The History of Plants by Plantrums

Megan Brame
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Strange botany, deadly plants, and forgotten flora. History of Plants is a biweekly podcast uncovering the wild ways plants shaped human history. Hosted by horticultural writer Megan Brame. New episodes every other week.

  1. Queen of the Night: The complicated history of jasmine

    6D AGO

    Queen of the Night: The complicated history of jasmine

    Jasmine is often dismissed as a simple garden climber, but its past is filled with espionage, royal obsession, and a value that once rivaled precious metals. In this episode of The History of Plants, we look beyond the petals to uncover the complex legacy of the genus Jasminum. From the sacred gardens of the Persian Empire to the high-stakes perfume auctions of modern France, the "Queen of the Night" has been a silent witness to some of history's most pivotal shifts. We break down the botany of its intoxicating scent and explain why its chemistry is so difficult to replicate, even with modern technology.

    29 min
  2. The Fall and Rise of Cannabis Sativa (Hemp)

    JAN 30

    The Fall and Rise of Cannabis Sativa (Hemp)

    Can you separate the saint from the sinner? In this episode, Megan will break down the history of cannabis sativa and its dual nature as both a workhorse plant and subject of decades of propaganda, controversy, and infamy.

    29 min
  3. The Poison Crop That Built Empires

    JAN 21

    The Poison Crop That Built Empires

    Did you know the potato is a game-changer that shaped the course of civilization? 🥔 Join me as we explore the fascinating journey of this humble plant, from its toxic beginnings in the Andes to its role in feeding empires, fueling revolutions, and even making its way to outer space. This episode dives into the ethnobotany, history, and chemistry behind the potato, revealing how it transformed humanity’s survival and innovation. Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:03 Part 1: Born in the Andes 5:14 Part 2: Suspicious roots and great hunger 16:09 Part 3: Inside a tuber 19:51 Part 4: Modern spuds, future worlds Subscribe to The History of Plants – Strange Botany, Poisonous Legends & Forgotten Flora on Soundwise

    22 min
  4. The Mysterious Origins of the Snake Plant

    JAN 2

    The Mysterious Origins of the Snake Plant

    You may know it as a powerhouse air cleaning houseplant but the snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) has a wilder history than most people know. From protecting grave sites to helping astronauts breathe, the snake plant has lived many lives.  Subscribe to The History of Plants – Strange Botany, Poisonous Legends & Forgotten Flora on Soundwise

    19 min
  5. A Year Ago I Had An Idea... (2025 review)

    12/29/2025

    A Year Ago I Had An Idea... (2025 review)

    A recap of 2025 and what to expect in 2026. Thank you for hanging out with me this year! Chapters 0:00 Intro 4:10 Megan's 2026 plans 9:06 Plantrums' 2026 plans 13:57 FAQ 14:19 Why BCE/CE? 15:01 Why no Aztec human sacrifice coverage? 15:45 Why do you hate on George Washington? 16:34 When did you start getting into plants? 17:33 Ever afraid you'll get bored with plants? 18:51 What's your background? 21:35 No, what's your plant background? 23:08 Why the difference in Patreon and YouTube memberships? 24:01 Why do you pronounce words like that? 24:09 The story behind Jimmy Bagels 25:31 Can you help me with my plant? 27:21 Do you use AI? 29:20 Where do you get your stock footage? 29:55 Why do you put your sources in pinned comments? 30:14 Are you afraid someone will steal your ideas? 31:15 How long does it take you to make a video? 31:40 What's the hardest part? 32:03 What's your gear setup? 33:15 What's your favorite plant? 33:52 What's your favorite episode? 34:53 What else is there to say? Subscribe to The History of Plants – Strange Botany, Poisonous Legends & Forgotten Flora on Soundwise

    36 min
  6. The Beautiful Assassin: Hemlock’s Toxic Tale

    12/19/2025

    The Beautiful Assassin: Hemlock’s Toxic Tale

    This episode dives deep into the history of poison hemlock—a plant so deceptively beautiful it changed the course of philosophy, law, medicine, and mythology. From its ancient beginnings to its infamous role in the death of Socrates, this unassuming weed has shaped civilizations and continues to intrigue botanists and historians alike. Subscribe to The History of Plants – Strange Botany, Poisonous Legends & Forgotten Flora on Soundwise

    18 min
  7. Did This Plant Really Start Empires?

    12/05/2025

    Did This Plant Really Start Empires?

    Black pepper is more than just a spice; it’s a force that changed the world! In this episode of "The History of Plants," I explore the incredible journey of Piper Nigrum and talk about how this spice transformed food, medicine, trade, and even empires. From ancient rituals to global economies, black pepper has been a symbol of power, a culinary marvel, and a scientific curiosity. Did you know its active compound, piperine, boosts nutrient absorption and might even help fight cancer? Join me to uncover fascinating ethnobotany facts, the cultural history of plants, and the science behind their lasting impact. Chapters 0:00 Intro 00:31 Part 1: A Powerful Vine 05:45 Part 2: Black Gold 10:18 Part 3: A Spicy Defense 14:58 Part 4: A Cultural Afterlife Subscribe to The History of Plants – Strange Botany, Poisonous Legends & Forgotten Flora on Soundwise

    18 min
  8. How a backyard weed changed history

    12/04/2025

    How a backyard weed changed history

    Our latest episode explores the complex history of "Phytolacca americana," also known as pokeweed, a plant with a dual nature as both a medicine and a poison. We dive into its traditional uses in herbalism, its role in food, and its surprising connection to "Elvis poke salad." This plant demands respect, especially when foraging, as its toxic properties can be dangerous if not prepared correctly.  Chapters: 0:00 Intro 00:34 Part 1: An All-American Wildcard 05:08 Part 2: Plant of the People 09:37 Part 3: Chemistry and Consequences 14:11 Part 4: The Lasting Legacy Subscribe to The History of Plants – Strange Botany, Poisonous Legends & Forgotten Flora on Soundwise

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Strange botany, deadly plants, and forgotten flora. History of Plants is a biweekly podcast uncovering the wild ways plants shaped human history. Hosted by horticultural writer Megan Brame. New episodes every other week.

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