Reviews (1)

Collector's quality, interesting botanical history.
A beautiful book - mechanically, textually, and artistically. In describing details of botanical discovery since Linnaeus, it makes interesting and alive what could easily be dry subject matter.The text touches on European intellectual history, and some American history in the process. It's filled with magnificently printed historical color illustrations of plants from the Library of Congress collection. Printed on heavy paper, very nicely bound, quality dust jacket, bookmark ribbon woven to the spine - a real collector's item ... Read more

Reviews (10)

New Age Plant book with poor illustration value.
This book has SOME good info on some plant species, but it would be nice to know what they look like "in the wilderness." Half the book is just "filler". Tom Brown romanticizes plants, and "oneness" with nature. This book has been my biggest dissapointment.

One of the Best on "KNOWING" plants
This is an excelent book just like all of Tom's books. It takes you past the usual explainations and gives you a chance to really "Know" the plants. It's not meant to take the place of other identification guides, it goes much more in depth, every plant has a fantastic story on it's use and Tom's personal experience with it. I have read most of Tom's books and plan to read them all, this one is no exception it's great.

Want to eat wild stuff? Read this book!
There's an old indian saying that you don't know someone until you've walked a mile in their mocasins. The same is true for plants--you don't know them without personal experience. This book is the next best thing to that personal close-up experience.

Plant information not found elsewhere
In this Tom Brown, Jr. Field Guide, the reader is connected to plants in ways not explored in more scientific field guides. Mr. Brown shares stories, feelings and energies connected to various plants. In addition, there are medicinal and edible uses you WILL NOT find in other guides. These uses come from the Native American traditions so thoroughly explored by Grandfather Stalking Wolf and Tom Brown, Jr. himself. If you are a wild plant enthusiast, add this book to your library. If you have read Tom Brown, don't pass this one up.

the ultimate resource
i read this book after finishing THE TEACHINGS OF DON JUAN (which if you haven't read, you must)and it is delightful in the context of that book as well. Brown's book is the most insightful wilderness guidebook i've ever read. ... Read more

Book Description

A spectacularly illustrated reference.

Roses are valued for many reasons including beauty, symbolism, fragrance, and history. The Rose tells the fascinating story of this treasured flower accompanied by lively text and sumptuous full color illustrations. The book is divided into three sections: Roses of Nature, Roses of History and Roses by Design. Each section traces the links that tie the wild roses of nature to the earliest roses of civilization. It also explodes a few myths along the way and tells how the tireless efforts of horticulturists from many nations have brought into being the full-petalled beauties of today.

The captivating archival illustrations are from the Royal Horticultural Society's collection, home to one of the world's finest archives of horticultural art. This spectacular collection of roses of every description is certain to capture the hearts of gardeners and art lovers alike. ... Read more

Book Description

GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS.It’s a phrase ripped from the headlines, guaranteed to spark heated debate and generate contentious discussions.Concerned Europeans march in opposition to GM foods. African ports have been barricaded to prevent the unloading of genetically modified corn, despite the urgent needs of starving people.Canadians have mailed slices of bread to their prime minister to protest the use of genetically modified wheat. And in Australia, Greenpeace activists attached themselves to a cargo ship with magnets and painted "Stop GE imports" on its hull in their campaign against genetically modified food.

The truth is we’ve been changing the genetic makeup of our food for millennia, coaxing nature to do our bidding.Long before scientists understood what genes were and how they worked, early civilizations created wheat and corn. These crops, so very different from their wild grassy ancestors, represent man’s early ventures in altering evolution. In time, plant breeders learned to stir up plant genes faster, using novel breeding methods, chemicals, and even radiation to produce such marvels as white blackberries and red grapefruit.

But it was the curiosity of a 19th-century Augustinian monk, Gregor Mendel, that ushered in the modern era of genetics.Mendel spent countless hours in his garden crossing pea plants to find out just how traits were inherited, finally arriving at the idea of the gene, the unit of inheritance that is at the heart of today’s plant breeding strategies.

Mendel’s genetics turned molecular when Watson and Crick unveiled the structure of DNA in 1953.Within a few short decades, genes were understood to be DNA sequences that code for proteins using a universal genetic code.Genes could be moved easily between different organisms without losing their identity or changing their function.But the new terms that entered agriculture -- genetic engineering, biotechnology, genetic modification -- were disquieting.People began to ask questions about foods that they’d never asked plant breeders before:Is it safe to eat?Are these foods natural?Isn’t it dangerous to fool with genes?

