This listing is primarily of resources that one might categorise as a bibliography – books, etc. that the writer has consulted in writing the piece – and may therefore have influenced their thinking about topics, etc. – but which have not contributed identifiable facts or ideas that require a citation. Where some of the books have directly contributed ideas they are acknowledged in-text. The same goes for the various internet sources. More generally, this listing comprises books and resources Mr P Cuttings has found useful or enjoyable. I trust that it will be of use to those who want to take their interests in certain subjects further than has been possible within the confines of the book’s pages, or/and who would like to use them in their teaching, etc.
A note on sources used/cited in this book
In a work of scholarship – such as this draft book – it is important to cite trusted sources in support of the various statements of fact that are made therein. This I have tried to do. However, recognising that this project may be used in a more educational setting than most books I have tried to use sources that are likely to be widely available/accessible (or are feely available on line with a little bit of judicious searching…) to those in an educational – rather than academic (if such a distinction can exist) – environment. To that end I have made liberal use of Encyclopaedia Britannia Online and review articles sometimes at the expense of primary research articles. You will note that Wikipedia features but rarely in the list of references. Although Wikipedia was used widely and extensively to provide ideas, etc in my early researches this article, I’ve tried to follow up ideas from Wikipedia articles by use of the extensive bibliographies that they usually provide. In that way I hope to have avoided providing erroneous information.
Books
John Akeroyd et al., 2021. Plants & us: How they shape human history and society. GB Publishing Org [https://www.botany.one/this-plant-book-is-amazing/].
Adam Alexander, 2022. The seed detective: Uncovering the secret histories of remarkable vegetables. Chelsea Green Publishing UK [https://www.botany.one/the-seed-sleuth-forensic-botany-goes-veggie/].
Joseph E Armstrong, 2014. How the Earth turned green: A brief 3.8-billion-year history of plants. The University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/how-the-earth-turned-green/].
David Attenborough, 1995. The private life of plants. BBC Books [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/413678.The_Private_Life_of_Plants] (accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/privatelifeofpla0000atte])
Michael J Balick & Paul Alan Cox, 2021. Plants, people, and culture: The science of ethnobotany, 2nd edition. CRC Press [https://www.botany.one/new-edition-of-iconic-ethnobotany-text/]
Simon Barnes, 2022. The green planet: The secret life of plants. Witness Books [https://www.botany.one/how-green-is-my-planet/].
Simon Barnes, 2022. The history of the world in 100 plants. Simon & Schuster UK [https://www.botany.one/100-plants-that-make-the-world/]
Stephen Barstow, 2014. Around the world in 80 plants. Permanent Publications [https://www.botany.one/80-shades-of-plants/].
Yota Batsaki et al. (Eds), 2016. The botany of empire in the long eighteenth century. Dumbarton Oaks [https://www.botany.one/botany-317-years-long-century/].
David Beerling, 2007. The emerald planet. Oxford University Press [https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-emerald-planet-9780192806024?cc=gb&lang=en&]. (accessible at The Internet Archive here [https://archive.org/details/emeraldplanethow0000beer/mode/2up]). [use of plants as evidence for Earth history, also role of plants as moulders of Earth history…] [Review at https://www.academia.edu/26538054/The_emerald_planet]
David Beerling, 2019. Making Eden. Oxford University Press [https://www.botany.one/from-emerald-planet-to-eden-with-prof-beerling/].
Stephen Blackmore (Consultant Editor), 2018. How plants work: Form, diversity, survival. Ivy Press [https://www.botany.one/how-do-plants-work/].
Bryan G Bowes & James D Mauseth, 2008. Plant structure: A colour guide, 2e. Manson Publishing [https://api.pageplace.de/preview/DT0400.9781840766370_A24166815/preview-9781840766370_A24166815.pdf] [Review at https://www.academia.edu/26538007/Plant_structure_A_colour_guide_2nd_edn] [Review available at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2859923/pdf/mcq056.pdf]
Andreas Bresinsky et al., 2013. Strasburger’s plant sciences. Springer [https://www.botany.one/strasburgers-plant-sciences-including-prokaryotes-fungi/].
Alec Bristow, 1978. The sex life of plants. Holt, Rinehart and Winston. (Accessible at The Internet Archive here [https://archive.org/details/sexlifeofplants0000bris])
Bernd Brunner, 2021. Taming fruit: How orchards have transformed the land, offered sanctuary, and inspired creativity. Greystone Books Ltd [https://www.botany.one/cultivating-interest-in-fruits/].
Bob B Buchanan et al. (Eds), 2015. Biochemistry and molecular biology of plants, 2nd Edition. Wiley [https://www.botany.one/the-beast-is-released/].
Burkhard Büdel et al., 2024. Biology of algae, lichens and bryophytes. Springer Spektrum Berlin, Heidelberg [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/05/02/algae-lichens-and-bryophytes-all-together/].
Helen & William Bynum, 2023. Remarkable plants. Thames & Hudson [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/11/22/these-plants-really-are-remarkable/].
Matt Candeias, 2021. In defense of plants: An exploration into the wonder of plants. Mango Publishing [https://www.botany.one/in-celebration-of-plants/].
Daniel Chamovitz, 2017 (updated and expanded edition). What a plant knows: A field guide to the senses. Scientific American/Farrar, Strauss and Giroux [https://www.whataplantknows.com/]. [an exploration of plant ‘senses’…thoughtful stuff]
Maarten JM Christenhusz et al., 2017. Plants of the world: An illustrated encyclopedia of vascular plants. Kew Publishing/University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/all-the-worlds-plants-are-in-here/] [essential for the hard-core botanical side of angiosperms – much of economic botanical interest, too]
Raymond Cooper & Jeffrey John Deakin, 2016. Botanical miracles: Chemistry of plants that changed the world. CRC Press [https://www.botany.one/blooming-brilliant-botanical-miracles/].
James Costa & Bobbi Angell, 2023. Darwin and the art of botany: Observations on the curious world of plants. Timber Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2023/12/24/charles-darwin-botanist/].
Emma Crawforth, 2023. Things to do with plants: 50 ways to connect with the botanical world. Kew Publishing [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/05/03/practical-ways-to-tackle-plant-blindness/].
