Flora in Folklore: Mythical Plant Identification and What we can Learn from the Search
Kennedy, Jessica
Kennedy, Jessica
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Abstract
Before humanity knew itself, it knew plants. From the earliest days of our species, humans developed relationships with plants not only for their ability to nourish and heal, but also for their mystical properties and spiritual connections. Myths, religious texts, and written traditions provide us a window into these deep ethnobotanical connections. However, these relationships have changed over time, and the identities of many plants mentioned in myths and legends around the world are now considered �lost.� While some mythical plants have been consistently connected with identifiable modern taxa, many others continue to be the subjects of speculation and scholarly debate. As attempts at identification of these plants require an interdisciplinary approach, many such efforts to date have been limited. To address this, we explore the proposed identities of fifteen mythical plants, pulling in evidence from diverse fields such as archaeology, pharmacology, and contemporary ethnobotany. Through this, we explore the identities of mythical plants of historical significance, including�but not limited to�Silphium, Yao Grass, Tansy, Soma, and Kykeon of the Eleusinian Mysteries. This search for identity reveals a complex dynamic between plants and people, extending far beyond taxonomy. Thus, our study aims to not only build a nuanced appreciation for the cultural, historical, and ecological relationships between plants and people, but also to help link traditions and myths to contemporary peoples and plants.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Biology
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Life Science