Nina Fedoroff, a leading expert in plant molecular biology and genetics, looks at the many issues raised by contemporary techniques for modifying food plants. She answers the most commonly asked questions -- and some we didn’t think to ask. Fedoroff and her co-author, science writer Nancy Marie Brown, weave a narrative rich in history, technology, and science to dispel myths and misunderstandings. In the end, Fedoroff argues, the new molecular approaches hold the promise of being the most environmentally conservative way to increase our food supply, helping us to become better stewards of the earth while enabling us to feed ourselves and generations to come. ... Read more

Book Description

This completely revised classic volume is an up-to-date synthesis of the intensive research devoted to woody plants. Intended primarily as a text for students and a reference for researchers, this interdisciplinary book should be useful to a broad range of scientists from agroforesters, agronomists, and arborists to plant pathologists, ecophysiologists, and soil scientists. Anyone interested in plant physiology will find this text invaluable.

Key Features
* Includes supplementary chapter summaries and lists of general references
* Provides a solid foundation of reference information
* Thoroughly updated classic text/reference ... Read more

Book Description

Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and Evolution of Dormancy and Germination differs from all other books on seed germination. It is an all-encompassing volume that provides a working hypothesis of the ecological and environmental conditions under which various kinds of seed dormancy have developed. It also presents information on the seed germination of more than 3500 species of trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous species, making this a valuable reference for anyone studying germination.
This book delivers information on characteristics of each type of seed dormancy, how each type of dormancy is broken in nature, and what environmental conditions are required for germination after dormancy is broken. It explains how studies should be done to distinguish persistent from transient seed banks, and covers which species should be controlled, propagated, and conserved. Seeds gives the reader insight and guidelines for doing ecologically meaningful studies on the biogeography and evolution of seed dormancy and germination in order to better understand plant reproductive strategies, life history traits, adaptations to habitats, and physiological processes.

Key Features
* Evolutionary/phylogenetic origins and relationships of various kinds of seed dormancy
* A world biogeographical perspective on seed dormancy and germination
* Ecophysiology of seeds with each type of dormancy
* Critical evaluation of methodology used in soil seed bank studies
* Germination ecology of plants with specialized habitat and life cycle types
* Genetic and maternal preconditioning effects on seed dormancy and germination
* Guidelines for doing ecologically-meaningful germination studies ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Outstanding contribution in seed dormancy and germination .
An amazing book from a peer couple of seed science and technology. Weed seed ecology is my field and it always facinated me, that how a plant showed his strategy against humen interference in its life cycle. This bookis clearly answered these question by differentways. I reallycongratulate the honorable authors for there real contribution in seedscience. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Best known for The Serpent and the Rainbow, Wade Davis is an ethnobotanist interested in the native uses of plants, especially psychotropics. He finds many such plants in the travels he recounts in One River, especially coca and curare. (The first, famously, is a curse in the First World but is a necessity in the Andes, where it promotes the digestion of many kinds of food plants.) Framing Davis's narrative is an account of the dangerous World War II-era Amazonian expeditions undertaken by his mentor, Harvard biologist Richard Evans Schultes. Davis describes a few hair-raising encounters of his own, making this a fine book of scientific adventure. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Davis'portrayal of the Amazon is brilliant.
One River was one of the best books I have read in quite some time. As a Ph.D student in Botany, I was inspired by the accounts of Shultes, Plowman and Davis' journeys to the Amazon seeking tropical plants and learning from the people who have been using them for generations.. Davis has a rare ability to mix technical science writing with a deep knowledge of history, culture, and politics and make it flow into a coherent narrative. Any student of ecology, evolution, (especially of plants) will love this book as will people with an interest in the cultures and history of the Amazon basin.

Human & Ecological Diversity Fall Victim to the Modern World
"One River" will take you on a journey that you will never forget. It will introduce you to one of the twentieth century's most remarkable men--Richard Evans Schultes, as well as one of the world's most fascinating places--the Amazon.

The book is the story of the work of Schultes and two of his students, including the author Wade Davis. It will take you as close as you can ever be to lost cultures and lost ecosystems along with cultures and ecosystems that are very much endangered. Wade Davis is a champion of both human and ecological diversity. "One River" is probably the most eloquent testament to ethnic and biological diversity I've ever read.

