Sclerosis.

“The first time we started growing plants was actually a cannabis seed that grew from a bottle cap. It just grew without it being tendered. I always wonder how the plant feels under hydroponic lights being forced to flower. We just let our plant grow on its own with no pressure to produce. We value this plant a lot especially because we are aware the power of this plant is not legal in other cities.” - England Hidalgo

Talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera)
South of Market District

This plant’s multipurpose use ranges from making sugar from the sap, flour from its starch, thatching, making fans, mats, umbrellas, paper, and tents from its leaves, and curing stomach aches from the juice of the root.

“Happy to share my daily thoughts and personal connections to this wonderful palm by the FEC campus. I have much kind things say about the plant which brighten up my day amidst a landscape of much heavier blocky buildings and chatter of many immigrant children. The trees stay the same in a skyline where it reminds me of one of my neighborhood homes. The air is filled with slight smog to fresh breeze depending where you walk, where the children are laughing in Tagalog. Oh when the world used to be open so long ago. Sayang.” - Jerome Reyes

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
South of Market District

Poppy extracts have traditionally been used to relax smooth muscle tone, making them potentially useful in the treatment of diarrhea and abdominal cramping. The extract has been used as a sedative analgesic and antitussive. Poppy seed oil is used as a vehicle for chemotherapy delivery and to diagnose fistulae.

“This is a photo of wild poppies growing at an abandoned parking lot (now under construction) on 5th and Harrison across from the popular Chevron station patronized by local SOMA youth. We'd pass by these poppies everytime we walk back and forth the Bessie FEC elementary and middle school sites. In the afternoon, the poppies would open their blossoms and close again in the cold night and morning.” - FEC Galing Bata staff/educators

Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius)
Mission District

The unique and tasty combination of the lemongrass stalks and pandan leaves make a tea that is loaded with antioxidants. It has also been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. Constipation is also relieved as a benefit of lemongrass and pandan tea. Stress relief is another benefit of the tea.

"The primary plant of focus was always the pandan plants. It was during a visit to the Philippines when I was given ginger tea with pandan leaves that I discovered that it was the addictive fruity mystery flavor used in the cereal "Fruity Pebbles" from my childhood. My friends who grew up in the Philippines attest to enjoying it as a sweetened tea with lemongrass, and for the flavor it imparts when cooked within a pot of rice. Two of the pandan plants were taken from the office and moved to the Lower Haight where they thrive today and are gleaned for consumption in tea and with rice.” - Robert Marquez

Bush Rue (Cneoridium dumosum)
Mission District

Native to California, the bush rue’s leaves, extracts, and other parts have been used for hundreds of years as an insect repellent, antispasmodic, sedative, and stimulant for the onset of menses. In New Mexico, rue has been used as a tisane (tea) for ailments such as stiff neck, dizziness, headache, tightness in the stomach, and inner ear problems. The oil has a strong, bitter taste and has been used for the treatment of intestinal worms.

“I used to have a plant at home but put a few leaves in hot water for tea and it helps with menstrual cramps. I learned this from a professor at SFSU that was a Santerio. Too much rue can lead to stomach ache so watch it!” - Anna Lisa Escobedo

Hyacinth orchid or Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata)
Excelsior District

An important wound herb in China used medicinally for over a millennia. The root (actually a pseudobulb) is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary in healing wounds. It is taken internally in the treatment of hemorrhages of the stomach or lungs, uterine bleeding and nose bleeds. It is particularly effective against the endotoxin in whooping cough. Externally, it is mixed with sesame oil and applied as a poultice for burns, cuts, abscesses and sores.

“My dad has been taking care of this orchid since I was young. It has grown so much that we have had to propagate it across three pots! The largest pot is as big as a single sofa chair!” - Michelle Zeng

New Guinea impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) a.k.a. “Tender Nikki”
South of Market District

The whole plant is cooked and consumed to ease stomach-aches. Combined with the leaves of Plectranthus scutellarioides, the leaves are rubbed on the stomach of pregnant women to help relieve labour pains.

“My wife Lourdes handpicked this one for me back in June 2020. It was a particularly difficult month because my mom in the Philippines suffered a massive stroke and I couldn’t fly across the pacific to be with her and my family. I was dealing with feelings of shock, sadness, helplessness. I think this plant absorbed all those feelings and somehow turned them into vibrant little flowers that exude love, strength and positivity. I am amazed by how it just keeps on blooming. There are buds to look forward to all the time. I named her Nikki, after one of my favorite poets, Nikki Giovanni. Thank you Lourdes for this tender gift. Te quiero mucho.” - Peggy Peralta

Yucca (Yucca schidigera)
Excelsior District

Sentinels of the southwestern deserts, the root of the non-flowering plant is used to make medicine. Yucca is used for osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, inflammation of the intestine (colitis), high cholesterol, stomach disorders, diabetes, and liver and gallbladder disorders.

“I see the yucca as a fort, or a guardian of the neighborhood. When some of its leaves would fall, I use the dry leaves to create plant beds for vegetables, and cut some up as mulch from my smaller plants. There was a time it flowered and attracted small birds who nested and made a home in its branches.” - Pepe D.H.

Roses (Rosa)
Excelsior District

Paiute, Nez Perce, and Interior Salish people believed that wild roses kept ghosts from causing harm to the living, so they were often placed in the homes or clothing of people who were in mourning or felt haunted. Wild roses were also sometimes attached to cradleboards to bring vitality to infants. In some tribes, rose motifs were used in quillwork, beadwork, or other Native arts to represent survival and vitality as well. Wild roses also played a role in traditional Native American herbal medicine, and rosehips (the fruit of wild roses) were eaten as food in many tribes, either directly or as part of a pudding.

“In May, I visited Grace and Dr. Quayson. We sat outside to follow social distancing guidelines. Grace served moringa tea and honey. Before I went home, Grace picked roses and other beautiful flowers from her garden for me to take home to my mom.” - Erina Alejo

Bamboo (Semiarundinaria fastuosa)
South of Market District

In traditional Chinese medicine, bamboo shoots are used to ease labor and the expulsion of the placenta by inducing uterine contractions. A poultice of the shoots is often used for cleaning wounds and healing infections. Bamboo shoot decoction taken along with honey is used to treat respiratory disorders.

“Voted #2 cultural symbol for plants in planning workshops at SOMCAN.” - SOMCAN (South of Market Community Action Network)

Amazon sword plant (Echinodorus amazonicus) Excelsior District

Native to South America, these plants are mostly found in Brazil, and are typical starter plants for aquarium hobbyists due to their easy propagation. Fish, shrimps, snails, and other aquatic creatures like to nibble on them.

“It’s an important part of the tank, but sometimes I feel bad for them, because the tank creatures nibble on them. But at the same time, I know that they serve the tank well. Creatures grow. It provides nutrition.” - Tina Alejo

California Gold Banana (Musa)
Victoria Manalo Draves Park
South of Market District

Bananas are one of our best sources of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. The peel and pulp of ripe bananas have anti-fungal and antibiotic properties, which protect the plant against fungal and bacterial infections. During food shortages in WWII Philippines, Filipino scientists innovated the use of bananas to make ketchup, hence the beloved banana ketchup.

“The Philippines is known for its delicious and sweet bananas. It is one of the heartiest producers of bananas in the world.” - Angelica Cabande