From Jurassic Park to The Martian: Five science fiction films that get botany (mostly) wrong

Science fiction films are a firm favourite for many. And whilst the genre specialises in speculative ideas, there is still a much-needed place for factual accuracy. Often, however, scientific detail falls by the wayside in big production films. Why let facts get the way of a good story, eh? Sadly for some, these glaring errors can be a distracting plot hole too far. In this episode, botanist James Wong gives his analysis of the botanical accuracy, or lack thereof, in his favourite sci-fi films. From The Martian to Jurassic Park, who knew plants were so hard to get right. But it’s not all bad, some films almost get it right. In 2015’s The Martian, botanist-turned-astronaut Mark Watney survives being marooned on the Red Planet by growing his own potatoes. Producing arguably more calories per square metre of growing space than any other conventional crop, potatoes are a logical choice. But the problem lies in how they travelled to Mars. -- Learn more ➤ Subscribe ➤ Get more from New Scientist: Official website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: About New Scientist: New Scientist was founded in 1956 for “all those interested in scientific discovery and its social consequences”. Today our website, videos, newsletters, app, podcast and print magazine cover the world’s most important, exciting and entertaining science news as well as asking the big-picture questions about life, the universe, and what it means to be human. New Scientist