Remarkable Trees

Description

More than 60,000 species of trees are found in an amazing variety of forms, sizes and habitats. Every tree has its own story and here are over 60, selected for their particular resonance and connection with humankind and representing most of the world's major zones and ecologies. In portraits that combine vivid cultural and historical narrative with a firm scientific grounding, the authors reveal the details of trees from around the world, both familiar and strange. We use timbers for building and creating, have discovered which tree fruits and seeds taste delicious, and which can kill or cure us, and which species can add colour and spirituality to our lives - from the timber of mahogany to the delights of chocolate and pomegranate, from the medicinal tea tree to the deadly manchineel, and from fragrant frankincense to the highly prized dragon's blood tree. Artists and botanists alike have been inspired by trees for centuries, and a varied and beautiful range of images from the unrivalled archive at Kew illustrate the stories, to create this enlightening and enchanting book.

Tony Kirkham is Head of the Arboretum at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A worldrenowned tree expert, he has appeared on television and is the author of several books on horticulture including, as co-author, Wilson's China: A Century On. Christina Harrison is the editor of Kew Magazine. She trained as a biologist and botanist, and her books include Bizarre Botany.

'This attractive book gently reminds us not only how useful and beautiful trees are but how fragile too' - World of Interiors 'Exquisite ... intricate and expressive illustrations bear witness to the magic of closely observing the natural world' - The Lady 'A rare treat ... the wonderful drawings [are] as remarkable themselves as the trees they depict' - Gardens Illustrated 'Beautiful' - Robert Elms, BBC Radio London 'Enchantingly illustrated' - Country Town & House 'An absolute joy to peruse ... this handsome tome will prove to be a treasured volume which will be dipped into for years to come' - Cotswold Life 'Stunning ... reading it reminds us that we live in a truly remarkable world' - Book Murmuration 'A fine, gorgeously illustrated book' - The Times, Gardening Books of the Year 'Elegant' - Country Life 'Each account is concise and an enjoyable read ... This book is deserving a place on my shelf' - Tim Upson, RHS Director of Horticulture, The Garden 'If you've any interest in natural history - or learning endless did-you-know? facts about these vital plants - it'll be very much your thing' - Quintessentially 'A superb selection of illustrations ... elaborates on the authoritative and enjoyable text' - Hortus Journal