Lingua Planta Understory (Merle Bergers) + The secret language of the plants giveaway

Lingua Planta Understory

 Lingua Planta Understory, image via Lingua Planta 

Since the dawn of time, humans have seen themselves as above other species, in more ways than just one. New research reveals that plants also communicate and exchange complex information with each other, with insects, animals, and even us, humans. This is the language of scent, this is Lingua Planta. The brand steps in, translating the hidden language of plants into perfumes, offering a new perspective on greenery with molecular-built perfumes with essential oils that come from nature. All Lingua Planta products are hand-blended in the Netherlands, crafted from the finest natural essential oils, and sourced with care for both quality and the environment.

Merle Bergers of Lingua Planta

Merle Bergers, photo via Lingua Planta

The heart (and nose) behind the brand is Merle Bergers – a conceptual designer – turned herbalist, who grew up immersed in the natural world of a small forest in the eastern part of the Netherlands, where she observed the intricate connections between plants, insects, and animals firsthand. During her studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven, she deepened her fascination with plant communication and her artistic sensibilities breathe in every detail of Lingua Planta. Influenced by the works of Peter Wohlleben and Robin Wall Kimmerer, Merle embarked on a journey to understand plants’ fragrant messages – and Lingua Planta is rooted in this scientific research, transforming the complex language of plants into an aesthetic olfactive translation.

In Merle’s words: “It all started as research on plant intelligence, as a way to form a bridge to the natural world. Plants emit volatile messages and no scent in nature is without meaning. When I realized this, I was so amazed and wanted to find a way to understand this language- and tell everybody about it. Back at the time, I wasn’t a perfumer yet but just had a great love for scent and a passion for sniffing everything olfactory that I would encounter. Lingua Planta became my graduation project at Design Academy where I graduated with honors because of this project. For my graduation, I made 3 scents; Attract, Repel, and Defend. As I really wanted to translate this research into something that can be used daily I embarked on the path of natural perfume. I read all the perfuming books by Mandy Aftel and others, listened to all the podcasts, all the YouTube videos, and everything there was to find on perfume making. I started crafting scents working with my own memories of nature, weaving in the plant messages that I learned about.

Lingua Planta Attract

Lingua Planta Attract, photo via the brand

The fragrance of bees and butterflies who encounter a Bulgarian rose, Lingua Planta Attract is inspired by the molecular language of flowers, and how they can lure pollinators to come closer. Rose, labdanum, and mimosa, honeyed, warm, floral, and sweet, Lingua Planta Attract is so beautiful that you can’t help but lean in for more. Bohemian and grounding, this is a must-try if you are a lover of honeyed, fresh interpretations of rose scents. Extra bonus point – my cat, who usually runs away when she hears the puff from a perfume sprayer, had absolutely no problem lying on my desk and was quite interested in occasionally sniffing my blotter.

Lingua Planta Repel

Lingua Planta Repel, photo via the brand

 Lingua Planta Repel is the fragrance of a lemon tree in a Sicilian vegetable garden in spring. Invigorating, refreshing, and citrusy, Repel is designed to uplift your senses and offer a refreshing reset. The top notes feature Sicilian bergamot, wild orange, lemon and in the heart it unfolds a purple cloud of lavender absolute and clary sage, leading to a grounding, sweet base of lush vetiver. What makes Repel unique is its use of natural materials that plants produce to repel insects, creating a natural sanctuary reminiscent of a lemon tree in a Sicilian vegetable garden. It’s an invigorating perfume with a little extra protection.

Lingua Planta Defend, photo via the brand

Fresh, soothing, and a little wild, Lingua Planta Defend unfolds on your skin like a morning walk through a verdant forest. It opens with the invigorating scent of cut grass and galbanum, transitioning into the rich aroma of forest air, sun-warmed benzoin resins, and the moist, earthy presence of oakmoss. Defend features the same phytoncides that expand the mind, replicating the regenerative power of nature. It is inspired by the defense mechanisms of trees, a beautiful olfactive metaphor on how plants communicate and protect each other through their scents.

Lingua Planta Henosis

Lingua Planta Henosis, photo via the brand

 “Priests believed that the smoke of incense was the only thing that could cross the barrier between earth and heaven. Leading to the original name for perfume: per fumum, or ‘through smoke’ Henosis is a perfume based on the age-old relationship we have with scent and ritual.” – Merle

Mystical, smoky, and calming, Lingua Planta Henosis captures the essence of a smoldering forest fire, enveloped by the soothing energy of cedarwood and frankincense. The warm fumes from resinous materials and the ambrette seeds have a naturally calming effect, while vetiver and oakmoss give it a grounding, calming quality.  Introspective, warm, enveloping, and meditative, a precious perfume that I will cherish and wear whenever I will feel homesick for the forests of my childhood and the rusty smell of October.

