The Green Hand of Justice with David Gibson

Missing Magnolias

Ever wondered how a simple leaf or a speck of pollen can crack a case? Dr. David Gibson, a forensic botanist, professor, and author of Planting Clues: How Plants Solve Crimes teaches us to how to combat 'plant blindness:' the idea that plants are all just the same thing.

Dr. David Gibson reveals:

The secret language of plants: How seemingly unremarkable botanical evidence can link suspects to crime scenes, pinpoint the location of a crime, and even identify victims.

Real-life detective work: How in the infamous Ted Bundy case plant evidence played a crucial role in bringing him to justice, as well as court cases involving expert testimony like renowned botanist, Dr. Jane Bock, who offered her expertise on the 'leaf litter' from the body dumping site.

Beyond the naked eye: How the microscopic world of plant forensics, where pollen, fungal spores, and diatoms hold hidden clues invisible to the untrained eye.

The science behind the sleuthing: How plant DNA analysis is revolutionizing the field, with applications ranging from identifying illegal plant trafficking to aiding farmers and conservation efforts.

Plants as silent witnesses: We delve into the dark side of botany, exploring the history of plant poisons used in crimes and the challenges of detecting them in toxicology reports.

Be sure to follow David Gibson on his website and Instagram.

You can purchase Planting Clues here.