Category: book review
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Urgent message for humanity: Sea kelp(!)
David Helvarg’s “Forest of the Sea” emphasises the significance of kelp ecosystems and their perilous decline, paralleling the challenges faced by coral reefs. The book interweaves the biology of kelp with human stories and ecological narratives, urging readers to recognise and advocate for the preservation of these vital underwater forests,…
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Flowers: Planet- and people-producers
David George Haskell’s “How Flowers Made Our World” explores the vital role of flowers and flowering plants in shaping Earth’s ecosystems and human connections. Comprising scientific insights, Haskell’s engaging narrative highlights plant biology, ecology, and the historical interrelation between flora and humanity, making an overwhelming case for their importance in,…
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Money, the mushroom fun-guy…
Nicholas Money’s “Fungi and human life” explores the profound connections between fungi and humanity, revealing their essential roles in health, nutrition, and the ecosystem. The book combines engaging storytelling with scientific insights, emphasising the significant, yet often overlooked, impact of fungi on humanity and highlighting their untapped health-helping potential.
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A timely appreciation of plants
Christopher Woods’ book, “In Botanical Time,” explores the astonishing lifespans of the world’s oldest plants, illustrating their biology and ecology across 230 pages. Although well-written and richly illustrated, the book lacks source citations, which detracts from its scientific credibility. Nonetheless, it captivates readers with tales of remarkable plant longevity.
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The essentials of plant biology
Essential Plant Biology by Alison Smith et al. offers a comprehensive overview of modern plant biology, emphasizing molecular genetics and biochemistry, crucial for understanding plant function today. Divided into six parts, the book covers topics from plant evolution to environmental interactions, targeting undergraduates with a foundation in molecular biology.
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A super book about fern biology
Ferns: Lessons in Survival From Earth’s Most Adaptable Plants by Fay-Wei Li & Jacob S Suissa, illustrated by Laura Silburn, explores fern biology, diversity, and evolution. The book combines engaging text with extensive illustrations, making it visually appealing and informative. Although technical at times, it serves as an excellent introduction…
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The wooden universal Australian
Eucalyptus by Stephen D Hopper uniquely integrates Aboriginal and Western scientific perspectives on eucalypts, offering insights into their cultural significance and ecological roles. The book includes first-hand accounts of Aboriginal practices and contrasts them with European views, emphasizing eucalypts’ importance and advocating for their conservation amid modern threats.
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What are gardens for..?
The green fuse by Peter Dale explores gardens through a philosophical and cultural lens, emphasizing their connections with literature, music, and art. Challenging yet rewarding, the book enriches readers’ understanding of gardens beyond utilitarian functions, presenting deep insights and beautiful prose. It’s a significant contribution to the plants-and-people discourse.
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The domestication of people by plants…
Robert N. Spengler III’s “Nature’s greatest success” challenges the traditional view of agriculture’s origins, arguing that domestication was not a conscious act by humans but rather an inevitable outcome of plants’ evolution. He emphasises the partnership between plants and people, prompting critical thinking about our agricultural history and the role…
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24 hours in the botanical 8th continent
Tree day by Meg Lowman explores the intricate biology and ecology of trees, focusing on 24 species through personal anecdotes and insights from her extensive fieldwork. The book emphasizes the ecological significance of tree canopies and is a charming introduction to tree biology, and the daily life of an arbornaut.
Plant Cuttings 