Lingua Planta Understory by natural perfumer Merle Bergers

Lingua Planta Understory, image via the brand 

Finally, going underground, this is the perfume I fell in love with: Lingua Planta Understory. The “Wood Wide Web” served as an inspiration for Lingua Planta Understory, capturing the essence of the underground intelligence, communication, and collaboration of the underground world – a secret realm, where roots and fungi intertwine to share nutrients, water, and even information, is a testament to the interconnectedness of life. One of the most cottage-core-forest-witch-whimsy-goth scents I have at the moment, Lingua Planta Understory is what I imagine hiding from the sun, deep underneath the undergrowth of the forest floor, would feel like. Earthy patchouli and vetiver, deep green mosses and pine, pale orange sun rays of amyris and tonka, filtered through the thick canopy, with just enough orris to make it purr on the skin. Made me think of the iconic scene from “El Laberinto del Fauno,” where Ofelia descends into the depths of an ancient tree, enveloped by the mystical, earthy ambiance, down on her way to meet the faun.

In Merle’s words: “May Understory serve as a symbol for all the unseen, forming ancient bonds, generating the soil that gives us life. This is an invitation to look under the surface of the undergrowth. Beneath the seedlings, saplings, smaller plants, and fallen leaves on the floor of a forest lies a mysterious world, carrying the wisdom of a billion years.

Top: Violet Leaf, Bergamot, Balsam Fir; Heart Notes: Sandalwood, Lavender Absolute, Dark Patchouli; Base Notes: Orris/iris Root Butter, Oakmoss Absolute, Frankincense

Nicoleta Tomsa, Senior Editor

Note: Understory was composed in 2020. Merle has also created a jewelry brand that I have stalked mercilessly on Instagram in the last few weeks, called “What’s in a Tear”, with bespoke pieces made from tears turned into pearls, check it out here: @whatsinatear

Disclosure: The discovery kit was offered by Lingua Planta. Opinions are my own.

Lingua Planta understory, repel, attract, defend henosis naturals

Lingua Planta Discovery kit  via the brand

Thanks to the generosity of Merle we have a discovery set of samples of all five for one registered reader in the US or EU. You must register or your entry will not count. To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on Nicoleta’s reviews and which Lingua Planta appeals to you the most. Draw closes June 18, 2024.

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35 comments

  • Nicoleta!!! ❤️❤️❤️ What a beautiful and fascinating review!!! I can’t wait to discover this brand!

  • Oh thank goodness it’s a discovery set because how does one pick from all that goodness? I love a natural perfume. It has a complexity and openness, a raw vulnerability and natural creativity that is just not possible with all synthetics (as great as those are!).
    I was humming to Stevie Wonders iconic 1979 album “Journey Through a Secret life of Plants” in my head as I read this and picturing all the mycelium growing underneath it all. I can’t wait to try these perfumes!!! Congratulations on graduating with honors Merle!
    Thank you for the chance to win, I am located in California.

  • Love Nicoleta’s review of Lingua Planta Attract. As a former beekeeper Iove honeyed a ented especially sweet floral layered with rose. We spend summer in the northern forest of Wisconsin near Lake Superior. We enjoy the understory as we walk through the miss and ferns there. April from My nbesota USA.

  • Eris.can.swatch.kaos says:

    This is the most unique parfum brand I’ve ever heard of. The stories described in Nicoleta’s review really inspire me to take a closer look at the nature surrounding me. Understory really piques my interest and I’m sure I will love it. I live in Oregon.

  • Nicoleta, I think you’ve enchanted me: all my favorite materials! This sounds like a line I would do well to explore. Many thanks for the sample draw.
    I live in South Boston, MA. USA

  • Oh my goodness! Perfumery + language + botany? Yes, please. I’m excited to learn more about these scents and this perfumer. I love the line in this review that quotes the perfumer: “plants emit volatile messages”
    I’d love to try them all but I’m very drawn to the scent profile of Attract.
    I am in the USA.

  • Ethan Nichols says:

    Great review! The henosis definitely caught my attention. It seems like it could be a smash hit for me! NJ USA here.

  • Wow, what a novel approach! This is wonderful and I love the whole idea of translating an actual scent language into a scent we can wear. I’d love to try every one of these, but Attract or Henosis sound the most intriguing to me. Henosis has all the notes I love but Attract sounds less like my kind of thing but at the same time truly interesting and a kind of Must Try.

  • chrisskins says:

    I’m glad a discovery set is being offered because it would be very hard to pick one based on Nicoleta’s description. If I had to pick, Defend would win. And because it’s cat approved, we know it’s the good stuff. I live in NY.

