Plants have been traveling around the world for centuries: as seeds, gifts, medicines, commodities, or objects of research. But who owns their genes, the knowledge associated with them, and the potential profits from their use? This lecture traces the journey of plants from the Amazon to botanical gardens and explains why their origin plays such an important role today. Using examples such as the rubber tree, medicinal plants, and plants in living collections, it explores colonial history, nature conservation, research, and global justice. What does it mean when a plant is “given” as a gift? When does botanical curiosity turn into research—and when is consent and fair participation required? An introduction to biodiversity, the Nagoya Protocol, and the responsibilities of botanical gardens.