Plant Cuttings

Month: June 2024

  • Protective power of moss (etc.)

    Protective power of moss (etc.)

    Yousong Cao et al’s study shows that moss and cyanobacteria biocrusts protect the rammed-earth portions of the Great Wall of China. The biocrusts enhance the wall’s stability and reduce its erosion, emphasizing the crucial role that biocrusts can play in preserving ancient earthen structures.

  • Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 3

    Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 3

    The post concludes Mr P Cuttings’ evaluations of Kew’s Pocketbook series, and considers Carnivorous plants, Festive flora, Palms, and Cacti. Each book features botanical illustrations and introductions by experts but most of them lack the promised detailed annotations. Richly illustrated, the titles here considered – and the series as a…

  • Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 2

    Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 2

    This post provides a detailed evaluation of four titles from the Kew Pocketbook series, Houseplants, Mexican Plants, Herbs and Spices, and Fruit. Each book is lavishly illustrated and provides an introduction by an expert from Kew.

  • Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 1

    Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 1

    Titles in Kew’s Pocketbook series, featuring books with 40 botanical paintings from Kew’s extensive archive, showcases diverse plant groups and collections. Each book, lavishly includes plant examples, and an expert introduction. Although there is an unevenness in text to accompany the illustrations between titles, the series offers valuable collections of…