Materia Viva is an independent publication devoted to aromatic raw materials: plants, resins, woods, flowers, seeds, roots and essences.
Each issue begins with a single botanical material and follows it through its history, geography, cultivation, cultural uses and sensory presence. The project brings together primary-source research, botanical knowledge, sensory observation, writing and original images.
After several months of publication in Italian, Materia Viva now also has an international English edition. The first international issue is devoted to Black Mitcham peppermint. It was developed with the generous support of people, growers and historical archives in the United Kingdom, whose contributions made a separate English edition possible.
Receive the first English issue
If you are curious about Materia Viva, you can request the first English issue free of charge.
To receive it, write via the WhatsApp button or write to:
Support the project
Materia Viva is an independent, author-led publication. Its research, writing and visual work are supported by a small private circle of readers.
Those who wish to support the international edition can do so through a free contribution and help the project continue its research into aromatic materials, archives and living botanical cultures.