Apr 3, 2007
The Botany of Desire — Michael Pollan
Pollan takes a new look at the symbiotic relationship between man and domesticated plants, this time from the plant’s perspective. Plant species that get picked up by humans thrive, at the cost of other plants and sometimes we humans ourselves.
The book goes into detail about four such human-friendly plants: the apple, the tulip, marijuana, and the potato.
Tidbits
- Apples and apple trees grown from seed look and taste completely different from their parent plant. All Golden Delicious apples are clones of the original Golden Delicious apple tree.
- Johnny Appleseed was a wealthy land tycoon, as well as a cooky hermit.
- A mad desire for tulips nearly caused economic collapse.
- Cannabinoid (THC) receptors are found all over the brain, as well as immune and reproductive systems. Their study has advanced neurobiology since the ’60s.
- Potatos are surprisingly high in vitamins B and C.
This is a positive must-read. You will never look at Johnny Appleseed the same way again.
Other books by Michael Pollan:
2 Comments, Comment or Ping
Sr. Mono
I read that book. It made me feel dirty for eating apples and looking at tulips. It rocked so hard core. It’s how botany nerds like me get off at night. mmmmmmmmmmmmm. being used by plants makes me fiesty.
Sep 26th, 2007
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