The plant hunters : the adventures of the world's greatest botanical explorers
Fry, Carolyn2017
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Travel across the world and through history to meet the botanical pioneers who changed our landscape. Plant Hunters tells the story of our obsession with all things that grow--both for their beauty and their economic potential--and the creation of botanical gardens to cultivate them. This sumptuous, intriguing volume moves from East to West and back again, introducing the botanists, explorers, and empire builders who gathered plants such as the coconut tree, roses, and numerous fruits and vegetables to bring back home. Showcasing hundreds of breathtaking illustrations and historical documents, it examines the species we now take for granted and the plants that have enriched and impoverished nations.
Main title:
Imprint:
London : Andre Deutsch, 2017.
Collation:
160 pages : coour illustrations ; 25 cm.
Variant title:
At head of title : Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Notes:
Originally published: 2009.Includes index.
Contents:
Introduction -- Bringing plants from the Land of Punt -- Moving plants from East to West -- In search of spices in the East -- The rise of the physic gardens -- Carolus Clusius and Tulipomania -- The tradescants make plant hunting a career -- Showcasing exotic plants in Europe -- Carl Linnaeus and the naming of plants -- Sir Joseph Banks -- Gathering plants from South America -- Asson explores South Africa -- A plethora of plants from Down Under -- The wilds of North America -- Joseph Hooker in the Himalaya -- Exploring the treasures of the Orient -- The cost of sugar cane -- The trading company that ruled India -- Colonial endeavors -- The transfer of tea from China to India -- Sowing the seeds of the world's rubber industry -- A passion for orchids -- A new genre of art -- Conserving precious plants -- The role of the modern botanic garden -- Modern day plant hunters -- Invaders of the plant world -- Stockpiling seeds for posterity -- The effects of climate change.
ISBN:
9780233005164
Dewey class:
580.7509
Language:
English
Subject:
BRN:
305028
More Information:
| Location | Collection | Call number | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandringham Library | Adult Non Fiction - Environment | 580.7509 FRY | Available |