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Discover the wonders at the centre of our planet's ecosystem. In
ten short and accessible essays, science and nature writer Carolyn
Fry takes us on an awe-inspiring journey of the Earth's lungs. From
what makes a plant a tree and the incredible impact of forests, to
how trees are under attack and what we can do to save them, this
book will enthral and inform on the monumental power of the humble
tree. Trees: 10 things you should know is an essential introduction
to why trees are so important, and why our lives depend on them!
As humans adapt to a changing climate and planet, there is a
pressing need for wild plant seed banks, and an urgent effort to
conserve all plant diversity. Kew's Millennium Seed Bank is a
unique, global asset. The largest seed bank of its kind in the
world dedicated to wild plant species, it contains the world's most
diverse seed collections. Over the past 10 years more than 3.5
billion seeds from nearly 25,000 species have been collected and
stored in seed banks both in their country of origin and in Kew's
Millennium Seed Bank. In October 2009 Kew's Millennium Seed Bank
celebrated collecting, banking and conserving 10% of the world's
wild plant species and the partnership now spans more than 120
institutions in 54 countries. The Last Great Plant Hunt describes
the importance of seed collecting and the work of Kew's Millennium
Seed Bank, the process of collecting and taking care of seeds, the
uses of banked seed, and the future of seed conservation worldwide.
Beautifully illustrated and engagingly written.
At a time when the world faces increasing pressures from climate
change and biodiversity loss, seeds have never been more important.
Highly complex, they have evolved in myriad ways to adapt to their
environments. In this book we explore how seed-bearing plants
evolved, and unravel the science behind the seed. We also show how
scientists are working around the world to gather and bank seeds to
save rare and valuable varieties from extinction.
Our peculiarly British obsession with gardens goes back a long way
and Plants: From Roots to Riches takes us back to where it all
began. Across 25 vivid episodes, Kathy Willis, Kew's charismatic
Head of Science, shows us how the last 250 years transformed our
relationship with plants. Behind the scenes at the Botanical
Gardens all kinds of surprising things have been going on. As the
British Empire painted the atlas red, explorers, adventurers and
scientists brought the most interesting specimens and information
back to London. From the discovery of Botany Bay to the horrors of
the potato famine, from orchid hunters to quinine smugglers, from
Darwin's experiments to the unexpected knowledge unlocked by the
1987 hurricane, understanding how plants work has changed our
history and could safeguard our future. In the style of A History
of the World in 100 Objects, each chapter tells a separate story,
but, gathered together, a great picture unfolds, of our most
remarkable science, botany. Plants: From Roots to Riches is a
beautifully designed book, packed with 200 images in both colour
and black and white from Kew's amazing archives, some never
reproduced before. Kathy Willis and Carolyn Fry, the acclaimed
popular-science writer, have also added all kinds of fascinating
extra history, heroes and villains, memorable stories and
interviews. Their book takes us on an exciting rollercoaster ride
through our past and future and shows us how much plants really do
matter.
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