Plant Magic

Plants have played an enormous role in human culture since time immemorial. This fascinating book explores some of the many ways in which trees, herbs, ferns, mosses and other organisms such as fungi have been used in supernatural and magical traditions across Europe.

Individual entries are packed with historical examples and anecdote to explain exactly why and how each of the plants listed came to be used in particular ways. Covering such diverse themes as alchemy, luck, curses divination, magical medicine, transformations and witchcraft, this foray into the supernatural side of botany underlines that for thousands of years our use of plants has been astonishingly diverse and has played a vital role in the way we make sense of both the natural and supernatural worlds around us.

About the author:

Dr Gregory J. Kenicer is a botanist at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, where he works in the thriving education department. With a research specialism in the evolution and diversity of peas and allied species, as well as traditional plant use in Scotland, Greg is particularly enthusiastic about the learning and communication sides of botany and plant diversity.

His first book, Scottish Plant Lore: An Illustrated Flora, is a beautifully illustrated celebration of how plants have shaped Scotland’s society, culture and economy over hundreds of years. It was followed by Scottish Plant Names: An A To Z, which showcases the enormous diversity of Scotland’s native species and the country’s rich linguistic heritage. Greg’s latest book, Plant Magic: The Supernatural Side of Botany, is a fascinating exploration of the way all sorts of plants have been used in magical traditions across Europe.