Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics Embracing the Myths, Traditions, Superstitions, and Folk-Lore of the Plant Kingdom — Reading Companion

A Dual Structure for Plant Lore

Folkard divides his volume into two sections: a digest and a fuller treatment. The preface explains that the first section is a digest of the second, aiming to make the work comprehensive and easy to reference. This structure suggests that readers might use the digest for quick consultation and the second section for deeper exploration. The inclusion of curious illustrations further enhances the reference value. Folkard's dual role as author and printer is noted with a wry remark that he cannot blame 'errors of the press' for mistakes. The list of principal works cited—from Albertus Magnus to Darwin—indicates the breadth of sources consulted.

The Dragon-tree: Botany and Belief

The entry on the Dracæna, or Dragon-tree, exemplifies how Folkard blends natural history with legend. He quotes Gerarde's description of the tree's bark yielding 'Dragon's Tears, or Sanguis Draconis,' a medicinal gum. The tree's berries supposedly contain a dragon-shaped form. Folkard recounts that the Guanches worshipped a venerable Dragon-tree at Orotava, which Humboldt saw in 1799. Humboldt's description—'its aspect feelingly recalls to mind that eternal youth of Nature'—is quoted, though the tree was later destroyed by storms. This entry moves from botanical detail to cultural veneration, showing how a plant can become sacred.

Contrasts in Fruit: Durian and Durva

Two entries highlight contrasting cultural valuations. The Durian, 'king of fruit' to Malays, has a custard-like pulp that resembles cream but emits an 'intolerable stench' compared to putrid animal substances. Folkard notes that despite the repugnance, the fruit is highly enjoyable once overcome. In contrast, the Durva grass is revered in Hindu tradition; the Atharvaveda implores it to grant absolution for a hundred faults and prolong life. The grass is described as tender, fresh, and substantial cattle food. These entries show how the same plant can be both repellent and prized, or humble and sacred, depending on cultural context.

Folkard's compilation invites readers to move between the digest and the detailed entries, observing how plants accumulate layers of meaning across cultures. The work's strength lies in its juxtaposition of botanical fact with myth, superstition, and ritual. Readers may find it useful to compare entries on similar plants from different traditions, noting how the same species can carry divergent symbolic weights.

There’s something tender about old books that take plants seriously as storytellers, the way Folkard does with his dragon-trees and durians. My copy feels like a quiet afternoon in a borrowed garden. It made me think of other rooted places, other voices. I keep returning to The Legends and Myths of Hawaii: The fables and folk-lore of a strange people — A Reader’s Guide, where the same gentle hush of belonging lingers.