What is Botany? Crash Course Botany #1

Plants have got you surrounded. They’re in your toothpaste, your bedsheets, and your regular Taco Bell order. In this episode of Crash Course Botany, we’ll find out what botanists study and how knowledge of plants can help you navigate everyday life. Along the way, we’ll uncover plants’ pervasive, civilization-shaping power-and find that they have their own ways of communicating.
Chapters:
Introduction: The World of Plant Drama 00:00
What Is Botany? 1:46
Plants Are Everywhere 3:39
Agriculture 5:32
Botanical Literacy 6:58
Plant Awareness Disparity 9:48
Review & Credits 12:17
Sources: docs.google.com/document/d/1P...
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[@crashcourse]

The answer to the extra credit question is… the sapodilla tree! Chicle is derived from the juice of the sapodilla tree, which grows in the rainforests of Central America. What’s your favorite plant-based sweet treat? Let us know below!

[@kbrcomplexly]

Frozen blueberries make the best summer snack!

[@anyoneelse123]

Chocolate!

[@sophiacarpentier4743]

I made some pine sugar and it was fantastic!

[@scottymcm]

I am a big fan of sarsaparilla root! Love that you are on Crash Course!

[@Arosukir6]

Is that why that one gum brand is called Chiclets?! Amazing! I love making fruit salad with raspberries, bananas, strawberries and almonds! A bit of lemon juice, or honey and oats, makes it even better!

[@animalogic]

So happy to see Alexis on CrashCourse teaching botany! Way to go!

[@hottiekitty96]

I also use your channel for an entire adaptations unit! This is the best educational crossover episode ❤

[@joburgerer4127]

A match made in heaven. Couldn't have dreamt up a better host than Alexis

[@paulinejarvie5863]

+

[@brooke.t.g.r5646]

Me too!! I love Alexis !!

[@sarahprunierlaw9147]

me too!

[@jacobdriscoll8276]

Getting Alexis to teach this was a stroke of genius.

[@via1408]

A no-brainer

[@HomesteadHomie_]

Very much that

[@ByronicBrit]

she has such the personality for it i couldnt be happier for her :'D

[@IronyOfNadir]

Yes

[@clinkedylinkedy1]

honestly!

[@katyabandow712]

i am a PhD student in botany and am SO EXCITED to see where this course goes. Alexis is the perfect match to take us through the amazing world of plants. We need more botanists!!!!!!!

[@clarerodri8080]

Omg how is the academic life of being a Botany student ? I been thinking about it but idk XD

[@queensbeautyobsession]

I haven’t seen these shows since high school (class of ‘16) so seeing a black woman doing this is absolutely beautiful and truly a dream come true. Thank you world for finally seeing us.

[@pintofguinness]

Her energy is allowing me to photosynthesise

[@0OoO08]

And my roots are also absorbing the minerals from her

[@shmuelleib2537]

🤣

[@ThousandTimesBefore]

She's so refreshing! 😍

[@j.pachelbel]

maybe.. you are humosynthetic

[@undercoverduck]

For real, I was on the fence as to whether I was going to follow this series but the presenter's energy managed to kick me all the way to the other side of the field. I'm definitely going to watch all episodes.

[@deadbeatSad]

Sometimes Crash Course makes a series on a topic that doesn't interest me. Sometimes I become interested in a topic because of how it was presented. I am now suddenly interested in botany simply because the presenter is clearly very educated and enthusiastic about the topic 😀

[@geoffreyparker5775]

Alexis basically majored in doing *this*, haha. She has degrees in environmental science and theater, and she's been foraging as a hobby since she was very smol. Plus she reads botany dissertations in her free time like a madwoman.

[@VashdaCrash]

​@@geoffreyparker5775That sounds terrific, in a good way.

[@Sarah-wy7pc]

I love that about this channel ❤

[@NicholasHay1982]

I would argue that we ALWAYS become interested in subjects based on their presentation (we just nees to look past individual teachers to see how that's so).

[@chair.wizard]

alexis is the best

[@junebug2005]

I started watching Alexis a while back, and she's the entire reason I decided Botony was a perfect major for me🥰 this is so amazing to watch and I can't wait for more of her achievements!

[@leitnights]

I literally just told my spouse, "she's going to inspire people to go into botany with this series" - and even better, you're proof she's already done it via her social media! She's taught so many so much!

[@ntcssj]

I've been an avid herbal gardener for over 8 years and have wanted a CrashCourse about plants for years. I'm SO excited for Alexis to be the host. This is AWESOME!

[@JudiHakim]

I recently grew an interest in plants, so this crash course came at the perfect time. I love Alexis’s personality and can’t wait for the rest of the episodes

[@Campfire_Bandit]

+

[@JaeDuh]

I was thinking the same thing as I'm starting a garden this year

[@slcpunk2740]

Did your interest germinate and take root?

