ABSTRACT

Historically and presently, plants serve an intimate role in human culture. They influence language, art and literature; performing arts and modern mass media; politics and world events. Plants serve as symbols in many celebrations and rituals such as holidays, weddings, and funerals. Understanding the past and current roles plants have in human culture can provide insights into society’s values and can ensure a continued relationship between plants and people. This paper is a commentary on the relationship between plants and human culture and a review of current research on this topic.