Leaves are all around us in backyards, cascading from window boxes, even emerging from small cracks in city sidewalks given the slightest glint of sunlight. Perhaps because they are everywhere, it's easy to overlook the humble leaf, but a close look at them provides one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with the natural world. A lush, incredibly informative tribute to the leaf, Nature's Fabric offers an introduction to the science of leaves, weaving biology and chemistry with the history of the deep connection we feel with all things growing and green. Leaves come in a staggering variety of textures and shapes: they can be smooth or rough, their edges smooth, lobed, or with tiny teeth. They have adapted to their environments in remarkable, often stunningly beautiful ways from the leaves of carnivorous plants, which have tiny "trigger hairs" that signal the trap to close, to the impressive defense strategies some leaves have evolved to reduce their consumption. (Recent studies suggest, for example, that some plants can detect chewing vibrations and mobilize potent chemical defenses.) In many cases, we've learned from the extraordinary adaptations of leaves, such as the invention of new self-cleaning surfaces inspired by the slippery coating found on leaves. But we owe much more to leaves, and Lee also calls our attention back to the fact that that our very lives and the lives of all on the planet depend on them. Not only is foliage is the ultimate source of food for every living thing on land, its capacity to cycle carbon dioxide and oxygen can be considered among evolution's most important achievements and one that is critical in mitigating global climate change. Taking readers through major topics like these while not losing sight of the small wonders of nature we see every day if you'd like to identify a favorite leaf, Lee's glossary of leaf characteristics means you won't be left out on a limb Nature's Fabric is eminently readable and full of intriguing research, sure to enhance your appreciation for these extraordinary green machines.

In this book, Dan Torre explores the intriguing and multifaceted natural, cultural and social history of the orchid. Orchids are one of the largest families of plants - approximately 8 per cent of all the Earth's flowering species. They are known for their beautiful flowers with bright colours, delicate forms and delicate fragrances. However, when we look deeper into their world, we find that they are much more than an elegant flowering plant and behave in unexpected ways that no other flowers do. Philosophers have contemplated them; countless artists have celebrated them; millions of people have cultivated them, displayed them and even consumed them. Orchids occupy our thoughts, our stories, our societies, our greenhouses, our florists, our supermarkets and our homes. And that is merely the beginning.

Deutschsprachiger Bestimmungsband mit dichotonen Schl sseln und vielen Strichzeichnungen zur Gruppe der Clavicornia (Glanzk fer, Pilzfresser, Marienk fer)

Dieser Band enthAlt alle neuen Erkenntnisse zu den KAfergruppen der BAnde 9 bis 11, die nach deren VerAffentlichung erschienen sind. Der Forschungsstand ist somit das Jahr 1998.

"I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree." The poet, Joyce Kilmer understood the beauty of our sturdy environmental companions. Trees is the essential pocket-sized, folding guide to familiar North American trees. This beautifully illustrated guide Identifies over 140 familiar species organized by family. Created and printed in the USA, this guide was updated in 2012 with a new cover design and updated species selection. The quality of our environment - the air, soil and water - depends on trees. Durable and lightweight, this guide is the one to keep with you on your next outdoor adventure.

This book is a practical, compact guide for the identification of common tropical and subtropical ornamental plants by flower colour. It is intended for anyone who is interested in plants and would like to get to know the attractive flowering plants of warm regions while travelling. Certainly everyone in a foreign country has at some point admired a particularly exotic flower and wished to know which plant it is. With appealing photos and comprehensible texts, this book provides the answer - quickly and easily. The author is an experienced tour guide and is regularly asked for eye-catching, ornamental plants on the way. She photographed the frequently requested plants and arranged them according to colour in this nature guide. This book is also suitable for beginners without previous botanical knowledge due to its illustrations and simple sorting.

Enhance and enrich your spiritual journey with the power of herbs. Herbs have been essential to spiritual beliefs and practices throughout time and history. From Christian Scripture to Hindu observances, Jewish ritual to early Islamic literature, Native American traditions to Buddhist symbolism, plants are seen as a blessing from God and a way to remain in harmony with Spirit. In this fun, informative and engaging guide, you will be delighted by the history of the religious and spiritual use of herbs in many faith traditions and inspired by creative ideas on how to use herbs for spiritual growth. Unique and soul-strengthening activities can teach you how to: Create herbal art inspired by your faith Craft herbal wreaths, pillows and soaps from herbs selected for their spiritual qualities Prepare herbal teas, infused oils, meals and condiments with herbs chosen for their ability to nurture, strengthen and heal Make candles infused with herbs that promote balance and centering Nourish the soul with herbal sachets and potpourri Use incense and smudge sticks to imbue clarity and purity Design a simple herb garden of plants chosen from among different spiritual traditions Construct spaces in which to use herbs for reflection and meditation

Europe’s most ancient species of tree, the yew has many unique characteristics: it is a ‘conifer’ without resin or cones, and though it has an extraordinarily low rate of photosynthesis, it can grow where other plants wither and die. It was in the Palaeolithic Era that humans were first struck by the yew’s regenerative powers and began to associate it with concepts of life, death, the afterlife and eternity. Yew trees can be found at the sacred sites of Native Americans and Buddhists, and Shinto shrines in Japan, as well as in Christian churchyards, where they became a symbol of the Resurrection. Now available in paperback, this richly illustrated cultural and natural history includes the latest scientific discoveries about a most remarkable tree.

Mit der 1. Auflage der Transgenen Pflanzen im Jahr 1995 war nicht abzusehen, welche Wendungen es mit der Entwicklung der "GrA1/4nen Gentechnik" in den folgenden Jahren in der EuropAischen Union und in Deutschland nehmen wA1/4rde.
Die 2. A1/4berarbeitete und aktualisierte Auflage des Buches informiert A1/4ber den neuesten Stand der Wissenschaft auf dem Gebiet der "GrA1/4nen Gentechnik" und beschreibt die verschiedenen Methoden zur Erzeugung transgener Pflanzen, die Erkenntnisse A1/4ber ihre Kultivierung und die Bestrebungen zu ihrem Inverkehrbringen. Die wichtigsten Argumente der derzeitigen Risikodiskussion sowie die gesetzlichen Regelungen zur Gentechnik innerhalb der EU werden A1/4bersichtlich dargestellt.
Transgene Pflanzen ermAglicht es jedem, sich ein Urteil A1/4ber dieses Teilgebiet der Gentechnik zu bilden. Die Vermittlung fundierter Informationen an eine breitere A-ffentlichkeit ist dabei unabdingbar fA1/4r eine bewusste Wahlfreiheit zwischen Lebensmitteln aus gentechnisch verAnderten, konventionell gezA1/4chteten oder Akologisch angebauten Pflanzen und fA1/4r eine gesellschaftlich gewollte Koexistenz dieser Lebensmittel.
Die umfassende Darstellung der verschiedenen Aspekte der transgenen Pflanzen macht das Buch wertvoll und lesenswert fA1/4r eine vielfAltige Leserschaft, sei es nun fA1/4r den interessierten Laien, den Naturwissenschaftler biologischer Fachrichtung, den mA1/4ndigen BA1/4rger oder den Juristen. Ihnen allen wird der Einstieg in einen Themenkomplex erleichtert, der nach wie vor im Brennpunkt der A-ffentlichen Diskussion steht.