[@tamikalungu1764]

I haven’t watched crash course in years, but I am seriously looking forward to future episodes of this series. Amazing work Alexis!!!

[@PurrloinQueen]

Hiring Alexis was the best choice Crash Course made. SHES SO COOL!!

[@charmed122098]

So proud to live in this day and age where Alexis gets to host her own crash course on botany. Look at how far we've come!!!

[@undercoverduck]

Are you saying there's more? I'm not familiar with this presenter but she's great! Would love to know where else I can find her content

[@orekihoutarou6107]

Her KZbin channel is "Black Forager".

[@undercoverduck]

@@orekihoutarou6107 Thank you!!!

[@jul.escobar]

Yay!! 🎉

[@sarahprunierlaw9147]

So awesome! She is great!

[@softllamaspajamas]

Girl, I’m beyond thrilled that you’re hosting this show. I’m showing this to my seasonal flora class. Keep being amazing.

[@MunkyBt]

All the high fives to whoever had the genius idea of hiring Alexis for this course. She’s awesome!

[@izzienavarro4075]

I’ve never been so excited to leave a comment! Go Alexis!!!!! 🌱🌿🌳

[@kristenvargas8926]

Alexis Nikole Nelson x crash course is exactly what I needed in this world.

[@RhianneLaventure]

How does crash course always find such upbeat entertaining hosts? Looks like this is the beginning of another series I'm going to love!

[@gudematcha]

She is originally from TikTok! Her main thing on TikTok is how to forage and making recipes with what she forages! She of course expresses that you shouldn’t eat anything that you aren’t certain you can ID. Her tag line is “Happy snacking! Don’t die!” 😂

[@chigzroo]

Alexis Nikole aka BlackForager is an absolute LEGEND!! Crash Course was lucky to get her!! Such a score. :) She fits so perfectly.

[@marymohr2799]

This video managed to make me excited about plants!

[@fillupdawata]

Chicle is from the sapodilla tree! Also, Botany, specifically the flowering plants ignited my passion for the sciences!

[@elainewu7266]

Love it

[@DerFroschMitMaske]

YUSSSSS BLACKFORAGER AS THE CRASHCOURSE HOST- WHAT A DREAM PAIRING!

[@evie2411]

She is such a total gift! The energy, delivery, everything. 🌸

[@via1408]

I have been waiting for a botany series and I am so happy that Alexis Nicole is the host!!! I am a botanist and this video made so many points that I use in my daily life! We need plants to breathe, salt cannot be non-GMO, and plants are all around us in the things we use day to day. You are preaching to the choir here but I am here for it! Thank you for presenting this information in an interesting and approachable way. I am sharing this series with everyone I know!

[@TeaDrinker3000]

Been a while since Crash Course had a series so wholesome and easy to watch. We love to see it.

[@JonathanHernandez-du5eu]

This series came out at the perfect time for me. I was just beginning to study botony on my own, mainly learning about the plant species that are in my neighborhood and then slecies that are native to my state. I've also learned a bit about plant diversity from my biology course in college. Looking forward to this series and having you as the host! 😊

[@Katie_DelTaco]

I've never actually watched a Crash Course series start to finish, but I'm so excited for this one! 💚

[@SarasBooksAndThings]

I adore this new series! The host is one of my favorite Instagramers and I love that she gets to host this series!

[@alexiskaas907]

Hi Alexis, my name is Alexis too. I am planting my first ever garden this spring and I wanted to learn more about what is happening on my property. I've watched many crash course series and I must say your energy and animation is on point! I'm super excited for you entire series!

[@storm6091]

i’ve been hoping for a botany related crash course and alexis is the PERFECT host 😭 so excited rn!!!

[@WildflowersCreations]

Absolutely love her energy ❤️❤️❤️!!! The presenter gets the students engaged just as much as the subject, thanks Crash Course for getting such a great teacher for this course.

[@ThemermaidPearl]

I'm so glad to see my favourite creator on my favourite channel. Can't wait to see what you do Alexis!

[@flybypotato6412]

I’m so happy you got your own show Alexis! ❤️❤️❤️

[@cnfzdbassist]

Alexis is such a natural host for this series. An amazingly engaging educator that makes me excited to learn and hooks my attention!!!

[@Thinkcrown]

My brain feels like it has room to unpack each sentence here-where in other CC courses, it often feel slightly rushed. I'm unsure if its Alexis's cadence, or what, but it's brilliant. Thanks for all the hard work, everyone involved.

[@thiagorocha9245]

I'm fully captivated. This crash course already is a hit.

