Theophrastus’s Historia Plantarum, also known as Enquiry into Plants, is a foundational work in the field of botany, composed between 350 and 287 BCE. This extensive treatise, originally spanning ten books with nine surviving, offers a comprehensive exploration of plant life, encompassing their anatomy, propagation, classification, and practical applications. Theophrastus’s meticulous observations laid the groundwork for systematic botany and herbal medicine, earning him the title “father of botany” by Carl Linnaeus.

The treatise is methodically organized, beginning with an in-depth analysis of plant anatomy. Theophrastus categorizes plants into trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annual herbs, detailing their leaves, roots, stems, and reproductive structures. He notes the variations in plant forms and structures, such as the opposite branching of the silver fir and the aerial roots of the banyan tree. This classification reflects an early attempt at understanding plant morphology and taxonomy.

Subsequent books delve into the propagation of plants, distinguishing between those that grow spontaneously and those cultivated by human intervention. Theophrastus discusses the influence of soil and climate on plant growth and provides insights into agricultural practices. He observes that certain plants, like bergamot, can transform into mint if not properly managed, highlighting the importance of cultivation techniques in maintaining plant characteristics.

In the later sections, Theophrastus examines the medicinal uses of plants, one of the earliest herbals in recorded history. He describes the extraction of resins, gums, and juices from various plants and their therapeutic applications. For instance, he notes that frankincense and myrrh are gathered from specific trees and used for their medicinal properties. Theophrastus also documents the practices of drug collectors, emphasizing the significance of proper harvesting methods to ensure the efficacy of medicinal plants.

Throughout the Historia Plantarum, Theophrastus incorporates a wealth of practical knowledge, drawing from various sources, including drug-sellers and root-cutters. His work not only serves as a botanical reference but also reflects the cultural and medicinal practices of ancient Greece. The treatise’s influence persisted through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, shaping the development of botanical science and herbal medicine for centuries to come.