Richard Crang et al., 2018. Plant anatomy: A concept-based approach to the structure of seed plants. Springer [https://www.botany.one/teaching-plant-anatomy-via-hangman/].
Fred Czarra, 2009. Spices: A global history. Reaktion Books (accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/spicesglobalhist0000czar_y9h9/mode/2up]) [a short guide to spices, in a global context…]
Peter Dale, 2025. The green fuse: Essays in making sense of gardens. Reaktion Books [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/11/28/what-are-gardens-for/].
Elizabeth A Dauncey & Melanie–Jayne R Howes, 2020. Plants that cure: A natural history of the world’s most important medicinal plants. Kew Publishing [https://www.botany.one/plants-that-cure/].
Elizabeth Dauncey & Sonny Larsson, 2018. Plants that kill: A natural history of the world’s most poisonous plants. Kew Publishing [https://www.botany.one/plants-that-kill/].
Jane Desmarais, 2018. Monsters under glass: A cultural history of hothouse flowers from 1850 to the present. Reaktion Books Ltd [https://www.botany.one/monstrous-botanicals-the-darker-side-of-the-human-imagination/].
Stéphane Douady et al., 2024. Do plants know math? Unwinding the story of plant spirals. Princeton University Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/12/20/mathematical-plants/].
Jonathan Drori, 2018. Around the world in 80 trees. Laurence King Publishing Ltd [https://www.botany.one/80-wonderful-trees-and-their-stories/].
Jonathan Drori, 2021. Around the world in 80 plants. Laurence King Publishing Ltd [https://www.botany.one/glorious-global-gambol-through-the-plants/].
Jonathan Drori, 2025. the stuff that stuff is made of: Things we make with plants. Magic Cat Publishing [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/09/26/pulling-the-stuffing-out-of-plants/].
Christine du Bois, 2018. The Story of Soy. Reaktion Books Ltd [https://www.botany.one/taking-glycine-to-the-max/].
Sarah Edwards, 2023. The ethnobotanical: A tour of indigenous plant knowledge. Greenfinch Publishing [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/08/23/putting-indigenous-plant-knowledge-where-it-belongs/].
Norman C Ellstrand, 2018. Sex on the kitchen table: The romance of plants and your food. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/plant-food-and-sex-lots-of-sex/].
Tim Entwisle, 2025. The sceptical botanist: Separating fact from fiction. CSIRO Publishing [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/08/29/a-sceptical-look-at-plants/].
Frederick Essig, 2015. Plant life: A brief history. Oxford University Press [https://www.botany.one/plant-lives-a-timely-coincidence/].
Ray F Evert & Susan E Eichhorn, 2013. Raven biology of plants, 8e [International edition]. New York: WH Freeman and Company [https://www.macmillanlearning.com/ed/uk/product/Biology-of-Plants–8th-edition/p/1464113513]
Carolyn Fry et al., 2011. The last great plant hunt. Kew Publishing [https://www.botany.one/banking-on-future-food-security/].
Monica Gagliano et al. (Eds), 2017. The language of plants: Science, philosophy, literature. University of Minnesota Press [https://www.botany.one/if-we-could-talk-to-the-plants/].
David J Gibson, 2022. Planting clues: How plants solve crimes. Oxford University Press [https://www.botany.one/crime-scene-botanics-the-forensic-side-of-botany/].
Annette Giesecke & David Mabberley (Eds), 2022. A cultural history of plants. Bloomsbury Publishing [https://www.botany.one/you-cant-beat-a-good-book/].
Alan Graham, 2018. Land bridges: Ancient environmental plant migrations, and New World connections. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/plants-bridging-the-gaps/].
John Gribbin & Mary Gribbin, 2008. Flower hunters. Oxford University Press [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/2715649-flower-hunters]. [Biographies of 12 famous botanists from the late 17th to the early 20th centuries. Good writing and highly readable]
Andrew Griebeler, 2024. Botanical icons: Critical practices of illustration in the premodern Mediterranean. The University of Chicago Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/04/19/iconic-plants-of-the-mediterranean/].
Matthew Hall, 2011. Plants as persons: A philosophical botany. [https://www.botany.one/blurring-the-boundaries-between-plants-and-people/].
Francis Hallé, 2002. In praise of plants. Timber Press [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/francis-hall%C3%A9/in-praise-of-plants/9781604692624/]. [a little too heavy on the philosophy side for my liking, but certainly makes you look at plants with a new found respect]
Francis Hallé with Éliane Patriarca, 2018. Atlas of poetic botany. The MIT Press [https://www.botany.one/a-tropical-botany-delight/].
James F Hancock, 2021. Spices, scents and silk: Catalysts of world trade. CABI [https://www.botany.one/plants-and-plant-products-promoting-global-trade/].
Thor Hanson, 2015. The triumph of seeds: How grains, nuts, kernels, pulses, and pips conquered the Plant Kingdom and shaped human history. Basic Books [https://www.botany.one/the-triumph-of-hanson/].
Gavin Hardy & Laurence Totelin, 2016. Ancient botany. Routledge [https://www.botany.one/tracing-the-roots-stems-leaves-fruits-of-modern-botany/].
Stephen A Harris, 2021. Roots to seeds: 400 years of Oxford botany. Bodleian Library [https://www.botany.one/celebrating-botanys-400th-birthday/].
Stephen A Harris, 2023. The beauty of the flower: The art and science of botanical illustration. Reaktion Books [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/02/16/plants-when-two-dimensions-is-enough/].
Stephen A Harris, 2025. 50 plants that changed the world. Bodleian Library Publishing [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/06/20/50-influential-plants-that-shaped-our-world/].
Christina Harrison & Tony Kirkham, 2024. Remarkable trees. Thames & Hudson [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/11/29/and-these-are-remarkable-trees/].
Diana E Hill & Edmée Cudmore (Eds), 2018. Mr Guilfoyle’s Shakespearian botany. The Miegunyah Press [https://www.botany.one/bigging-up-bills-botany/].
Ben Hoare, 2022. The secret world of plants: Tales of more than 100 remarkable flowers, trees, and seeds. Dorling Kindersley [https://www.botany.one/more-plant-secrets-please-share/].