[@spools.i1311]

One of my favorite branches of Science! Plants in general have been just so interesting to me, so I truly hope this series will satiate my hankering for everything about Botany ❤️🌱🌲

[@pluviophile-bookworm]

As an avid tree-hugger and flower enthusiast, I am so excited about this entire series!! I saw this in my recommended and immediately was like 'This is about to get good!' - and boy, was I right!! I am loving every minute of this and can't wait for more xx

[@siruianniefang1088]

This series is amazing and I've been waiting for it forever! Just a side note, the Chinese painting at 6:42 portrays people harvesting rice rather than sowing rice.

[@samij5419]

Yes! So happy for you Alexis! You are going to rock this crash course!

[@Ergoluline]

Talking about stones ... how about a Crash course geology ? Thanks for this one though, I already learned so much !

[@moss.goblins]

Yesssss there is no one better than Alexis to teach this course! So thrilled CrashCourse had the good sense to seek her out and she was willing to join! ❤

[@klenn7673]

im autistic and botany/plants is my special interest u have no idea how amazing it is to see this!!! especially with alexis, i love her!!!!

[@coldfisao]

Discovering new Crashcourse series is always a treat, thank you !

[@edwardlegend1564]

this host is so chaotic and energetic.Amazing😍😍

[@jonasholzer4422]

I knew everything she told me but I watched for the great style of presentation. I'm studying Geography and and in one course we're outside identifying plants and documenting our results. It's incredible how many beautiful, strange and interesting plants can be found on a few square meters of meadow or roadside if you just sit down and look closely. This has really increased my awareness of all the things going on in my environment and it gives me a sense of awe and exploration to now see different plants wherever I go 🌿

[@sydneyhlucas]

Yay Alexis! You go girl! Been watching you for a long time and you are perfect for this gig

[@ExoticTerrain]

The only thing I like better than Crash Course is growing plants! Loving this series!

[@thesamwisegamegee]

I’m so excited about this course series! Alexis is such an enrapturing teacher and host. I can’t wait for the next episode! 🌱

[@anasairah9947]

I'm so glad Alexis is the host here. I'm never missing an episode

[@tinahatch7440]

I'm still watching but I was so hype to see Alexis! Just the first 30 seconds exceeded even those high expectations. I am so thrilled for this course!

[@dumitrutrofosila6022]

Incredible energy!

[@nightmareslasher9510]

CrashCourse. A place I found out about 1 years ago, and since then, it has become my favourite.

[@Lognemn]

Alexis you slayed this lesson!. Thank you so much. Can not wait for more.

[@matthewwilcox2015]

As soon as I saw her promote this on her channel I was here. THANK YOU COLLABS! I’m dying to learn!

[@AphidKirby]

Yayyyyy sooo excited for this series!!! Been wishing for it since the start! Making people open their third eye for plants is sooo important

[@williambilyeu9801]

Plants have been genetically modified since the beginning of agriculture. Alexis even mentioned the modification of maise into modern corn in this episode.

[@adamco42]

there's a different between selective breeding/hybrid breeds and gene splicing, generally when people say "genetically modified" they're referring to gene splicing

[@tokofukawap4055]

She will tackle that in a future episode 😉

[@williambilyeu9801]

@@adamco42 The difference is that that although one does do selective breeding, one cannot control the results.

[@mrping2603]

This after the course on climate science is perfect!

[@andynoel9368]

I’m so happy she is involved in this. the way that she teaches is so wonderful, she’s the one who originally got me interested in foraging❤

[@piggy8435]

I used to watch Crash Course ~8 years ago when I was still in school. I switched to reading "A Very Short Introduction" books recently. But I really missed the amazing graphics and characters of Crash Course and this series looks great so far!

[@MakoWoman]

I’m so excited for this course!!! Alexis has the best energy 🤩

[@killerkupid]

This is wonderful! Can’t wait for the next episode:))

[@killerkupid]

Really enjoying this one so far

[@ASTRALPLANTAE]

Saw Alexis when the thumbnail started playing. Had to click. YESS. BEST CHOICE FOR HOST

[@matcha-latyay]

loving this series so far! 🌱🩵

[@lukewertenberger2921]

I love the idea for crash course botany! I’ve been waiting for something like this.

[@abigough5857]

I'm excited for this series! I would also love to see a crash course geology series

[@sveabryan9126]

What a delicious surprise to find crash course covers botany. Homeschool mom here and I was looking for visuals to go with our books. Information was presented in a fun and entertaining way with a deeper dive into the science. Good job everyone.

