Introduction to Herbal Medicine in Ethnobotany The notion of herbs as flavoring agents generally excludes those plants commonly known as vegetables, which are foods in and of themselves; that is, vegetable provide the substance, and herbs the seasoning. A related group of economic flora consists of the spice plants. These are generally understood to be plants, usually native to the tropics, that bear aromatic fruits, seeds, or woody barks, and that are used, although not solely, to season foods. Many of our favourite ornamental garden flowers such as the rose, foxglove, and garden heliotrope and old time herbs. Whether incorporated into the flowerer border, or herb or kitchen garden, herbs are being grown for their pleasing scents, interesting colors and textures, and their pest-deterrent properties.