  • The secret thoughts of plants and their language is so intriguing. I had never heard of lingua planta but all nicoleta reviews sparked my interest. I think I would choose the mystical, smoking and calming Henosis has the most appeal so I am glad there’s a sample set. USA

  • Sherin Thomas says:

    Amazing review. I love the brand Nicoleta. What a beautiful and fascinating review!!! I can’t wait to discover this brand! From, PA,USA

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Never heard of Lingua Planta but Lingua Planta Henosis captured my attention.

    The essence of a smoldering forest fire, enveloped by the soothing energy of cedarwood and frankincense really peaked my interest.

    Would love to win this sample set. I don’t have much experience with natural scents & this would be a great introduction to that space.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • AromaDulce73 says:

    Never heard of Lingua Planta but Lingua Planta Henosis captured my attention.

    The essence of a smoldering forest fire, enveloped by the soothing energy of cedarwood and frankincense really peaked my interest.

    Would love to win this sample set. I don’t have much experience with natural scents & this would be a great introduction to that space.

    Los Angeles Ca. USA

  • What a fascinating concept Merle has thought about! The idea that we could decipher the language of all living things is just beautiful and I would myself be thrilled if I was capable of that. It thrills me that artists become more and more aware of our environment and not only on a level of sustainability, but also regarding the more hidden aspects, like plant intelligence.
    To me, Henosis sounds the most exciting, though it is difficult to choose, since they all sound so charming and represent a response or an aspect regarding flora.
    I live in EU.

  • chamberoflilith says:

    Love to see Merle here, I appreciate her work and I’d love to replenish my Lingua Planta stocks, since my own discovery set is almost finished. Before getting it, I thought Understory would be my favorite too, but upon discovering each scent, it became so difficult to choose one. I think Defend and Repel were the ones I’d reach for most often. Henosis is incredibly potent and special too. Love how Nicoleta mentions “El Laberinto del Fauno,” somehow this association and Merle’s description of Understory, “a symbol for all the unseen, forming ancient bonds, generating the soil that gives us life”, feel complementary. Writing from Romania

  • Oh I love the concept behind these fragrances so much! I am really drawn to perfumes that are interpretations of the outdoors and I love the realism of natural perfumery. They all sound amazing but Understory stands out the most, both for its inspiration and for the addition of the orris in an earthy foresty scent. Thanks for the opportunity to try this brand! I’m in MN, USA.

  • Max Corvinus says:

    Astonishing review, dear Nicoleta. I find the concept of Lingua Planta intriguing and would definitely be glad to test the creations.

    Understory and Henosis sound divine. I think these 2 would blow my mind as someone who prefers his perfume on the whimsical, Gothic side. Understory sounds perfect for the Summer, a fragrance with which I could hide away from the sun and survive the coming 2 months of pure Hell. Repel, however, sounds good for keeping insects away and as a Summer survival tool.
    Henosis appears to be up my alley. As a massive lover and heavy user of incense, particularly frankincense, I would definitely find beauty in this one.

    The cutest part of this review was learning that you are a cat person as well. Once I had Arcana (one of my cats) rubbing against my wrists like crazy just after applying oud oil. Animals also enjoy pleasant smells.

    I live in the EU

  • David Furman says:

    The name discovery set is appropriate these sound beautiful. This is well thought out and I love that the whole line represents different aspects or one main concept, plants. The essence of and the life of all things green. Would love to own, from Jacksonville, NC.

  • Nicoleta’s review beautifully captures the essence of Merle Bergers’ unique approach to perfumery. The concept of translating plant communication into fragrance is fascinating and innovative. I’m particularly intrigued by Henosis, with its blend of cedarwood and frankincense evoking the calm of a smoldering forest. It’s wonderful to see such creativity and depth in natural perfumery. I can’t wait to experience these scents for myself!

    From France EU

  • What an enchanting review! The way Nicoleta describes the interplay between botany and fragrance in Lingua Planta Understory is mesmerizing. The idea that plants emit ‘volatile messages’ and these are captured in a perfume is truly magical. I’m especially drawn to Defend, with its intriguing notes and the concept of it being ‘cat approved.’ This line definitely promises a sensory journey like no other

    From EU

  • What an enchanting review! The way Nicoleta describes the interplay between botany and fragrance in Lingua Planta Understory is mesmerizing. The idea that plants emit ‘volatile messages’ and these are captured in a perfume is truly magical. I’m especially drawn to Defend, with its intriguing notes and the concept of it being ‘cat approved.’ This line definitely promises a sensory journey like no other