As the modern world encroaches on every last nook and cranny of this beautiful earth, "One River" serves as a primer about what once was and about the price we pay as we lose one more species, or one more human culture forever.

This book is an adventure story. It is a story of incredible academic accomplishment. The term academic, with its connotations of being hopelessly removed from the real world does not apply here. Schultes and his students could not be more connected to the real world.

"One River" is the story of man and nature and how the two interact, each forever changing the other. Read this book and then tell your friends about it. While it is hard to make such a claim (there are so many good books), I'd have to say this is my favorite book.

Even Deeper in the Wonder
This will be a very short review on a book that has long been with me. While working on a reproductive biology macaw research project climbing into the canopy of the Amazon each day for 3 months i found ONE RIVER one night piled amongst the research literature. Even though i had the Amazon literally ground into my bones after so many days of hard labor i could not put this book down each night reading by candle. Could one gourge on steak then still enjoy reading about cattle? This is simply a fascinating, and most well written book on arguably the most complex wonderful ecosystem as experienced by a most hard working curiously gifted individual. Do your soul a favor and read this book 5 times!!!

Wade Davis opens up the amazon and ethno-botany
I have read this book fully three times over five years. I am still amazed at the wealth of detail, yet the subtle humor in Davis' descriptions of the plants and peoples of the Amazon basin. The book is so detailed that I think many people glaze over in trying to read it. I would say it helps to read it before and then after you visit any rainforest. It also gives you a whole different approach to medicine and healing. The shaman empathizes with a patient, and uses native plants on HIMSELF to approach the healing process. Then, illuminated regarding what course to follow, provides the patient with a very specific course of healing, often using other plant materials. Often dismissed in our American culture as superstition, these practices are fascinating to read about from an author who has travelled, observed, and done what we can only imagine, and who seems to believe otherwise.

River of Life
One River reads like an adventure story, a character sketch, a history, and a PhD dissertation. How Davis is able to hold so many disparate strands together so well is a true marvel. That he is an excellent writer surely helped but so did his choice of topics-all quite fascinating.

Rarely does one pick up a book, especially non-fiction, that cannot be set aside. This book glues itself to your hands and you won't be able to shake it until you've finished. Then you'll wish there were more.

In the broadest terms, One River is a biography of Davis's mentor, Richard Evans Schultes. I had become familiar with Schultes's work when researching hallucinogens. Well-known in that particular field, he is renowned generally as the godfather of ethnobotany. Tracing any strand in modern botany you'll find him again and again. He was incredibly prolific and a born adventurer. Many species of plants are named after him because his colleagues so highly respected him.

Davis recounts his personal experiences under Schultes-the strange days at Harvard, the mission Schultes sent him on to study cocaine in 1970s Columbia-and then proceeds to unravel his hero's own story. One needs to read the book to appreciate the twists and turns of this plot but let's just say Schultes has taken all drugs, lived with all new world tribes, and regularly voted for Queen Elizabeth II in presidential elections. In spite of his noted eccentricities few scientists could claim such respect or accomplishment.

In the early 40s he was employed by U.S. government to find and/or cultivate a new world source of high quality rubber. A decade of work almost resulted in a better rubber that would enrich the people of Central America and ensure the U.S. a constant supply of this industrial mainstay. Please read almost... a single guffaw by some legislators destroyed all this work and left us in the lurch of depending on Southeast Asia for our rubber, a precarious situation to be sure.

Throughout the book, the main backdrop is the Amazon. One of the reasons I had trouble putting the book down was because it transported me to that exotic place. Though I was doing my same old routine, I could jump into the narrative and feel like I was on an intrepid vacation never sure what the next bend in the river would bring: menacing or friendly natives, a new species of orchid, other wanderers, a potently hallucinogenic plant?