Kevin Hobbs & David West, 2020. The story of trees and how they changed the way we live. Laurence King Publishing Ltd [https://www.botany.one/tales-of-100-trees/].
Henry Hobhouse, 2005. Seeds of change: Six plants that transformed mankind. New York: Shoemaker & Hoard. Accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/seedsofchangesix0000hobh_n5m1/mode/2up]. [highly readable: quinine, sugar, tea, cotton, potato, and coca…]
Henry Hobhouse, 2003. Seeds of wealth. Pan Books. Accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/seedsofwealthfou0000hobh/mode/2up] [highly readable: timber, wine, rubber, tobacco…]
Clive R Hollin, 2024. The psychological appeal of gardens. Routledge [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/12/06/psychology-in-the-garden/].
Ed Ikin, 2020. Rare plants: The story of 40 of the world’s most unusual and endangered plants. Welbeck Publishing Group [https://www.botany.one/do-we-need-another-picture-book-about-plants/].
Heinrich Eduard Jacob, 2007. Six thousand years of bread: Its holy and unholy history. Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. (accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/sixthousandyears0000jaco] [actually a reprint of a 60-year old classic, but full of fascinating farinaceous facts. Highly readable!]
Bonnie Lander Johnson (Ed.), 2025. The Cambridge handbook of literature and plants. Cambridge University Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/05/23/plants-in-the-literary-tradition/].
Walter S Judd & Graham A Judd, 2017. Flora of Middle-Earth: Plants of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium. OUP [https://www.botany.one/talking-tolkien-and-plants/].
Barrie E Juniper & David J Mabberley, 2019. The extraordinary story of the apple. Kew Publishing [https://www.botany.one/the-extraordinary-story-of-an-ordinary-fruit/].
Richard Karban, 2015. Plant sensing & communication. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/hearing-you-loud-and-clear/].
Ruth Kassinger, 2019. Bloom: From food to fuel, the epic story of how algae can save our world. Elliott & Thompson [https://www.botany.one/three-kinds-of-algae-blooming-marvellous-news/]. [algae are considered to be plants for this review…]
John Keay, 2005. The spice route: A history. London: John Murray .https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/174499.The_Spice_Route. (Accessible at The Internet Archive here [https://archive.org/details/spiceroutehistor0000keay/mode/2up]) [extremely readable and well written – lots of history and plants-and-people emphasis…]
David O Kennedy, 2014. Plants and the human brain. Oxford University Press [https://www.botany.one/human-mind-control-by-plants/].
Luke Keogh, 2020. The Wardian case: How a simple box moved plants and changed the world. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/dr-ward-and-the-case-of-the-globe-trotting-plants/].
Dorling Kindersley, 2018. Flora: Inside the secret world of plants. Dorling Kindersley [https://www.botany.one/visually-stunning-flora-for-juvenile-and-adult-fauna/].
Dorling Kindersley, 2022. The science of plants: Inside their secret world. Dorling Kindersley [https://www.botany.one/plant-science-the-secrets-out/].
Dorling Kindersley, 2022. The tree book. Dorling Kindersley [https://www.botany.one/the-tree-book-a-book-about-trees-and-people/].
John King, 2011. Reaching for the sun: How plants work, 2e. Cambridge University Press [https://assets.cambridge.org/97805217/36688/frontmatter/9780521736688_frontmatter.pdf] [Review at https://www.academia.edu/26538026/Reaching_for_the_sun_How_plants_work_2nd_edn]
Herbert S Klein, 2010. The Atlantic slave trade, 2e. Cambridge University Press [https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/atlantic-slave-trade/DA742639934199ABD1B80DD9FD868E90]. [facts and figures behind this abominable activity]
Sandra Knapp, 2022. In the name of plants: From Attenborough to Washington, the people behind plant names. The University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/plants-named-for-the-great-the-good-and-the-bad/].
Sandra Knapp, 2025. Flower day. The University of Chicago Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/06/06/24-hours-of-flower-power/]
Dov Koller, 2011. The restless plant, edited by Elizabeth van Volkenburgh. Harvard University Press [https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674048638] [Review at https://www.academia.edu/26538043/The_restless_plant]
Hansjoerg Kraehmer & Peter Baur, 2013. Weed anatomy. Wiley-Blackwell [https://www.botany.one/weed-anatomy-in-the-spotlight/].
Michael Krondl, 2007. The taste of conquest: The rise and fall of the three great cities of spice. Ballantine Books [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Taste_of_Conquest].
Bill Laws, 2010. Fifty plants that changed the course of history. David & Charles [https://shop.kew.org/fifty-plants-that-changed-the-course-of-history?srsltid=AfmBOooKdcfYQolWyo2YYkkJANITvf0PaIFtzV8F1oGX_zoI4XZmAsJP]. [quite literally, does what it claims to do!] [Review at https://www.academia.edu/26538050/Fifty_Plants_that_changed_the_course_of_history]
David Lee, 2017. Nature’s fabric: Leaves in science and culture. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/what-do-you-know-about-leaves/].
Estelle Levetin & Karen McMahon, 2012. Plants and society, 6e. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. (accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/plantssociety0000leve_e2d8]) [very good introduction to all aspects of subject]
Anna Lewinton, 2003. Plants for people, 2e. Eden Project Books (Transworld Publishers) [https://marinet.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S113C1560986]. [broad, general coverage: excellent value at around £20]
Fay-Wei Li & Jacob Suissa, 2025. Ferns: Lessons in survival from Earth’s most adaptable plants. Hardie-Grant Publishing [https://plantcuttings.uk/2026/01/23/a-super-book-about-fern-biology/]
Qing Li, 2018. Forest bathing: How trees can help you find health and happiness. Viking, 2018 [https://www.botany.one/lets-go-down-to-the-forest-to-bathe/].
Meg Lowman, 2025. Tree day. The University of Chicago Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/10/24/24-hours-in-the-botanical-8th-continent/]
David J Mabberley, 2017. Mabberley’s plant-book: A portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses, 4th Edition. Cambridge University Press [https://www.botany.one/mabberleys-plant-book-book-plants/].
