Tobacco

We think of tobacco as a horrible habit. But at one time it was a sacred plant. Almost all tribes in North America and most tribes in South America used it. It was smoked during rituals, ceremonies and social events.  It was used to connect the worlds because the it has long deep roots underground, a green plant on the surface of the earth, fire that represented the sun, and smoke that rises skyward. It was put in a fire in a sweat lodge to thank the creator.  It can be smoked during prayer to take messages to the creator and to those who have died. It was also used medicinally for stomach aches and fever.

The UC Bot Garden was very interested in tobacco circa 1920-1940. Probably mostly from a financial point of view. William Setchell (director from 1902-1928) collected pipes in San Francisco. Thomas Goodspeed (director from 1928-1954) made many trips to South America collecting a variety of Nicotiana species. The idea was to improve on the commercial tobacco with hybridization. I'm not sure which one enjoyed their field trips more.

In bloom now in the crop garden at the UC Botanical Garden.

"Nicotine acts to increase the production of other chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters that affect brain function. ... Nicotine also produces long-term effects on the dopamine system, which is involved in reward, mood and addiction." 

This quote is stolen from the web. 

(intoxicating plants)

Crown of Thorns

Remember the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus? It was probably made of this plant. It was common in the area and flexible enough to bend into a headpiece. I guess it is not a sacred plant, but a plant with religious significance.

It is in fruit now at the UC Botanical Garden. This plant is on the path above the Rose Garden. It grows in a big mound, and seems to invite people to pat it to find out exactly how spiny it is. Prickly Burnet: a good common name.