For a thoughtful and engaging read one can do no better. ... Read more

Book Description

The most complete work on the medicinal plants of western North America, this guide offers the best information in the world on the nearly 500 species covered, much of it available for the first time. More than 530 color photographs illustrate the plants. An index to medical topics helps locate information on specific ailments. Symbols next to the plant descriptions provide quick visual warnings for poisonous and allergenic plants. Organized by flower color for fast identification, this guide is an essential aid to appreciating native plants and the wild areas they inhabit. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Botany contribution.
Peterson's Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs is a contribution to botany and field identification. This guide includes medicinal species, potentially dangerous ones, and plants with true healing powers. There is a description of range, habitat, medicinal uses, and a toxicity warning beside the species listing. Hundreds of species are covered, making a classic guide, one that deserves to revolutionize the botanical field guide section.

Best of Field
Peterson Field Guides has produced another winner. Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and Christopher Hobbs is a gorgeous guide book by, pardon the pun, the leaders in the field. This particular field guides sets the standard by which all medicinal plant guides should follow. Brilliant colour photographs of the over 500 identified species organized by colour for quick reference helps any novice quickly identify the plant and what'll happen if you try to make tea out of it. The detailed plant descriptions also include scientific name, family, location found, historical medicinal uses as well as highlighted warnings for poisons, allergies and other areas of caution. A very unique and special field guide Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs also offers harvesting and conservation tips. Pick this book up before you even considering picking flowers, herbs or plants for uses other than the filling your vase, it's a must have for anyone spending any extended time in the outdoors. ... Read more

Book Description

The goals of INTRODUCTORY BOTANY: PLANTS, PEOPLE, AND THE ENVIRONMENT are to share with beginning botany students an appreciation of the diverse organisms we call plants and to help students understand how scientists think, how they approach and solve problems, and how they obtain scientific knowledge about our world. The overall theme of this text is the role of plants in the biosphere - and in keeping with that theme, related environmental issues are integrated into each chapter. The environmental emphasis, which is unique among introductory botany texts, provides students with relevancy and kindles their interest in plants. A second theme, botany as a scientific process, is also stressed throughout. ... Read more

Book Description

Still considered the definitive work on medicinal herbs and their uses after two decades, the Handbook of Medicinal Herbs has undergone a long-anticipated revision. In the second edition, world-renowned ethnobotanist James A. Duke provides up-to-date data on over 800 of the world's most important medicinal plant species. The book contains more species, phytochemicals, proven indications, folk indications, and dosage data than the first edition in a new easier to use format. The in-depth content, the addition of color plates and over 200 black and white illustrations makes this book the most comprehensive resource on medicinal herbs available.NEW IN THE SECOND EDITION:"Over 100 color plates, 4 color maps"Over 200 black and white illustrations"Over 800 medicinal plants - more than twice as many as the previous edition organized alphabetically by common name"More herbs from the African, Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Jamu traditionsEASY ACCESS TO INFORMATION YOU NEEDDesigned to give you fast access to the information you need on a regular basis, this new edition is organized more systematically than any other medicinal herb publication. The entries are now arranged alphabetically by common name with the scientific name in parenthesis. Major synonyms are also provided."It has become increasingly clear that there are hundreds of biologically active compounds, often additive or synergistic, in all our plants, foods, spices, herbs, medicinal, and poisonous plants. The debate continues on how these plants work and how they should be used. Blending scientific fact with folk uses and the author's personal experience, Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition provides the most well rounded discussions of safety, efficacy, toxicity, and rational use found in any herbal reference. ... Read more

Book Description

The world of plants and its relation to mankind as revealed by the latest scientific discoveries. "Plenty of hard facts and astounding scientific and practical lore."--Newsweek ... Read more

Reviews (30)

This book has information that MUST be shared with the world
This was a very informative book. It shows how scientists have recently proven plant thought, emotion, and sensing powers. This book must be read by as many people as possible (except parts of chapter two) before any more of the horrible plant abuse that I am constantly witnessing takes place. This book confirmed many beliefs about plants that I had prior to reading it, and it will help in much of my own experimentation. Thank you Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird!

Life affirming scientific case studies of vegetable life
It is an axiom oft stated that the magic of one century becomes the science of the next. This overly hopeful idea of how perceptions of human knowledge change in time is not supported by this book. Ideas seen as magical are not inevitably accepted by mainstream scientists; instead, theories and practices proven by experiment are routinely denied admission into the halls of academe, because of they support a science of life rather than one of death, and envision a universe which is alive and fertile, a living organism in fact, rather than one which is dead and brittle, made up of pieces with which scientists can play as if they were Tinkertoys.