Stefano Mancuso, 2018. The revolutionary genius of plants: A New understanding of plant intelligence and behavior. Atria Books [https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/The-Revolutionary-Genius-of-Plants/Stefano-Mancuso/9781501187858]
Stefano Mancuso, 2020. The incredible journey of plants. Other Press [https://www.botany.one/plants-animated-dynamic-and-mobile/].
Stefano Mancuso, 2021. The nation of plants. Other Press [https://www.botany.one/plants-plan-preserves-people-and-planet/].
Stefano Mancuso, 2023. Tree stories: How trees plant our world and connect our lives. Profile Books [https://plantcuttings.uk/2023/11/03/every-tree-has-a-tale-to-tell/].
Stefano Mancuso & Alessandra Viola, 2015. Brilliant green: The surprising history of plant intelligence. Island Press [https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9781610917315/brilliant-green]
Yiannis Manetas, 2012. Alice in the land of plants: Biology of plants and their importance for planet Earth. Springer Berlin, Heidelberg [https://www.botany.one/alice-in-the-wonderland-of-plants/].
James D Mauseth, 2013. Plants & people. Jones & Bartlett Learning. Accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/plantspeople0000maus] [very good introduction to all aspects of the subject]
Marta McDowell, 2023. Gardening can be murder: How poisonous poppies, sinister shovels, and grim gardens have inspired mystery writers. Timber Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/01/12/for-a-long-life-avoid-the-garden/].
Fiona McMillan-Webster, 2022. The age of seeds: How plants hacked time and why our future depends on it. Thames & Hudson Australia [https://www.botany.one/sowing-the-seeds-of-future-food-security/].
Hans Meidner & David W Sheriff, 1976. Water and plants. Glasgow, UK: Blackie. Available from The Internet Archive at https://archive.org/details/waterplants0000meid/page/4/mode/2up?q=wall
Christopher Mills, 2016. The botanical treasury. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/sensuous-botanical-delight/].
Giles Milton, 1999. Nathaniel’s nutmeg: How one man’s courage changed the course of history. Hodder & Stoughton [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/983951.Nathaniel_s_Nutmeg]
Beronda Montgomery, 2021. Lessons from plants. Harvard University Press [https://www.botany.one/plant-parables-for-the-21st-century/].
Alan G Morton, 1981. History of botanical science. Academic Press [https://www.abebooks.com/9780125083805/History-Botanical-Science-A.G-Morton-0125083807/plp] (accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/historyofbotanic0000mort])
David Moster, 2018. Etrog: How a Chinese fruit became a Jewish symbol. Palgrave Pivot [https://www.botany.one/the-incredible-journey-of-etrog-a-most-religious-fruit/].
Denis J Murphy, 2007. People, plants, and genes: The story of crops and humanity. Oxford: Oxford University Press [https://global.oup.com/academic/product/people-plants-and-genes-9780199207145?cc=gb&lang=en&].
Toby Musgrave & Will Musgrave, 2000. An empire of plants: People and plants that changed the world. Cassell & Co. Accessible at The Internet Archive [https://archive.org/details/empireofplantspe0000musg_x4w7/page/n5/mode/2up] [covers similar ground to Hobhouse, but with pictures and some additional information]
John Newton, 2009. The roots of civilisation: Plants that changed the world. Pier 9, Murdoch Books [https://www.biblio.com/book/roots-civilisation-plants-changed-world-newton/d/1606800507?srsltid=AfmBOorby5027HqonzjK1cfmYFs3XFZR63obvjzAbR5ltbqqSTeD5Vzv]. [more people insights into iconic plants]
Henry Oakeley (Ed.), 2024. Modern medicines from plants: Botanical histories of some of modern medicine’s most important drugs. CRC Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/12/13/botanical-origins-of-modern-medicines/].
Anna Pavord, 2005. The naming of names. Bloomsbury Publishing Co [https://thedailygardener.org/book20190524/]. [how the plant world came to be ordered and classified…]
Marcello Pennacchio et al., 2010. Uses and abuses of plant-derived smoke: Its ethnobotany as hallucinogen, Perfume, incense, and medicine. Oxford University Press [https://api.pageplace.de/preview/DT0400.9780199708475_A23608001/preview-9780199708475_A23608001.pdf]. [an encyclopaedia of plants and the smokes derived therefrom…]
John Perlin, 2023. A forest journey: The role of trees in the fate of civilization. Patagonia Works [https://www.botany.one/perlins-potentially-perfect-plants-and-people-publication/].
Michael Perry, 2022. Hortus curious: Discover the world’s most weird and wonderful plants and fungi. Dorling Kindersley [https://www.botany.one/the-geeks-guide-to-weird-and-wonderful-plants/].
Phaidon Editors, 2016. Plant: Exploring the botanical world. Phaidon [https://www.botany.one/pulchritudinous-plant-phantasmagoria/].
Michael Pollan, 2003. The botany of desire: A plant’s-eye view of the world. London: Bloomsbury [https://michaelpollan.com/books/the-botany-of-desire/] (read an extract here [https://michaelpollan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/botany_of_desire_excerpt.pdf]) [so, you thought people were in control of the plants? Think again!]
