The History of Plants by Plantrums

Megan Brame
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. 6d ago

    The Parsley Massacre: When a Simple Herb Became a Deadly Weapon

    You probably see it as a boring garnish on the side of your plate, but parsley hides one of the darkest histories of any plant on Earth. From ancient myths of dead princes to its use as a weapon in a 20th-century genocide, this herb has traveled a long and bloody path to your kitchen. In this episode of History of Plants, we are uncovering the truth behind the garnish you usually push to the side. 🌿 We begin in Ancient Greece, where parsley was dedicated to the Queen of the Underworld and woven into wreaths for the dead. You will learn about the grim myth of Prince Otheltes and why the Romans used this herb to mask the scent of alcohol and garlic. The story gets even stranger in the medieval period, where folk traditions claimed parsley seeds had to visit the devil several times before they would finally grow. 🏛️ The video also covers the tragic Parsley Massacre of 1937 in the Dominican Republic, where the pronunciation of the word perejil was used as a deadly linguistic test. We also break down the incredible science of the plant, from its historical use in reproductive medicine to modern research into its cancer-fighting compounds. Whether it is the high Vitamin K content or its role in supporting the black swallowtail butterfly, there is so much more to this herb than meets the eye. 🧪 🍃Try growing this or other "History of Plants" features at Spooky Seed Co: https://plantrums.com/etsy/ Free Botanical Case Files Vol 1: https://plantrums.com/the-botanical-case-files-vol-1/ Chapters 0:00 The Dark History of Parsley 2:15 Ancient Greece and the Underworld 5:00 Roman Uses and Breath Fresheners 7:30 Medieval Folklore and the Devil 10:00 Historical Herbalists and Recipes 11:45 The 1937 Parsley Massacre 15:15 Reclaiming the Story in Literature 16:45 Chemistry: Apiol and Reproduction 19:15 Nutritional Power and Cancer Research 21:00 From Garnish to Culinary Star

    The Parsley Massacre: When a Simple Herb Became a Deadly Weapon

  2. Jul 31

    Why Japanese Knotweed Is the World’s Most Dangerous Plant

    It can grow through concrete, get you arrested in the UK, and it survived on the side of a volcano for millions of years. Japanese Knotweed is one of the world's most successful invasive species, but there is a lot more to this plant than just property damage. Join Megan as she explores how a single plant from Japan ended up 6,000 miles away and why the wellness industry is obsessed with its roots. In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating and sometimes frustrating world of Japanese Knotweed. From its origins on active volcanoes to its status as a criminal offense in the UK, this plant is a master of survival. We look at how a single specimen sent to London in 1850 sparked an ecological event that continues to shape property values and landscapes across the globe today. You will learn about the chemistry hidden within its roots, including why it is the primary source of the anti-aging compound resveratrol. We also discuss the plant's cultural history in Japan, where it is celebrated as a seasonal vegetable and a source of traditional medicine. Finally, Megan shares a personal story about a gardening mistake that led to weeks of sifting through soil and why eradication might be more complicated than we think. Free Botanical Case Files Vol 1: https://plantrums.com/the-botanical-case-files-vol-1/ Subscribe for more History of Plants & wild botany: https://youtube.com/@plantrums?sub_confirmation=1 — 🪴 Resources & Links • Patreon (commentary & bonus episodes): https://patreon.com/plantrums • Etsy (plant cuttings & tools): https://heyplantrums.etsy.com • Merch: https://shop.plantrums.com/ • Gear I use: https://www.plantrums.com/resources 💜 Stay Connected • Blog: plantrums.com • Instagram: https://instagram.com/plantrums • Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/plantrums Some links may be affiliate URLs which earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Plantrums! Chapters 0:00 Intro to the Invasive Giant 0:40 Part 1: Tiger staff 5:26 Part 2: The clone 10:02 Part 3: Inside the tiger 16:55 Part 4: Stockholm syndrome (...maybe)

    Why Japanese Knotweed Is the World’s Most Dangerous Plant

  3. Jul 17

    The Dark History of Agave: The Plant That Built Mexico

    The world's most expensive spirit comes from a plant that lives for decades, blooms exactly once, and then dies. Agave has been feeding, clothing, and intoxicating the Americas for over 10,000 years, but the modern industry built around it may be repeating the same mistakes that once wiped out the world's most popular banana. In this episode of the History of Plants, Megan Brame explores the incredible legacy of the agave genus. We begin with the brutal Aztec creation myths of the goddess Maiawell and the 400 rabbit gods of intoxication before diving into the plant's unique biological survival strategies. From its specialized CAM photosynthesis to its role as a cornerstone of ancient Mesoamerican civilization, agave is far more than just a base for tequila. You will learn about the traditional production of pulque, the sacred drink that survived colonial suppression, and the scientific distinction between processed agave syrup and the healthy fructans found in the raw plant. We also address the looming ecological crisis facing blue agave monocultures and why the survival of the lesser long-nosed bat is essential to the genetic diversity of the species. Whether it is being used for gut health, bone density, or sustainable bioplastics, the story of agave is a testament to sacrifice and renewal. Chapters 0:00 The Sacred Plant That Dies to Bloom 2:30 Mythology: Goddesses and Drunk Possums 5:15 A 10,000 Year History in the Americas 8:45 Desert Survival and CAM Photosynthesis 11:30 Pulque: The Ancient Drink of Resistance 14:15 The Industrial Rise of Mezcal and Tequila 17:00 Agave Chemistry and Gut Health Benefits 20:15 The Monoculture Crisis and Bat Conservation 22:30 Biofuels and the Future of the Genus If you enjoyed this botanical deep dive, please subscribe and consider joining our Patreon community for ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content. Stay curious and don't forget to flourish. #agave #tequila #botany #historyofplants #sustainability

