Tag: plants-and-people
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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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Whisky galore: The tale of shipwrecked spirits
Whisky Galore! is a 1949 British comedy about whisky-deprived Scottish islanders who seize a stranded ship’s cargo. A recent project aims to create whiskey from shipwrecked American rye grains, which tale is told here, This post is also an opportunity – albeit a little early – to raise a toast…
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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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Putting Indigenous plant knowledge where it belongs
The ethnobotanical by Sarah Edwards celebrates global indigenous plant knowledge, focusing on historical and contemporary interactions between people and plants. The book presents a bittersweet narrative, highlighting the loss of ancient botanical wisdom, challenging colonial exploitation, and emphasising the urgency of preserving ethnobotanical knowledge.
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Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 3
The post concludes Mr P Cuttings’ evaluations of Kew’s Pocketbook series, and considers Carnivorous plants, Festive flora, Palms, and Cacti. Each book features botanical illustrations and introductions by experts but most of them lack the promised detailed annotations. Richly illustrated, the titles here considered – and the series as a…
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Kew’s imaginative pocketbooks, Part 2
This post provides a detailed evaluation of four titles from the Kew Pocketbook series, Houseplants, Mexican Plants, Herbs and Spices, and Fruit. Each book is lavishly illustrated and provides an introduction by an expert from Kew.
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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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Dan’s the man, the orchid man
“Orchid” by Dan Torre is a detailed book about orchids featuring extensive consideration of their biology, discovery, representation in art and literature, human uses, and and conservation issues. Well-written by a true orchid enthusiast it’s a great read, and highly recommended.
Plant Cuttings 