Tompkins and Bird present this thesis by means of a number of case studies of thinkers at the vanguard of botanical thought. Among these actors in this new study of plant life are Cleve Backster, who showed that plants can sense the emotions of humans; Luther Burbank, who demonstrated that plants will grow to please members of our race; and various researchers who proved that plants will respond to music, growing toward the music of Bach and fleeing that of Led Zeppelin. These experiments prove conclusively that the standard definition of plants as insensible is inaccurate.

These experiments are only the surface of this book, however, the intent of which is not only to do away with old thinking on this matter, but also to inform us or perhaps just to remind us that the entire planet is alive, and that it is for the good of the planet that we begin to feed ourselves in a simpler manner. The authors accordingly provide case studies of farmers, such as J. Rodale, who raise healthy crops without artificial fertilizers or pesticides. These crops have a far greater output than do those raised by conventional methods, because the earth responds to the simpler methods better than to the harsh materialistic approaches advocated by the government and by fertilizer manufacturers.

This book, then, will show those willing to see that plants not only can communicate with us, but that they also are willing to work with humanity to return us to Eden, or more prosaically, that through methods less harmful to the environment and less expensive than commercial fertilizers, farmers can raise crops which surpass the abundance of those raised by conventional methods. There are a few cases, such as those in the chapter on radionic pesticides, which were not supported by sufficient evidence to prove their points, but in general this book demonstrates that plants are indeed more alive than we suspected, and are our willing helpmates in all aspects of life, if we would but listen. Recommended for all who work with plants, and for those who already believe in the living universe, and who want to see scientific confirmation of that fact.

licks the bottom of the toilet
Pseudo-science, fantasy, mysticism, fuzziness, all within a hard "OH NOS THE CLOSED-MINDED SCIENTIFIC ESTABLISHMENT IS TRYING TO QUIET THE TRUTH (and God forbid we should expose our fragile plants to controlled, repeatable, verifiable conditions) RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE" shell. I liked this book when I was sixteen, and preferred dreams over reality. Now, with slightly higher standards, I find this book worth little more than the cackles evoked on nearly every page.

A Fine Companion Book To "Silent Spring"
The science of plant life and human interaction come to life in this fine book and if read with an open mind and heart, one will no doubt be left with a new awe and feeling for our plant world. One might also feel the rage about the assault of the thoughtless/needless chemical assaults perpetrated against plant life- overflowing into all other life forms- what goes around, comes around! (Kharma, as in bad?)

Rachel Carson's beautiful and enlightning work: "Silent Spring", is mentioned along with a host of other not so well known scientist and farmer's such as England's Friend Sykes who in 1951 wrote about the alarming side effects of the chemical pesticides and fertilizers and the ludicrous, unneccessary, vicious cycle of ever expanding need for more chemicals while nature is so expertly altering it's composition to resist this assault. Of course, the chemical manufacturers (aka: merchants of poison and death) are laughing all the way to the bank with this dangerous and insidious snake-oil scam.

As other reviewers have stated, "this book should be read by every human on the planet"

This Book is Pseudoscience at its Worst
A breathless, credulous, vast and poorly informed excitement fills this book. Its approach to fantastic claims of vegetable sympathy is non-critical in the extreme. I would recommend this book to people who wish to enjoy fantasies and dreams, because the authors share a certain sympathy with their subjects. The actually verified secret life of plants, however, is interesting beyond description, and deserves a more truthful and honest exploration. ... Read more

Book Description

New England's diverse geography overflows with edible plant and animal species. Through the seasons, this forager's paradise offers a continually changing list of wild, harvestable treasures. From Beach Peas to Serviceberries, Lamb's-Quarters to Lady's Thumb, Hen of the Woods to Mugworts, Foraging New England guides you to the edible wild foods and healthful herbs of the Northeast. Organized by environmental zone, this valuable reference guide will help you identify and appreciate the wild bounty of New England. Inside you'll find: detailed descriptions of edible plants and animals; tips on finding, preparing, and using foraged foods; a glossary of botanical terms; eighty-seven color photos. Use Foraging New England as a field guide or as a delightful armchair read. No matter what you're looking for, be it the curative Heal-All or tasty Purslane, this guide will enhance your next backpacking trip or easy stroll around the garden, and may just provide some new favorites for your dinner table. (6 x 9, 208 pages, color photos) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nature's Bounty
Tom Seymour, acclaimed as a naturalist from the State of Maine, has written a fascinating survey of nature's bounty. This book is highly recommended to readers with an interest in ecology and the world of nature. The author supplies much hard to find information concerning nature's many hidden treasures: edible plants, medicinal plants, and the like. The book features superb color plates, cross-referencing, and a writing style that says "keep reading...." ... Read more

