Economic botany is the interdisciplinary study of the relationship between people and plants, exploring how humans utilize flora for food, medicines, and commerce. This field, which intersects with disciplines like ethnobotany and pharmacology, has roots in early medicine and herbal remedies, with explorers as far back as Charles V's era seeking useful plants for sustenance and healing.
Contrary to common belief, significant advancements in plant diffusion and cultivation were pioneered by the Islamic Empire from the 7th century, introducing diverse citrus types to the Iberian Peninsula and laying foundational botanical knowledge. Later, during the Age of Exploration, Spanish expeditions commissioned by figures like King Charles III were largely driven by economic interests, particularly the spice trade, and the discovery of medicinal flora. This crucial field continues to investigate how plants, from ancient examples like teosinte to modern staples like rice, are modified and utilized to enhance their economic value and benefit humanity.