The Botany of Desire

The Botany of Desire presents a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and plants, based on Michael Pollan’s book of the same name. It takes us on a journey through the complex world of plant domestication, focusing on four plants that have significantly impacted human civilization: the apple, the tulip, cannabis, and the potato.

The documentary challenges the conventional human-centered view of agriculture and gardening by considering the plants’ perspective. It suggests that these plants have evolved to satisfy human desires for sweetness, beauty, intoxication, and control, effectively manipulating humans into helping them propagate and thrive.

Throughout the program, Pollan serves as an on-screen guide, leading the audience through various locations, including apple orchards in New England, potato fields in Idaho and Peru, a medical cannabis greenhouse, and the tulip markets of Amsterdam. The documentary combines historical anecdotes, scientific research, and personal observations to illustrate how these plants have shaped human society and vice versa.

By examining the intricate dance of domestication between humans and plants, the documentary raises thought-provoking questions about who is really in control of this relationship. It highlights the power of nature’s appeal and the deep connections that exist between plants and people, offering a fresh perspective on the role of agriculture in human history and evolution.