Book Description

One of the cornerstones of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), herbal medicine has evolved over centuries of clinical practice and empirical results into a vast body of knowledge encompassing more than 6,000 substances, most of whose effects and uses have been documented and researched. The literature on Chinese medicinal herbs is unparalleled and unsurpassed in the world's medical knowledge; the earliest known pharmacological work was composed before the end of the third century B.C. The first classical Chinese materia medica appeared during the late Han dynasty (25-22- A.D.) and included 365 entries of botanical, zoological, and mineral substances, listing their properties and effects. Subsequent materia medica were assembled during virtually every dynasty from the Liang (456-536 A.D.) to the Qing (1645-1911). Among the major treatments published during these centuries was the 30-volume Materia Medica Arranged According to Pattern, which had 1558 entries, more than 3,000 formulae, and became the official pharmacopoeia of herbal medicine in China for 500 years. n Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica brings to the English language a lavishly illustrated atlas of the 320 herbs used most frequently in traditional Chinese medical practice. Each substance is profiled authoritatively in monographs that provide pharmaceutical, botanical and English names; flavor properties and channel tropisms; functions; clinical uses and major combinations; dosage and administration; and precautions. Intended for medicinal and pharmaceutical chemists as well as practitioners of homeopathic and alternative medicines, this materia medica offers a unique blend of authenticity that is derived from knowledge of classical Chinese literature with a clearly practical objective of persenting valuable information in a straightforward, easily comprehensible style. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Your best hands-on, how-to-do-it text
This new edition of an essential reference, updated to include the explosion of scientific information in the related field of biotechnology, remains the most accessible and practical book on the subject.

The Best curently available
This book contains everything that you need to know to start cloneing plants. Some of the material is geared more towards comericial operations but there is a lot for the hobbiest too. I thought that it could have been organized a little better. The authors talk about equipment and media before they go through the cloning process. Parts of it will be boring unless you are planing to actually culture plants. For example there are several step by step lists on how to preform transfers etc.

Perfect for the novice.
For those just starting out, this is as good as it gets. Good for the beginner, but contains information useful to the more experienced. If you get hooked on this hobby, it shows how to set up your own lab without breaking the bank. The bibliography and list of supply sources will let you go as far as you want. ... Read more

Book Description

An exciting new approach to learning about botany. Teaches the structure and function of plants and surveys the entire plant kingdom. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This study technique works well for me.
At first you have to hide the fact that at, age 53, you are using a coloring book! Nevertheless I have stuck with it through a number of pages and have found out that my retention and ability to recall through visualizing the diagrams increases many fold versus the read and think method. When I revisit the pages to study the topic it comes back much easier. The book seems to be a good balance between the written text/descriptions and the illustrations. It takes a fairly big time commitment and at times you ask yourself, "Is this the best use of my study time?". Well after a few days the accuracy of my retention answered that question with a huge YES. It is much more technical than how one might visualize as 'coloring book'. I really do enjoy it and am learning the topics.

Excellent for older students including college age
This is an incredibly detailed and thorough examination of the anatomy and physiology of plants. A great way to for visual learners to supplement their learning experience. I found it extremely helpful in my college Introductory Botany course.

This book is interesting and fun!
I wanted to know more about plants and how to look at plants. How do you start without to find out when you do not really want to commit time to doing a college course or reading technical books? I am more than pleased to find a book that is so complete and is written for adults. Can't belive how much fun I'm having with it. Thanks, Authors! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The best darn native plant landscaping book for the SW
If you want info about native species of plants to use in Texas (or the SW U.S.), this is the book. And if you want landscaping plans for landscaping your Texas property with great species of native plants, this is the book. Sally Wasowski is the best! I'm so happy it's available again! It's been a while.

Same old book--new cover
I just got an old edition of this book. And, after looking at it and comparing it to the new edition, I would suggest buying an old edition--if you can find one. Why? Well, basically the new edition is a re-hash of the old with the same layout plans, photos and text. There are few changes--enough to merit it the "new edition" title--but I was disappointed with the new version since there was so much hype around this book and it did not deliver. Next time they update, they should include more plans, more examples/pictures of gardens, and more valuable info.

