Are You Plant Blind?

The term "plant blindness" describes the phenomenon whereby people fail to notice and appreciate the flora around them. This contributes to an overall lack of awareness of their ecological value and role in sustaining human life.

The term was coined by botanists James H. Wandersee and Elisabeth E. Schussler in 1998 in an attempt to raise awareness on the subject and its implications. Plant blindness can manifest in various ways including a lack of knowledge about plant species, difficulty in identifying plants, and a general disregard for the importance of plants in our daily lives.

While there are also biological, evolutionary, and other cultural factors influencing this growing issue, rapid urbanization and increased time spent on devices have accelerated our lack of engagement with nature. The result is an undervaluing of plants leading to diminishing interest in nature, plant research, conservation and agriculture. This not only impacts environmental health, but also has huge implications for human health, both physical and mental.

Major breakthroughs in plant research have produced hardier food crops for human consumption, and more than 28,000 plant species are used medicinally. Reduced interest in this field hinders advances in vital areas of research.

Numerous studies show that spending time around trees reduces blood pressure and stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline, while green spaces are proven to encourage prosocial behaviors, like compassion and empathy, in children and adolescents.

SUGi delivers Nature-based Solutions that build biodiversity, climate resilience, and wellbeing in cities. With 155 Pocket Forests planted in 28 cities, including 87 schools, we have reconnected close to 40,000 children & community members to Nature.

Through our Outdoor Classroom program, we make nature more accessible to future generations, and create a learning site that will help inspire a more sustainable and biodiverse world for tomorrow.