    From EU

  • I find Merle Bergers’ work with Lingua Planta incredibly inspiring. Her unique perspective on plant communication and the art of translating nature’s hidden language into exquisite perfumes is both innovative and enchanting. The detailed and evocative descriptions of each scent truly capture the essence of nature’s olfactory messages. From the alluring warmth of “Attract” to the refreshing zest of “Repel,” the soothing wildness of “Defend,” the mystical calm of “Henosis,” and the deep, earthy richness of “Understory,” each fragrance tells a compelling story. As someone who cherishes the beauty of nature, I am particularly drawn to “Understory” for its intricate representation of the subterranean world, embodying the unseen connections that sustain life. Merle’s dedication to her craft and her profound understanding of plant intelligence make Lingua Planta a true bridge to the natural world, offering us a chance to experience its beauty and complexity in a deeply personal way.

    I Live in Nashville, TN,

  • Merle Bregers of Lingua Planta makes such interesting things! The concept of pairing together notes that convey similar messages from plants is really something I haven’t heard of before yet it sounds so logical! I’m in eu

  • I’m fascinated by plant intelligence and connection so the concept of using that as a starting point for a natural perfumery brand hits all the right spots! I also love how Merle started with the three core scents of Attract, Repel, and Defend, the three core plant messages. Of these five fragrances, the scent notes of Understory speak to me the most – certainly because of the conceptual aspect of taking the “Wood Wide Web” of mycorrhizae and making it present in scent, but also because I love a good, earthy patcholi/vetiver scent!

    Best wishes from NJ, USA!

  • I enjoyed reading about how plants communicate using scent, and how Merle developed 3 scents for her project. I would love to be able to sample her lingua planta perfumes. Thank you for the lovely review and the draw! I’m in the US.

  • Patricia R. says:

    Something tells me this project is very authentic as for what we, humans, hold fragrance for. the three scents have purpose; the purpose of plants life manifests through not just attracting: defending and repelling is as important. As an alchemist analyses and synthesizes elements, all falls in place in the higher structure, so is the perfumer finding the reason behind the physical components. I am enthralled to try these one day. I live in the EU.

  • Interesting review; research into the ways plants communicate and interact in a biome is compelling. Merle Bergers took that idea in a really thoughtful direction with the Lingua Planta fragrances, working with essential oils and ideas around how plants interface with their environment. Nicoleta’s cat likes Attract, but I’m intrigued by Repel’s use of natural insect repellents, and its invigorating style for hot weather. Understory seems like a particularly great place to start with Berger’s work, with its moody, earthy notes, which reinforce the natural environment theme of the Lingua Planta series.

    I’m in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway—I’d love to try this discovery set.

  • The mystical smoky and calming elements of this perfume really sparked my interest. Understory really appeals to me. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • Oooh! This whole line sounds absolutely thrilling. And I love that the giveaway is for a discovery set, because I really would like to try ALL of these. Fascinating concept. Defend interests me most because I am a sucker for a fresh-cut grass note, but they all sound very interesting. Thank you for the opportunity, I’m in the USA!

  • roxhas1cat says:

    Yes, I am a fan of honeyed fresh rose scents!! I see why Nicoleta is stalking that jewelry….beautiful. I would love to try these fragrances. USA.

  • ScentofAbsinthe says:

    As a perfumer who is personally endeavored in extracting the scents of the forest by coming home with hands full of mushrooms, bags of moss, and especially fragrant fungi I then soak in alcohol.

    I would love an opportunity to sample a perfume made by such a creative individual.

    The mention of her jewelry line intrigued me, as well. It very much makes me interested in the jewelry and how the perfumer’s other interests speak to the skill of her creativity.

    I am from Virginia in USA, a dedicated Cafleurbon reader who has not yet been lucky enough to win a giveaway, and would love an opportunity to be blessed with some fragrances to experiment with! Much love. -J

  • foreverscents says:

    I like to spend as much time in forests as possible, so Lingua Planta strongly appeals to me. I love the entire concept, but I am most interested in Defend. Well, I feel that forests and trees defend me against depression and feeling lost in this world. I also adore anything that smells of cut grass and galbanum.
    I live in the USA.

  • madamepeace says:

    The honeyed quality of Lingua Planta Attract struck me the most! A honeyed and brand new approach to a Bulgarian rose scent. Honestly all of them sound exquisite and very unique. I would love to try any of them! In US.

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the lovely writeup Nicoleta.

    Your review/brief did a great deal of justice to the sensibility of the brand.

    I really enjoyed reading about the path of this inquisitive perfumer and find inspiration in it. Having read Merlin Sheldrake’s book on Fungi and thinking about how connected all plants are through their fungal networks, it was really cool to see how Understory was developed.

    I would love to sample this brand.

    Cheers from WI, USA