If you landscape in Texas, please buy this book!
With all the environmental degredation that we have caused, it is heartening to know that we can do something in our own way. Landscape with native plants! This book is the bible on how to do so in Texas. It is conveniently organized by categories (example: groundcovers, trees, shrubs, etc.) and provides specific garden plans for every region in Texas so that the novice gardener can get some great ideas. What's more, the book is fun to read.

I depend on this book for my backyard garden in Texas
I love this book - it's priceless. Texas can be a tough place to grow plants. This book concisely helps the reader to find plants that will not only survive but thrive through extremes of drought and flood, heat and cold. It is SO necessary, especially since most nurseries seem to sell non-native plants which are unsuited to live here for more than one year without lots of pampering, chemicals, and TONS of water. This book would make a great house-warming present for new homeowners in Texas. This book contains: beautiful color closeups of the plants described, their latin and common names (critical when trying to make a purchase), and growing conditions and range within the state. It also has example garden layouts for each major growing region within the state. I used these heavily when designing my own backyard garden. The only thing I worry about is that the publishing company went out of business and this book is soon to be completely out of print! Get copies while you still can.

I depended on this book for my backyard garden in Texas
I love this book - it's priceless. Texas can be a tough place to grow plants. This book concisely helps the reader to find plants that will not only survive but thrive through extremes of drought and flood, heat and cold. It is SO necessary, especially since most nurseries seem to sell non-native plants which are unsuited to live here for more than one year without lots of pampering, chemicals, and TONS of water. This book would make a great house-warming present for new homeowners in Texas. This book contains: beautiful color closeups of the plants described, their latin and common names (critical when trying to make a purchase), and growing conditions and range within the state. It also has example garden layouts for each major growing region within the state. I used these heavily when designing my own backyard garden. The only thing I worry about is that the publishing company went out of business and this book is soon to be completely out of print! Get copies while you still can. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Commercial Propagation of Orchids in Tissue Culture: Seed-Flasking Methods is an illustrated laboratory manual that describes in easily understood language the stepwise process of propagating orchids from seed via ‘seed flasking,’ a technique based on tissue-culture technology. The methods described include Preparation of: Green Pod for Seed Sowing; Split Pod for Dry-Seed Sowing; Spread Flask; and Replate Flask.

This informative volume also presents: pros-and-cons of seed flasking versus cloning; detailed descriptions of media, their components, and preparation; guidelines to using sterile technique; and a photographic life cycle of orchids grown in seed flasks. An invaluable appendix presents an 8-page table of orchid-pod collection times, including 471 species/hybrids among 124 genera. A glossary and comprehensive index complete the book. This book won an Award of Excellence from The Intermountain Chapter of The Society for Technical Communication in its 2000–2001 Publications Competition.

A removable 8.5"x14" tri-fold companion Quick Reference Guide summarizes all the media and propagation methods presented in greater detail within the book. It guides the user bench-side after he’s read and studied the manual.

Comb-bound, softcover book easily lies flat or folds. 8.5"x11" format. 53 B&W photographs. 63 pages. ... Read more

Book Description

This fully revised translation of the world-renowned German edition covers the complete and modern knowledge of plant biochemistry. The book presents the topic in a concise and simplified manner so that students can digest the message and gain a basic knowledge of the entire field of plant biochemistry, from photosynthesis (the synthesis of natural plant products) to all kinds of genetic engineering with its many commercial applications. Topics include cell structure and function, lipid and polysaccharide metabolism, nitrogen fixation, phloem transport, synthesis and function of isoprenoids, phenylpropanoids and other secondary metabolites, plant growth regulation and development.Heldt provides a comprehensive description of photosynthesis, primary and secondary metabolism, the function of phytohormones and molecular engineering.The text covers research findings until the end of 2003 and identifies areas of future research. There are extensive references to the most recent scientific literature.

* Illustrated with two-color diagrams and well designed metabolic schemes
* Plant metabolism presented in the context of the structure and function of the plant
* Many examples of commercial applications for the protection and quality improvement of harvest crops, plant breeding, and the production of raw materials for industrial use
* Coverage of the latest research findings ... Read more