Jennifer Potter, 2013. Seven flowers and how they shaped our world. Atlantic Books Ltd, London [https://www.jenniferpotter.co.uk/book/seven-flowers-and-how-they-shaped-our-world/] [Tales associated with lotus, lily, sunflowers, opium poppy, rose, tulip, and orchid…]
Reaktion Books’ Botany series, “the first of its kind, integrating horticultural and botanical writing with a broader account of the cultural and social impact of trees, plants and flowers. Accessibly written yet encompassing the latest scholarship, each title features around 100 fine images, including c. 50 in colour” [https://reaktionbooks.co.uk/series/botanical]. Books in that series I’m happy to recommend (because I’ve read them) are:
Fred Gray’s Palm [https://www.botany.one/a-date-with-history-the-past-present-and-future-of-palms/]
Rose by Catherine Horwood [https://www.botany.one/roses-hip-hip-hooray/]
Elizabeth Lawson’s Primrose [https://www.botany.one/primroses-and-primulas-aplenty/], and Moss and lichen [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/02/28/moss-and-lichen-a-deep-dive-into-cryptogams/]
Birch by Anna Lewinton [https://www.botany.one/bring-on-the-birch/]
Ash by Edward Parker [https://www.botany.one/the-mighty-ash-tree-of-materials-mythology-and-medicine/]
Chrysanthemum by Twigs Way [https://www.botany.one/mums-the-word-in-new-plant-book/]
Sunflowers by Stephen Harris [https://www.botany.one/the-cosmopolitan-compositae-or-sunflowers-at-large/]
Dan Torre’s Carnivorous plants [https://www.botany.one/read-all-about-it-plants-that-get-their-own-back-on-animals/], and Orchid [https://plantcuttings.uk/2023/12/08/dans-the-man-the-orchid-man/]
Eucalyptus by Stephen D Hopper [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/12/05/eucalypts-book-review/]
House plants by Mike Maunder [https://www.botany.one/house-plants-the-exotic-within-the-home/]
Rowan by Oliver Southall [https://www.botany.one/the-poet-and-the-tree-the-mythology-of-rowan/]
Mulberry by Peter Coles [https://www.botany.one/mankind-and-the-magnificent-mulberry-a-plants-and-people-tale/]
Gareth Richards, 2021. Weeds: The beauty and uses of 50 vagabond plants. Welbeck, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society [https://www.botany.one/welcome-to-the-wonderful-world-of-weeds/].
Joe Richomme & Emma Wayland, 2022. Plant words: A book of 250 curious words for plant lovers. Welbeck [https://www.botany.one/curious-about-plants-lets-have-a-word-or-two-hundred-and-fifty/].
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, 2018. Marianne North: The Kew collection. Kew Publishing [https://www.botany.one/to-find-true-botanical-art-go-north/].
Katie Scott & Kathy Willis, 2016. Botanicum, Standard Edition. Big Picture Press [https://www.botany.one/visit-plant-museum/].
Peter Scott, 2008. Physiology and behaviour of plants. John Wiley & Sons Ltd [https://download.e-bookshelf.de/download/0000/5829/75/L-G-0000582975-0002360939.pdf] [Review at https://www.academia.edu/26538004/Physiology_and_behaviour_of_plants]
Joseph Seckbach & Zvy Dubinsky (Eds), 2011. All flesh is grass. Plant–animal interrelationships. Springer [https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-90-481-9316-5] [Review available at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3158701/]
Beryl B Simpson & Molly Conner-Ogorzaly, 2000. Economic botany, 3e. McGraw-Hill Higher Education [https://www.waterstones.com/book/economic-botany-3e-plants-in-our-world/beryl-simpson/molly-ogorzaly/9780071181884].
Alison M Smith AM et al. 2010. Plant biology. New York: Garland Science [https://www.routledge.com/Plant-Biology/Smith-Coupland-Dolan-Harberd-Jones-Martin-Sablowski-Amey/p/book/9780815340256].
Alison M Smith et al., 2026. Essential plant biology. CRC Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2026/02/20/the-essentials-of-plant-biology/].
Paul Smith (Ed.), 2018. The book of seeds: A life-size guide to six hundred species from around the world. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/how-many-beans-make-600/].
Paul Smith, 2022. Trees: From root to leaf. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/an-extraordinary-book-about-trees-and-people/].
Mark A Spencer, 2019. Murder most florid: Inside the mind of a forensic botanist. Quadrille Publishing Ltd [https://www.botany.one/when-is-botany-criminal-when-its-forensic/].
Robert N Spengler III, 2019. Fruit from the sands: The Silk Road origins of the food we eat. University of California Press [https://www.botany.one/when-broomcorn-millet-swept-along-the-silk-road/].
Robert N Spengler III, 2025. Nature’s greatest success: How plants evolved to exploit humanity. University of California Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/11/07/the-evolution-of-domestication-plants-and-humanity/].
Taylor A Steeves & Vipen K Sawhney, 2017. Essentials of developmental plant anatomy. Oxford University Press [https://www.botany.one/plant-anatomy-goes-back-roots-stems-leaves-etc/].
Amy Stewart, 2010. Wicked plants. Timber Press [https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/amy-stewart/wicked-plants/9781565126831/]. (resources, etc. relating to the book at the author’s site here [https://www.amystewart.com/books/wicked-plants/] [the (the? Well, an…) A-Z of plants that kill, intoxicate and otherwise offend…]
Amy Stewart, 2013. The drunken botanist. Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill [https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/amy-stewart/the-drunken-botanist/9781616200466/]. (resources, etc. for this book at the author’s site here [https://www.amystewart.com/books/drunkenbotanist/]) [botanicals and booze! What’s not to like?]
Leisa Stewart-Sharpe & Kim Smith, 2022. The green planet. Puffin Books [https://www.botany.one/greening-the-next-generation/].
Judith Sumner, 2004. American household botany. Timber Press [https://www.judithsumner.com/lifestyle]. [fascinating account of uses, etc of indigenous plants and introduction of Old World plants with the founding fathers of the USA]
Judith Sumner, 2019. Plants go to war: A botanical history of World War II. McFarland & Co [https://www.botany.one/when-plants-go-to-war/].
Lincoln Taiz & Lee Taiz, 2017. Flora unveiled: The discovery and denial of sex in plants. Oxford University Press [https://www.botany.one/sex-lives-plants-laid-bare/].
Lincoln Taiz et al., 2023. Plant physiology and development, International seventh edition. Oxford University Press Higher Education Division [https://www.botany.one/the-true-cost-of-botanical-knowledge/].
Stanislaw Talilaj et al., 1994. The Strangest Plants in the World. Hill of Content Pub Co Pty Ltd [https://www.abebooks.co.uk/9780855722050/Strangest-Plants-World-Talalaj-S-0855722053/plp]
Kate Teltscher, 2020. Palace of palms: Tropical dreams and the making of Kew. Picador [https://www.botany.one/the-crowning-glory-of-kew/].
Chris Thorogood, 2018. Weird plants. Kew Publishing [https://www.botany.one/plants-are-weird-and-rather-wonderful-too/].
Chris Thorogood & Simon Hiscock, 2020. The botany of gin. Bodleian Library [https://www.botany.one/much-more-than-juniper-the-botany-of-gin/].
