Then this is the book for you!
It is authored by Stephen Blackmore, a renowned British botanist, with contributions from a distinguished team of plant scientists with impeccable pedigree. It can be used to great advantage by those with formal training in plant science and also by naturalists, gardeners, fruit growers and horticulturalists seeking to expand their knowledge of a realm of nature that is all around them, but about which their level of sophistication is lacking.
The organization of the chapters (all filled with excellent colour illustrations by the way) is superb. it starts with plant morphology, essential to progressing further, and really gives a succinct overview of the plants we see all around us, their origins, relationships and structure.
The second chapter is dedicated to roots, the underground, out of sight out of mind component of plants, yet so essential to healthy growth. How do roots grow, how do they interact with their environment, how do they nurture the plant?
The third chapter deals with stems, the "transport system"of the plant. "No forest can exist without trees, and no tree would be complete without stems."
In chapter 4 we become familiar with leaves. Almost everyone has heard the term photosynthesis, and even not knowing precisely what it entails has at least a vague knowledge that it is the source of all energy on earth.
Chapter 5 covers plant reproduction and various ways in which this is achieved. The plight of plant pollinators has been in the news a good deal of late so plant reproduction may be on the minds of many. Pollination and the many other ways plants procreate, from self fertilization to reproduction in conifers, are covered in detail. The science behind it all is explained.
Cones and flowers, organs that produce seed are tackled in Chapter 6.
After my sandwich for lunch today I ate an apple. Think for a moment of the role of seeds and fruit in the human diet and the benefits derived therefrom. But this merely scratches the surface. Chapter 7 reveals all!
The final chapter deals with people and plants. The opening statement says, "Our dependence on plants is absolute. They have shaped and defined the world we live in, and will always be essential for our very survival."
It is a sobering thought that as the human population grows exponentially, and many would postulate out of control, more and more land is taken out of production to provide housing, infrastructure and recreation for the burgeoning mass of humanity. Without plants all life ceases, without trees CO2 levels threaten life, warming global temperatures will change plant communities in ways yet unknown. We need to do all we can to protect plants and the conditions they need to thrive, to ensure our own well being and to provide a planet where our children and grandchildren will inhabit an environment fit for human existence.
This book is exceedingly well written, precise, cogent and filled with essential information. A reader without any prior knowledge of plant science will derive satisfaction, acquire knowledge and become a more informed citizen. Anyone with even a passing familiarity with plant science will have his/her skills and knowledge updated and enhanced.
I highly recommend this work; I have read it cover to cover and I am about to do it again!
How Plants Work: Form, Diversity, Survival
Stephen Blackmore
Hardcover - $35.00 - 9780691177496 - 368 pages - 8.5" x 11" - 400 colour illustrations
Publication date: 9 October 2018
