What is Botany Bay?

Botany Bay is a bay in the south of the Australian city of Sydney. In April 1770, the British, led by Captain James Cook, landed there for the first time on the east coast of Australia. The accompanying botanists, Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander, went ashore and were so fascinated by the incredible variety of plant species they found that they gave the bay the name “Botany Bay.

There is hardly a better name for a project that, in the broadest sense, is about the diversity of the plant world. With more than 400,000 vascular plant species worldwide, there is no shortage of topics to explore. In addition to this incredible biological diversity come the countless relationships between plants and people. They provide even more fascinating stories that are meant to be told here.

What’s on this page? This page is home to everything related to plants in one way or another. There’s only one rule: it has to be interesting. Otherwise, we don’t set any limits for ourselves. Inspiration comes from everywhere. What appears here next as a “headliner” often depends on chance. A plant mentioned in a novel or an ad for an herbal remedy can be the starting point for a post. Writing happens freely—whenever there’s a reason to do so. The main rhythm will surely be set by nature itself. The blooming of flora through the seasons is the same every year, yet it never ceases to fascinate. What else might grow out of Botany Bay in the future—travels, excursions, lectures, books, or art? That remains to be seen. This page marks a new beginning for Botany Bay after more than two decades of existence. Shortly after the turn of the millennium, we, as Botany-Bay GmbH, distributed foods with added health benefits. Now, the focus will be on botany as the “scientia amabilis”—the lovable science. Posts will appear in quick succession. Stay tuned!