The Secret World of Plants: Tales of More Than 100 Remarkable Flowers, Trees, and Seeds

Description

A timeless treasury of more than 100 stories from the incredible kingdom of plants, told by author and nature expert Ben Hoare Plants are found almost everywhere on Earth, but to many people their lives are a mystery. Discover the secrets of more than 100 amazing plants in this treasury of intriguing flora. Learn how seagrass flowers underwater, how the Venus flytrap counts to make sure it catches its prey, and why some tulips used to cost more than a house! This book explores the vast plant kingdom and explains how plants work, as well as the weird and wonderful relationships they have with animals. Plants provide us with food, fuel, and medicine, and without them, life as we know it would not exist. From orchids that grow vanilla pods to leaves that look like stones, and from bamboo that can be made into clothes to moss that soaks up vast amounts of carbon dioxide, plants shape our world in an endless variety of ways. The Secret World of Plants covers key plant parts; the essentials of plant science, including photosynthesis, pollination, and germination; and what they mean to the people around them. Each species is shown with remarkable photography and beautiful illustrations, all brought to life by Ben Hoare's writing, filled with charm and infectious enthusiasm. This book is a must for any child interested in the natural world and the plants that grow in it.

Ben Hoare is a science writer and editor, and the author of the hugely successful An Anthology of Intriguing Animals, The Wonders of Nature, and Nature's Treasures for DK. He is passionate about nature and sharing his knowledge of the natural world.

Be warned - if you buy this for one of the youngsters in your life, they're going to have to prise the book out of your hands first. * BBC Wildlife * A treasure trove for children (aged seven and over) interested in the natural world, this gorgeous gilded book clearly explains the essentials of plant science and unveils the mysteries of more than 100 varieties of fascinating flora. Learn about plants with seeds the size of football, how seagrass flowers underwater, and find out which moss was used instead of nappies! -- Margaret Bartlett * BBC Countryfile Magazine *