Tag: botanical literacy
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A sceptical look at plants
Tim Entwisle’s “The sceptical botanist” is a highly readable collection of essays that address plant-related questions. While the book provides engaging insights, it sometimes lacks sufficient evidence for some of its statements. However, overall, it combines entertaining writing with educational value, appealing to both novice and seasoned botanists.
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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…
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These plants really are remarkable…
Remarkable Plants by Helen and William Bynum is a richly illustrated exploration of the complex relationships between plants and people. While this 2023 edition repackages their 2014 text with no major updates, it still offers engaging narratives and facts about significant plants and their cultural impacts (and is £5 cheaper…)..
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The ‘appy botanist
This post considers the ability to identify plants as a way to enhance botanical literacy and combat plant blindness. In particular it considers plant ID apps. It concludes that, whilst such apps can be valuable in teaching novices to identify plants, they should be used alongside expert guidance to improve…
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Who wants to be a bad botanist?
“How to be a bad botanist” by Simon Barnes is an informative and engaging book that aims to enhance botanical literacy and tackle plant blindness. Despite lacking sources, the book offers practical advice, delightful plant portraits, and a captivating narrative of the author’s botanical journey. It is a valuable read…
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Plant Cuttings, repotted
Nigel Chaffey, a botanist and former lecturer, launches Plant Cuttings, a site dedicated to increasing botanical literacy through his writings on plants. The site includes blog posts and book reviews, aiming to combat “plant blindness” and foster broader interest in botany.
Plant Cuttings 