    The Dark History of Agave: The Plant That Built Mexico

  4. Jun 29

    Why Absinthe Was Banned: The True Story of Wormwood

    In this episode of The History of Plants, Megan traces the journey of Artemisia absinthium from the oldest medical texts in ancient Egypt to the bohemian cafes of 19th-century Paris. We explore how a simple herb became the muse of legendary artists like Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde, only to be targeted by a smear campaign funded by a desperate wine industry. 🎨🍷 Beyond the myths of madness and hallucinations, we dive into the fascinating chemistry of thujone and the plant's modern potential. From its role in biblical prophecy to groundbreaking research on Crohn's disease and antibiotic resistance, wormwood proves to be one of the most resilient and misunderstood species in human history. 🧪💊 Chapters 0:00 The Murder That Banned a Spirit 2:15 Botany and the Name Chernobyl 5:10 Ancient Medicine and the Ebers Papyrus 8:00 Biblical Prophecy and Medieval Folklore 11:15 The Rise of the Green Fairy 14:30 Rituals, Artists, and the Wine Conspiracy 17:45 Debunking the Myth of Thujone 20:50 Modern Science and Crohn's Disease 23:15 The Chernobyl Connection and Revival If you enjoyed this botanical deep dive, make sure to subscribe for more episodes on the plants that shaped our world. Join our community on Patreon for ad-free 4K content and exclusive research notes that didn't make the final cut! 🌟 #wormwood #absinthe #historyofplants #botany #herbalism

  5. Jun 12

    The Banana's History Is Darker Than You Think

    There is something seriously wrong with the world's most popular fruit, and it has been wrong for a long time. Every banana you have ever eaten is a clone, genetically identical and completely unable to adapt to new threats, which is why a silent killer is currently pushing it toward extinction. In this episode of the History of Plants, we peel back the layers of the banana's dark and fascinating past. We explore how a 7,000 year old mutation in a New Guinea swamp turned a seedy wild fruit into a sterile, global commodity. This journey takes us from ancient maritime migrations and sacred spiritual traditions to the ruthless rise of the United Fruit Company. You will discover the violent origins of the term Banana Republic and the tragic commercial extinction of the Gros Michel banana, which was once the gold standard of the industry. Beyond the history, we dive into the surprising science of the plant. We discuss why bananas are technically radioactive, how they contain neurotransmitters like dopamine, and the medicinal potential hidden in their peels and leaves. Finally, we address the looming threat of Tropical Race 4 and the race to find a genetically resistant successor before the Cavendish disappears from our shelves forever. Free Botanical Case Files Vol 1: https://plantrums.com/the-botanical-case-files-vol-1/ Chapters 0:00 Intro 1:44 Part 1 - The first fruit 9:29 Part 2 - Blood and bananas 18:27 Part 3 - Chemistry of a clone 25:57 Part 4 - The extinction clock

    The Banana's History Is Darker Than You Think

  6. Jun 9

    The Plant David Attenborough Had to Rename

    Deep in the rainforests of Sumatra, a biological giant is waiting to erupt with the concentrated stench of a week old corpse. The Corpse Flower is one of nature's most bizarre and scandalous spectacles, standing up to 12 feet tall and generating its own heat to mimic a fresh carcass. In this episode of The History of Plants, we're digging into the incredible story of Amorphophallus titanum. We explore everything from its controversial Latin name that nearly broke Victorian society to the massive underground corm that stores energy for up to a decade before a single 48-hour bloom. You will learn about the complex chemistry behind its signature smell, including compounds like putrescine and cadaverine that replicate the chemistry of death with industrial precision. We also go beyond the botanical gardens to explore the plant's native habitat in Indonesia. From local legends of man-eating plants to the modern conservation crisis caused by deforestation and illegal harvesting, the story of the Titan Arum is as complex as its scent. Discover how Sir David Attenborough changed its name for television and why this plant remains a global celebrity even as it faces extinction in the wild.

    The Plant David Attenborough Had to Rename

  7. May 25

    The Secret History of the Corpse Flower

    In this episode, we're breaking down the history of one of our rarest, stinkiest flowers: Amorphophallus titanum, AKA the Corpse Flower. Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:53 Part 1 - Phantoms in the jungle 6:24 Part 2 - The flower of death 10:23 Part 3 - The chemistry of decay 15:41 Part 4 - The rockstar of botany

    The Secret History of the Corpse Flower

  8. May 9

    Tulip: The Flower of Love, Blood, and Bankruptcy

    Link to podcast survey: https://plantrums.com/pq/ In this episode, we're exploring the captivating world of the tulip, from its humble beginnings as a wild flower to its status as a symbol of beauty and elegance.

    Tulip: The Flower of Love, Blood, and Bankruptcy
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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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