If you’ve noticed the price of vanilla spike up lately, it’s because one island grows 80% of the world’s vanilla, and that island, Madagascar, has been going through a tough patch. The impact of a drought and a pair of cyclones has upended everything from supply chains to the flavoring in fudge. Interestingly, vanilla isn’t even native to Madagascar. The Vanilla planiflolia orchid was long cultivated in Mexico where it was used in rituals and in a traditional Aztec drink of ground, spiced chocolate.

Madagascar’s other import (brought to Madagascar from Tenerife on trade ships) was the Coton de Tulear. The ruling tribe of the island, the Merina, allowed only royals to own one of these dogs, and it was a criminal offense for a commoner to own a Coton going into the 20th century, but the Coton wasn’t just another white, fluffy dog; the breed was sturdy and rustic, and its coat was matted, twisted, and protective against a rough environment, not coddled or fussed over.

 Image: “The Vortex” by Sharron Johnson is available here.