Through these spiritual substances the plant can respond to the sphere of use that exists in the spiritual world. This sphere of use is like the soul, the living and guiding principle, within a plant. This is why it is that plants are of use to us in so many different ways. This is what the Writings say. And so it should not surprise us to learn that not only does every single plant have a use, but every plant also serves a use on more than one level.
Plants serve a use in the spiritual world.
There are plants in the spiritual world, for it is in that world that plants originate. Yet the beauty and wonder of the vegetable kingdom here on earth is as nothing compared to the beauty and wonder that is to be seen in the heavens. The Arcana describes how a famous botanist discovered after his death that there are flowers and trees in the other world as well. He was greatly surprised and greatly delighted. He was absolutely amazed at what he saw.