'botanophilia' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'botanē', where 'botanē' meant 'plant, herb', combined with Greek 'philia' meaning 'love' (forming the combining form 'botano-' + '-philia').

'botanophilia' developed via New Latin/modern scientific coinage using the Greek roots: Greek 'botanē' → combining form 'botano-' in New Latin/scientific formation, plus Greek 'philia' → English 'botanophilia' (used in specialist or coined contexts).

Initially it literally meant 'love of plants/herbs' in the sense of affinity for plants; over time it has retained that core meaning and is used to denote a general fondness or enthusiasm for plants.