Category: book review
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24 hours of flower power…
“Flower Day” by Sandra Knapp presents 24 mini-essays on diverse plants, highlighting their biology, ecology, and ethnobotanical significance. The book reflects on floral beauty and the intricate relationships between plants, pollinators, and indigenous knowledge, fostering appreciation for nature while emphasizing the need to protect it amidst environmental threats.
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Plants in the literary tradition
The Cambridge Handbook of Literature and Plants, edited by Bonnie Lander Johnson, is a scholarly compilation of 19 expert contributions exploring plant representation in global literature over two millennia. Covering diverse themes, it encourages readers to reconsider human-plant relationships and enhances our understanding of plants in literature, poetry, and song.
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Exploring the biology of algae, lichens, and bryophytes
The book “Biology of algae, lichens and bryophytes,” edited by Büdel, Friedl & Beyschlag, offers a comprehensive overview of these crucial organisms, highlighting their biodiversity and ecological significance. Its pedagogic credentials are high and provides insights for advanced students and enthusiasts in plant biology.
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Wildflowers unveiled: Science and secrets behind nature’s beauty
Chris Thorogood’s “Wildflowers” explores the diverse world of wildflower biology, covering topics such as ecology, evolution, and conservation. Suitable for an intelligent, teenager-plus aged audience, the book offers concise chapters with abundant illustrations. While informative, it provides limited sourced facts. Overall, it celebrates the planet’s rich diversity of wild plants.
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Moss and lichen: A deep dive into cryptogams
Elizabeth Lawson’s “Moss and Lichen” is a groundbreaking addition to Reaktion Books’ Botanical series, shifting focus from vascular to non-vascular plants and encompassing fungi. Integrating biology, ecology, and cultural relevance, the book explores the nature of mosses and lichens, their roles in ecosystems, and their significance to humanity.
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Exploring the Evolutionary Roots of Oaks
Andrew L Hipp’s “Oak Origins” explores the evolutionary history of oak trees while also addressing broader themes in biology, genetics, and ecology. Although scholarly the book is accessible to an intelligent audience, and is filled with detailed insights into oak species, their genetics, and ecological significance. The text is complemented…
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Exploring spirals in nature: The maths behind plant growth
The book “Do plants know math?” by Stéphane Douady et al. explores the mathematical principles behind plant spirals, particularly the arrangement of leaves. Not restricted to the maths, it present a rich blend of history, science, and practical activities, to show how scientists, over several centuries, studied – and eventually…
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Botanical Origins of Modern Medicines
“Modern medicines from plants,” edited by Henry Oakeley, explores over 50 plants integral to modern prescription drugs. It chronicles the historical use and transition of these plants into medical treatments, detailing the origin stories of various drugs. The book is informative, well-illustrated, and a significant contribution to understanding plant-based medicines.
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The psychologist in the garden
Clive R. Hollin’s book, The Psychological Appeal of Gardens, critically evaluates the mental health benefits of gardening and green therapies. Despite its brevity, Hollin challenges the reliability of existing studies, emphasizing the need for more robust research. His comprehensive analysis aims to stimulate discussion among professionals in the field.
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And these are remarkable trees…
The 2024 edition of Remarkable Trees by Christina Harrison and Tony Kirkham offers an extensive exploration of over 60 significant tree species, incorporating fascinating cultural stories. While it features lush illustrations and thorough entries, it lacks clear sourcing for factual statements and shows minimal updates from the previous edition, raising…
Plant Cuttings 