“Roots and Rum”: A Story of Teaching, Tradition, and Tobago’s Backyard Botanicals

The sun hung low over the lush hills of Tobago, casting golden light across the small classroom in Elder Simeon’s backyard.

Today, the students weren’t learning from books or screens—they were learning from the earth itself. Elder Simeon, a man whose hands carried the memory of generations, was preparing to share the secrets of Tobago’s bush rum.

“Bush rum,” he began, letting the words roll like a gentle wave, “is more than drink—it is history, medicine, and magic.” He gestured to the garden around them, a living library of leaves and roots.

“Every plant you see has a story, a purpose, a spirit. If you learn from them, they will teach you.”

One by one, he introduced the students to the plants most often used in Tobago’s bush rum and bush tea traditions.

With each plant, he shared its name, its cultural uses, and the folklore that clung to it like morning dew.

The Backyard Botanical Library: A Beginner’s Plant Glossary

Plant Name	Cultural Uses	Short Folklore / Story
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)	Adds a citrusy fragrance to bush rum; used in teas for digestion and relaxation	“They say lemongrass sings to the moon, calling restful sleep to those who brew it.”
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)	Sweetens and spices bush rum; aids circulation	“In old tales, cinnamon bark was used to protect homes from misfortune and to warm the soul.”
Soursop Leaves (Annona muricata)	Infuses a subtle, bitter note; used medicinally for fevers and insomnia	“Grandmothers whispered that soursop leaves could catch bad dreams before they touch your pillow.”
Bay Leaf (Syzygium polyanthum)	Adds depth to flavors; used in ritual purification and cooking	“Bay leaves were thought to carry prayers to the heavens when set afloat in water.”
Chadon Beni / Culantro (Eryngium foetidum)	Adds earthy aroma; used in soups and stews, believed to aid digestion	“It is said that chadon beni guards against envy and brings courage to the timid.”
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)	Adds heat and spice; stimulates circulation and warms the body	“A slice of ginger in the pot is said to chase away winter spirits and fatigue alike.”
Mint (Mentha sp.)	Refreshing note in teas and rums; soothes the stomach	“Mint leaves danced in folk stories as tiny messengers of joy and laughter.”
Allspice / Pimento (Pimenta dioica)	Earthy, warm note; used in cooking and traditional medicine	“Allspice berries were believed to carry the aroma of the islands themselves, preserving memories in every sip.”
Bitter Bush / Carib Plant (Vernonia amygdalina)	Medicinally bitter; purifying in teas and bush rums	“Legends tell of the bitter bush warning of danger and cleansing the spirit of wrongdoings.”
Lime / Lime Peel (Citrus aurantiifolia)	Adds tang; believed to ward off evil spirits	“A twist of lime in the brew is said to make the heart light and the home happy.”

Elder Simeon paused, letting the students inhale the fragrant air.

“Remember,” he said, “each plant is a story, and every story tastes different depending on the hands that brew it. If you listen carefully, the plants will teach you how to care for your body, your spirit, and your history.”

As the sun dipped behind the hills, the students gathered leaves, twigs, and roots, feeling the warmth of tradition and the tang of possibility in every sniff and touch.

And for a moment, they weren’t just students. They were apprentices of the island, learning the language of plants and the secret recipes of bush rum, one leaf at a time.