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?

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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.

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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

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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

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🌽 Ever wonder how a wild grass became one of the most influential crops in human history? Join me in exploring the incredible story of corn, the plant that transformed economies, diets, and even civilizations! From its humble beginnings as teosinte in Mexico's Balsas River Valley to its role as a global powerhouse, this episode of "The History of Plants" dives deep into the fascinating evolution of maize and its impact on the world. 

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This episode dives into the dark history and lasting legends of Wolbane (Aconitum/Monkshood)—the “queen of poisons.” Unpack how this deceptively beautiful flower shaped myth, medicine, and murder, from werewolf lore to ancient crimes. Learn why even a touch is dangerous and why it’s haunted the imagination for centuries.

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Join me as I explore how this unassuming plant evolved from a Neolithic food source into a global force that redefined medicine, fueled wars, and inspired poets. From ancient Egypt’s rituals to the opium wars, this flower’s journey is one of contradictions—healing and harm, relief and dependence.

Subscribe for more History of Plants & wild botany: /@plantrums

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🪴 Resources & Links

• Patreon (commentary & early access): https://patreon.com/plantrums

• Etsy (plant cuttings & tools): https://heyplantrums.etsy.com

• Merch: https://the-beige-house.myspreadshop.com/

• Gear I use: https://www.plantrums.com/resources

💜 Stay Connected

Blog: plantrums.com

• TikTok: @plantrums 

• Instagram: @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

0:44 Part 1 - An Ancient Flower

4:16 Part 2 - A Plant of Empires

11:12 Part 3 - Chemistry of Control

13:53 Part 4 - The Global Poppy Effect

16:49 Part 5 - A Legacy in Bloom

Credits

Music: AudioHero / Envato Elements

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Step into the mesmerizing world of orchids with me as we uncover "The Orchid's Dark Past: Obsession, Mystery, and Survival 🌸." From their ancient origins 200 million years ago to their role in Victorian-era orchid mania and modern conservation battles, orchids have captured humanity's imagination like no other plant. 🌺 Explore their fascinating journey through time, from ancient Greece and Chinese medicine to their symbolic ties to fertility, royalty, and even danger.

In this episode, I’ll share how these exquisite blooms became symbols of love, power, and obsession, driving explorers to the brink of peril and fueling a global trade with both beauty and controversy. Discover stories of courage, like the tale of Edmund Albius, the enslaved boy who revolutionized vanilla cultivation, and learn how orchids have shaped cultures, legends, and even science, inspiring Charles Darwin himself.

Join me as I reveal shocking truths about orchid conservation, the dark illegal trade, and the fight to protect these fragile treasures from extinction. Don’t miss this thrilling tale of resilience, passion, and survival. 💡 If you love unraveling mysteries of the natural world, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and hit that notification bell to support the channel and stay tuned for future episodes. 

Let’s continue this conversation—how do orchids inspire you? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s keep curiosity blooming! 🌸 Stay curious, stay inspired, and keep flourishing!

#forgottenhistory #orchidhunter #orchidmania #floralfascination #orchidconservation

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What if there was a plant so divine it was worshiped as a god and promised immortality? 🌱 In this episode of The History of Plants, I dive into the enduring mystery of Soma—the lost plant that captivated ancient Vedic traditions and continues to intrigue scholars and mystics today. Join me as we explore its origins in Vedic India, its role in sacred rituals, and the vivid descriptions of its transformative powers in ancient texts like the Rigveda. Could it grant immortality, divine visions, and a connection to the gods? And why has its true identity been lost to time?

From the intriguing theories about its identity—including ephedra, Amanita muscaria, and even cannabis—to the meticulous rituals that turned it into a "drink of the gods," this video unpacks Soma's historical, spiritual, and cultural significance. Whether you're fascinated by ancient plants, history, or the search for meaning, this episode is for you! 

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to join me on more adventures through the history of plants. Stay curious, stay green, and let’s flourish together! 🌿✨

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Step into the boggy, sunlit wetlands of the Carolinas with me as I uncover the fascinating story of the Venus Flytrap—the plant that breaks nature’s rules! 🌱 This incredible predator defies expectations, thriving in nutrient-poor soil by actively hunting its prey with precision and intelligence. From its curious discovery by European naturalists to sparking one of science’s greatest debates, this botanical marvel has captured imaginations for centuries.

Join me as I explore its unique biology, the groundbreaking research of Charles Darwin, and how this "carnivorous vegetable" became a pop culture icon (yes, even inspiring Little Shop of Horrors!). But the Venus flytrap’s incredible story doesn’t end there—this fragile species faces a fight for survival, and together we’ll learn how conservation efforts are working to protect this living wonder.

If you love uncovering the weird and wild side of nature, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode! Let's keep celebrating the mysterious and awe-inspiring power of evolution while helping preserve these treasures for future generations. 🌍 Stay curious, and let’s flourish together! 🌟

Subscribe to The History of Plants – Strange Botany, Poisonous Legends & Forgotten Flora on Soundwise