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Humans and ornamental plants: a mutualism?
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 15:22 authored by Wilson, A, David Kendal, Moore, JLSince the Neolithic period, humans have surrounded themselves and their settlements with ornamental plants. Why? This paper explores this question using the theory of mutualism, which refers to a biological process where different species interact to the benefit of both. The paper first describes how ornamental plants are understood in contemporary academic thinking. Then it introduces the theory of mutualism, with particular attention to its historical roots. Discussion explores how humans and ornamental plants can indeed be conceived of as a mutualism. Two benefits are identified in adopting this approach. First, understanding the relationship as a mutualism could help to focus attention on the specific benefits provided by ornamental plants for people, and help legitimise the study of ornamental plants within the natural sciences. Mutualism potentially offers a complementary framework to existing social theory such as biophilia, that allows integration with approaches from the natural sciences to more fully understand both sides of the human-nature relationship.
History
Publication title
EcopsychologyVolume
8Issue
4Pagination
257-263ISSN
1942-9347Department/School
School of Geography, Planning and Spatial SciencesPublisher
Mary Ann Liebert Inc PublishersPlace of publication
United StatesRights statement
Copyright 2016 MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC.Repository Status
- Restricted