Peter Tompkins & Christopher Bird, 1973. The secret life of plants. New York: Harper & Row [https://avalonlibrary.net/ebooks/Peter%20Tompkins%20-%20The%20Secret%20life%20of%20plants.pdf] (accessible at The Internet Archive here [https://ia600805.us.archive.org/19/items/TheSecretLifeOfPlants_201811/The%20Secret%20Life%20of%20Plants.pdf]] [worth looking at to see what all the fuss was about…]
Anthony Trewavas, 2014. Plant behaviour & intelligence. Oxford University Press [https://www.botany.one/plants-are-fill-in-the-missing-word/].
Valerie Trouet, 2020. Tree story: The history of the world written in rings. Johns Hopkins University Press [https://www.botany.one/running-rings-around-world-history/].
Valerie Trouet (Ed.), 2025. In the circle of ancient trees: Our oldest trees and the stories they tell. Riverside Press [https://plantcuttings.uk/2025/10/10/celebrating-dendrochronology-and-dendrochronologists/].
Jack Turner, 2004. Spice: The history of a temptation. HarperCollins Publishers [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1292419.Spice]. [a scholarly account of the spice trade, tempted..?]
George van Driem, 2019. The tale of tea: A comprehensive history of tea from prehistoric times to the present day. Brill [https://www.botany.one/tales-of-tea-still-stirring-emotions-in-2020/].
John Vaughan & Catherine Geissler, 2009. The new Oxford book of food plants, 2e. Oxford University Press [https://journeytoforever.org/bflpics/OxfordFoodPlants.pdf]. [a feast of botanical delights]
Roy Vickery (Ed.), 1995. Oxford dictionary of plant-lore. Oxford University Press [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1237991.Oxford_Dictionary_of_Plant_Lore]. [great to dip into and discover all sorts of interesting tit-bits about plants and their uses, etc…arranged by plant name cf. Watts, 2007]
Roy Vickery, 2019. Vickery’s folk flora: An A-Z of the folklore and uses of British and Irish plants. Weidenfeld & Nicolson [https://www.botany.one/what-real-people-think-about-plants/].
Robert Voeks, 2018. The ethnobotany of Eden: Rethinking the jungle medicine narrative. University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/the-myth-of-modern-day-eden-debunked/].
Kim Walker & Mark Nesbett, 2019. Just the tonic. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew [https://www.botany.one/the-refreshing-tale-of-gin-and-tonic-well-half-of-it/].
Timothy Walker, 2012. Plants: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press [https://www.londonreviewbookshop.co.uk/stock/plants-a-very-short-introduction-timothy-walker]. [useful background to what plants are, where they came from and their importance…]
Donald Watts, 2007. Elsevier dictionary of plant-lore. Academic Press [https://uodiyala.edu.iq/uploads/PDF%20ELIBRARY%20UODIYALA/EL34/Dictionary%20of%20plant%20lore.pdf]. [great to dip into and discover all sorts of interesting tit-bits about plants and their uses, etc…arranged by ‘use’ cf. Vickery, 1995]
Noah Whiteman, 2023. Most delicious poison: The story of nature’s toxins – from spices to vices. Little, Brown Spark [https://plantcuttings.uk/2024/08/09/practically-perfect-plant-poisons-publication/].
Cheryll J Williams, 2021. Phytochemistry of Australia’s tropical rainforest: Medicinal potential of ancient plants. CSIRO Publishing/CABI [https://www.botany.one/australian-animals-might-kill-you-but-the-plants-could-cure-you/].
Kathy Willis & Carolyn Fry, 2014. Plants: From roots to riches. John Murray, London [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/23272432-plants]. [The book that accompanies the 25-part BBC Radio 4 series – episodes downloadable from http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b048s3my]
Carlton Wood & Nicolette Habgood, 2010. Why people need plants. RBG Kew/The Open University [https://permies.com/wiki/46385/People-Plants-Carlton-Wood-Nicolette]. [great introduction to the myriad uses of plants] [Review at https://www.academia.edu/26538048/Why_people_need_plants]
Catherine Zabinski, 2020. Amber waves: The extraordinary biography of wheat, from wild grass to world megacrop. The University of Chicago Press [https://www.botany.one/cereal-thriller-brings-home-the-bacon/].
Scott Zona, 2023. A gardener’s guide to botany: The biology behind the plants you love, how they grow, and what they need. Cool Springs Press [https://www.botany.one/botany-but-not-just-for-gardeners/].
Daniel Zohary & Maria Hopf, 2000. Domestication of plants in the Old World, 3e [https://brill.com/view/journals/ijps/50/1/article-p83_11.xml?srsltid=AfmBOoog9di2LgeHPLYTgHiBOka9i-enLR2pLXaBEbiUAmaTqD_NEk6k].Oxford University Press. [the counter to Pollan’s narrative..?]
Gerhard Zotz, 2016. Plants on plants – the biology of vascular epiphytes. Springer [https://www.botany.one/plants-enjoying-high-life/].
Web-based resources
By no means exhaustive – there are many good botany and plant-related sites on the internet, explore the possibilities! – but these are some that I’ve found most useful in researching this book, and generally increasing my own botanical literacy.
Atlas of plant and animal histology [https://mmegias.webs.uvigo.es/02-english/index.html], “This website is about cell biology and plant and animal histology. The web pages are intended as support for both high school and university students, as well as for anyone interested in these topics. The website is organized in sections containing sequentially ordered web pages to make the study of the subjects meaningful. However, it can also be browsed freely without following any suggested learning pathway. Our hope is that these contents may be used as a learning tool and as a place to learn about the eukaryotic cell and how it organizes to form tissues and, therefore, organisms. The content is licensed under Creative Commons: by-nc-sa. It means that the content can be freely used, shared and modified, but with no commercial purposes and crediting the authors. Scientific knowledge is a heritage of humanity and must be available to everyone” [https://mmegias.webs.uvigo.es/02-english/index.html]. This site has a great resource for plant anatomy [https://mmegias.webs.uvigo.es/02-english/1-vegetal/guiada_v_inicio.php], and plant organs [https://mmegias.webs.uvigo.es/02-english/2-organos-v/guiada_o_v_inicio.php] which are/is used primarily in chapter 3 of the book.
