Tag: plant blindness
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Pulling the stuffing out of plants…
Jonathan Drori’s book, the stuff that stuff is made of, explores the crucial role of plants in human life. Featuring 30 plants, it blends factual information with engaging illustrations, anecdotes, and humour to bridge plant-awareness gaps. Intended for readers aged 7 to 100, it aims to inspire curiosity and appreciation…
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Delivering your daily dose of fungi
“Mushroom Day” by Alison Pouliot is a delightful book featuring 24 essays on distinct fungi, each enriched with illustrations by Stuart Patience. Exploring various aspects of fungi folklore, biology, and conservation, it is written in engaging language. Pouliot aims to rekindle interest in the diverse world of fungi.
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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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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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Practical ways to tackle plant blindness
In “Things to do with plants: 50 ways to connect with the botanical world,” Emma Crawforth addresses plant blindness and provides practical ways to engage with plants. The book offers 50+ activities divided into seven sections, aiming to enhance plant appreciation. While the lack of sources for statements made is…
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Iconic Mediterranean plants
Andrew Griebeler’s “Botanical icons” thoroughly examines the role of illustrations in botanical-medical texts from ancient to medieval times. It challenges prevailing views of premodern botanical art as stagnant, emphasizing the critical nature of manuscript copying. The book’s well-sourced content and excellent writing make it a valuable academic resource, providing insight…
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Plants, when two dimensions are enough…
“The beauty of the flower” by Stephen A. Harris explores botanical illustration as an art form and scientific tool. The book delves into the history and significance of botanical illustration, showcasing its role in documenting plant diversity and scientific knowledge. With rich illustrations and insightful narratives, Harris presents a comprehensive…
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![Old year, new [plant] species…](https://plantcuttings.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wiki-walking_tiger_female.jpg?w=800)
Old year, new [plant] species…
In 2023, workers at Kew named 74 plants and 15 fungi, including unique species like the possibly-carnivorous Crepidorhopalon droseroides and the underground-flowering palm, Pinanga subterranea. The biology of those two new species is considered, highlighting the ongoing fascination with discoveries in the world of plants. The discovery of a new…
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For a long life, avoid the garden
“Gardening can be Murder” by Marta McDowell is an enjoyable exploration of the surprising connections between gardening, and murder to be found in mystery novels. McDowell delves into over 100 English language mystery novels, providing context and insights into their horticultural themes. With stylish writing and abundant insights, this book…
Plant Cuttings 