We analyze the transient hydromagnetic and thermal behavior of free convection flow past an impulsively started vertical plate which is embedded in a porous medium. The governing equations are solved in closed form by the Laplace-transform technique. A parametric study illustrating the influence of various parameters on the temperature, velocity as well as on the skin-friction and rate of heat transfer is conducted. The results of this parametric study are shown graphically. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.