Botanical doctor [https://www.botanicaldoctor.co.uk/home], “Dr Andrew Fife Hopkins-Galloway is a multi-award winning horticulturist, botanist and plant science expert based in Oxfordshire, UK and is behind the Botanical Doctor. Dr Hopkins-Galloway has created this website to showcase his work within the botanical field, and to help inform people with a general interest in the science behind plants. Dr Hopkins-Galloway is a freelance plant scientist, botanist and horticulturist who has a strong passion for all thing relating to plants” [https://www.botanicaldoctor.co.uk/home].
Botany One [https://www.botany.one/about/?ref=botany.one], “a weblog produced by The Annals of Botany Company. The aim of the weblog is to alert plant scientists around the world to interesting and topical news about plants drawn from a wide variety of sources that include Annals of Botany, AoB PLANTS and in silico Plants, but also other scientific journals. This wider support of Botany is the company’s way of fulfilling its mission as a non-profit organization of promoting increased understanding of plant biology, as it has for over 100 years” [https://www.botany.one/about/?ref=botany.one].
Botany online – The Internet Hypertextbook [https://s10.lite.msu.edu/res/msu/botonl/b_online/e00/index.htm]. Compiled by Prof. Dr Peter von Sengbusch [https://www-archiv.fdm.uni-hamburg.de/b-online/d00/copyrig.htm], “Botany online 1996 – 2004. No further update, only historical document of botanical science!”
BrainKart [https://www.brainkart.com/], Developed by Therithal info, Chennai, A great source of information about plant anatomy [https://www.brainkart.com/subject/Plant-Anatomy_249/], used principally in chapter 3 of the book.
CK-12 CBSE Biology Class 11 [https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-cbse-biology-class-11/], “This CBSE Biology Class 11 book follows the NCERT curriculum, providing comprehensive coverage of all syllabus topics. It features clear explanations, detailed diagrams, and chapter-end quizzes to reinforce learning, enhance conceptual clarity, and aid in self-assessment” [https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-cbse-biology-class-11/]
Dictionary of Botany, “an easy-to-use reference source for anyone with interest in plant science. The dictionary contains some 3000 lucidly written entries, drawn from major fields of pure and applied plant science, including: taxonomy; anatomy; physiology; biochemistry; cell biology; plant pathology; genetics; and ecology. Also covered are selected terms from the fields of agricultural botany, horticulture and microbiology. Entries range from 500 words to a single sentence, depending upon the complexity and importance of the topic” [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/047001590X]. Used throughout the book.
EBSCO [https://www.ebsco.com/who-we-are], evidence-based, author-named articles in many topics. Of particular relevance for the book were article in the EBSCO Research Starters series [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters] in the Botany [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/botany], and History [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history], and Environmental Sciences [https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/environmental-sciences] subject/topic areas.
Encyclopedia.com [www.encyclopedia.com], As the Internet’s premier collection of online encyclopedias, Encyclopedia.com provides you reference entries from credible, published sources like Oxford University Press and Columbia Encyclopedia. At Encyclopedia.com, you get free access to over 300,000 reference entries from sources you can cite. Plus, more than 50,000 topic summaries feature related pictures, videos, topic summaries, and newspaper and magazine articles from around the world. Encyclopedia.com takes great care in constantly updating our content with the latest from our partners. Other Web sites that allow public editing of their pages to write reference entries can be fun. But when you need credible information from reliable sources you can cite, Encyclopedia.com (www.encyclopedia.com) is the place to go” [https://www.encyclopedia.com/about]
Encyclopaedia Britannica [https://www.britannica.com/]. Although this is a paid-subscription site to allow users to unlock full content, many of the articles appear to be freely-accessible by readers, and several are used throughout the book.
eLS (formerly Encyclopedia of Life Sciences [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclopedia_of_Life_Sciences]), “is a regularly updating reference work containing over 6,300 specially commissioned, peer-reviewed and citable articles written by leaders in the field. It offers comprehensive and authoritative coverage of the life sciences for students, lecturers and researchers alike” [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/047001590X]. Featuring hundreds of articles on plant science [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/browse/book/10.1002/047001590X/topic?ConceptID=13511&seriesKey=mrwseries&tagCode=], eLS has been used extensively throughout the book.
Internet Archive [https://archive.org/], “a non-profit library of millions of free texts, movies, software, music, websites, and more” [https://archive.org/]. “The Internet Archive, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artifacts in digital form. Like a paper library, we provide free access to researchers, historians, scholars, people with print disabilities, and the general public. Our mission is to provide Universal Access to All Knowledge” [https://archive.org/about/]. This has proved itself to be a useful source for botany and plant-related books, e.g., John Keay’s spices book [see above for details], and Meidner & Sheriff’s book about plants and water [see above for details].
Erich Fred Legner [https://faculty.ucr.edu/%7Elegneref/vitaefl.htm]’s Plants of economic &/or aesthetic importance site [https://faculty.ucr.edu/%7Elegneref/botany/economic.htm]
Libre Texts Biology Library [https://bio.libretexts.org/]. “This Living Library is a principal hub of the LibreTexts project, which is a multi-institutional collaborative venture to develop the next generation of open-access texts to improve postsecondary education at all levels of higher learning. The LibreTexts approach is highly collaborative where an Open Access textbook environment is under constant revision by students, faculty, and outside experts to supplant conventional paper-based books” [https://bio.libretexts.org/]. Titles in the Botany and horticulture bookshelves [https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Botany] were particularly useful for the book. Also of interest are articles in the Agriculture [https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Agriculture_and_Horticulture], and the Soil science [https://geo.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Soil_Science] collections.
Lumen Learning [https://courses.lumenlearning.com/], Biology for Majors II [https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-biology2/], especially Modules 7: Plant Diversity, and 8: Plant Structure and Function.
Microbe Notes [https://microbenotes.com/]. Despite its name, “Microbe Notes is an educational platform covering study notes on microbiology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, computational biology, laboratory, health, medical, and related branches of the life sciences” [https://microbenotes.com/]. “established on 2018-07-20, it provides structured study notes and concept-focused explanations designed to support undergraduate and graduate students, with particular usefulness for exam preparation in A-level Biology, AP Biology, IB Biology, and university-level biology and microbiology programs (BSc, MSc, MPhil, and PhD)” [https://microbenotes.com/]. It has a particularly useful collection of articles on Botany [https://microbenotes.com/category/botany/] [Ed. – 112 items listed on the site when checked on 10th June 2026].