[@Netsinthepantry]

I’ve been watching Alexis for a while she is the person who got me interested in plants. Seeing a full video of her talking about plants is exactly what I needed. :)

[@heavensblood_]

Ooooh I am SO excited for this series. I love botany so much, and considered studying it when I was younger but realised it was more of a hobby interest than something I would want to choose a career in. That said, I am ALWAYS down to learn new stuff about plants. I hope there's an episode on carnivorous plants, because they fascinate me so much! Also, Alexis is awesome, and I genuinely cracked up and had to re-watch the "non-GMO salt" part three of four times because it was just such perfect sass 😂🖤

[@barrington5438]

You really make learning about plants so fun. Also I never thought of how many of our everyday uses things from plants. They’ve been so far removed as a resource other than just food in my mind.

[@rachelheintz7148]

Its so amazing to be able to watch Alexis reaching a wider audience! Shes so fun and clearly loves her topics and its awesome to watch!

[@user-hi1wm9tv8c]

Getting Alexis to teach this was a stroke of genius.. Her energy is allowing me to photosynthesise.

[@ladylibra1982]

Alexis was such a great choice for the botany series 😄 I loved her TikToks about plants, and now I get to learn even more on my fave KZbin channel! ❤

[@nowtrams]

I haven't watched crash course in so long. Thank you, Alexis, for getting me back on the wagon!

[@julianna8790]

I'm so happy I found this new series! I'm literally transferring to study landscape architecture and taking horticulture classes this semester so this is PERFECT :)

[@hbwill1812]

Yay! Alexis! This is awesome! I’m so proud to see you hosting your own show! There is no one better suited than you! ❤

[@Just2gofoods]

LOVE this series, looking forward to more episodes.

[@Leticiapais_]

You have no idea how much I needed this crash course. I love botany, but the way most specialists talk about makes ot difficult for me to pay attention and understand. I was literally crying in the intro, it was so fun and inspiring! Also, I'm glad you're not using the term "blindness" when it comes to plant awareness disparity. Thank you again!

[@carolpbarbalho]

OHMYGOSH I'm so excited for this series with Alexis!

[@denzellwalls564]

The blackforager is teaching!? SOLD

[@Ash-ul8xz]

I love her energy and I hope they keep letting her do videos for a long time.

[@connerb8899]

Thank you so much for starting this series. Alexis is who inspired and gave me the confidence to begin my responsible foraging journey. So excited to learn more of the fundamentals on crash course!

[@bearenbarnett5935]

so glad alexis is teaching this!!! i just graduated and i’m going to college next year in pursuit of a pharmacy degree, i have been interested in plants all my life and i’m excited to learn some pharmacognosy which is the branch of knowledge concerned with medicinal drugs obtained from plants or other natural sources!! just subbed to cc botany can’t wait for more episodes!!!

[@adriandatura]

I was listening while driving and had to fully pull over to re-watch the part about genetically modified salt 💀

[@mistyroller3470]

Black forager?? I'm so happy for her success!!

[@giannamelendez6029]

This makes me so happy. Alexis first planted my botany interest seed from TikTok!! Never been more excited for a KZbin video honestly

[@zoetheprof]

A few seconds into this video and I haven’t watched CC in years . Oh my god. You could save lives Alexis.. so entertaining and lively. I’m so happy !!!

[@j44i4]

Oh wow as someone who grew up watching Crash Course in school it means so much to see Alexis doing this botany series. I already love seeing and sharing her videos on tt and this is just absolutely amazing!!!

[@jossiewilliams6048]

Yayyy!!! I’m very happy about this!

[@matsmouth272]

I'm so excited as a botanist to see both Alexis doing this and that you guys are teaching this

[@thirtycats]

Listened to this wonderful episode while cutting the lawn… not with a mower but a scissors. (Saves wild flowers and is also very Zen/addictive)

[@TaraxOfficial.]

Welcome Alexis! I’m so excited to learn more from you on crashcourse

[@AlthenaLuna]

Alexis is such an enthusiastic host, always a good start.

[@lakmejones4994]

Im so excited for this series!!!

[@MQBEE]

I needed this ! Especially on a monday 💚

[@kaylarogle]

Great video! I love plants! I can’t wait for more! 🌱🪴

[@many_feet]

This looks like such a fun crash course

[@audreyammann5174]

I’m so frickin excited to watch this series

[@Dr.Peppermintz]

Love her energy and the way she goes about describing things; it's education but in a modern way that I'm sure relates with a lot of people. She's clearly enthusiastic and excited to share more. Can't wait for more videos.

[@tevinstewart3095]

love it cant wait to see more !!!!

[@phuonganh149]

This woman has such amazing energy and charisma. I can't stop smiling when listening to her.

[@cheyannelovellette6200]

This is the absolute best! Thank you to everyone for making this