Oxford Plants 400, “The 25th July 2021 marked 400 years of botanical research and teaching by the University of Oxford. As a celebration, Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum and Oxford University Herbaria highlighted 400 plants of scientific and cultural significance. One plant was profiled per week in the weeks leading up to the celebration. Each profile illustrated with images from University’s living and preserved collections” [https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400]. From No. 1 (Taxus baccata, yew) to No. 400 (Erythroxylum species, coca) [https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/Profiles], these are very short plant portraits highlighting biology and plants-and-people significance of the showcased botanic. Read more about the initiative from Mary Williams [https://blog.aspb.org/plants-in-the-news-october-30-2015-oxford-plants-400/], and here [https://www.botany.one/the-great-botanical-countdown/].
“The 25th July 2021 marked 400 years of botanical research and teaching by the University of Oxford. As a celebration, Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum and Oxford University Herbaria highlighted 400 plants of scientific and cultural significance. One plant was profiled per week in the weeks leading up to the celebration. Each profile illustrated with images from University’s living and preserved collections” [https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400]. From No. 1 (Taxus baccata, yew) to No. 400 (Erythroxylum species, coca) [https://herbaria.plants.ox.ac.uk/bol/plants400/Profiles], these are very short plant portraits highlighting biology and plants-and-people significance of the showcased botanic. Read more about the initiative from Mary Williams [https://blog.aspb.org/plants-in-the-news-october-30-2015-oxford-plants-400/], and here [https://www.botany.one/the-great-botanical-countdown/].
Plants for a future (PFAF), “provides free access to a database of detailed information on over 8000 useful plants, with comprehensive search facilities. The database is regularly improved and extended, also aligned with global concerns. We also provide a native plants search. We rely mainly on many small donations to cover our costs. The information we provide is of particular value to food forest/ forest garden projects with community aims, which we encourage and support, and occasionally provide with seed funding, in return for regular feedback and (if possible) site visits. We may provide additional funding for projects which show good progress. We publish reference books featuring selections of plants by type and growing conditions” [https://pfaf.org/user/AboutUs.aspx].
Plant Health Instructor [https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/PHI-Past-Issues/Pages/default.aspx]. Published by The American Phytopathological Society (APS), this on-line journal hosts many article dealing with aspects of plant pathology, including several on selected plant-harming organisms. Used extensively in Chapter 7a.
Plants: From roots to riches, “Kathy Willis considers our changing relationship with plants over the last 250 years – from tools to exploit, to objects of beauty, to being an essential resource we must conserve” [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b048s3my] [a ‘landmark’ Radio 4 series on plants and people, with a major Kew perspective]
Project Gutenberg [https://www.gutenberg.org/; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Gutenberg] (William L Hosch, 2026 [https://www.britannica.com/topic/Project-Gutenberg]), “is a library of over 75,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online. You will find the world’s great literature here, with focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired. Thousands of volunteers digitized and diligently proofread the eBooks, for you to enjoy” [https://www.gutenberg.org/]. Check out the ‘Books in botany’ list [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/bookshelf/115].
The gymnosperm database, curated by Christopher J. Earle, it is “the web’s premier source of information on conifers and their allies” … and is “a readily accessible, scientifically accurate source of information on the classification, description, ecology and uses of this culturally and ecologically important group of plants” [https://www.conifers.org/]. For some praise about this site, see here [https://www.genengnews.com/best-of-the-web/the-gymnosperm-database/].
ThoughtCo, “is a premier reference site with a 20+ year focus on expert-created education content.” [https://www.thoughtco.com/about-us-4779650]. With a stated collection of over 40,000 article, especially useful collections for the book were those under ‘Botany’ [https://www.thoughtco.com/botany-4133573], ‘Chemistry’ [https://www.thoughtco.com/chemistry-4133594], and ‘History and culture’ [https://www.thoughtco.com/history-and-culture-4133356] categories.
The Tree of Life Web Project, [http://tolweb.org/]. Sadly, now no longer available with the demise of the ToL site (David Maddfison [https://subulatepalpomere.com/2025/11/02/the-passing-of-the-tree-of-life-web-project/]). But, there are suggestions that it may be resuscitated in future. We can but hope…
Useful tropical plants, “The Useful Tropical Plants Database contains information on the edible, medicinal and many other uses of several thousand plants that can be grown in tropical regions”, and “All the information in this database is fully referenced, these references can be viewed when looking at individual plants” [https://tropical.theferns.info/]
Visible Body [https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/biology], “Welcome to the Biology Learn Site! The Biology Learn Site is Visible Body’s totally free introduction to important topics in biology. It furthers our mission to allow anybody anywhere to easily engage with our world-class visual biology content. The 3D models on this website are completely interactive! If you’re using a supported mobile device, you can view them in augmented reality”. Plant-related resources are: Monocots, dicots, and their tissues [https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/biology/monocot-dicot/overview], and Photosynthesis [https://www.visiblebody.com/learn/biology/photosynthesis/reactants-products].
Wayne’s Word [https://www.waynesword.net/index.htm], “an on-line textbook of natural history” is an incredible resource compiled by Wayne P. Armstrong [https://www.palomar.edu/arboretum/the-incredible-waynes-word/; https://www.waynesword.net/armstron.htm; https://www.waynesword.net/mrwolfia.htm], professor emeritus of botany at Palomar College, San Marcos, California.[4][5] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_P._Armstrong], with an extensive index of botany items [https://www.waynesword.net/bot115.htm].
Wikipedia https://www.wikipedia.org/. Whilst the usual caveats apply (i.e., remaining sceptical about information provided on a non-peer-reviewed site – because of the ease with which the text cab be amended by the unscrupulous), this is a fantastic resource and starting point for further research on a topic, ideally using the source(s) that are required to be stated to support factual statements made in the item. Wikipedia is used extensively throughout the book – usually in addition to AN Other cited source.
Plant Cuttings 
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