BOOK REVIEWS

Plant
The ultimate visual reference to the plants and flowers of the world

Editor: Janet Marinelli
Published by Dorling Kindersley
Distributed by Penguin
$NZ99.95
Reviewed by Mike Gowing

THE subtitle's claim that this is the "ultimate visual reference to the plants and flowers of the world" might seem extravagant. However, this encyclopaedia has the endorsement of Britain's Royal Botanic Kew Gardens, a preface by the garden's director Sir Peter Crane and content that will enthral gardeners and conservationists.

Sir Peter says: "This book is the first authoritative reference for gardeners interested in how their passion for plants can contribute to the survival of a species."

The book is based on the premise that gardeners have a crucial role in ensuring Earth's botanical future as it's estimated that, at current rates of depredation, two-thirds of plant species will have disappeared before the end of this century.

The book opens with clear and concise instructions on how to use its five sections to best effect. Also detailed is the way the book flags such things as threatened species or invasive plants. The general sections cover topics like plant diversity and extinction, and the gardener's role in conservation.

Superbly illustrated and from a wealth of contributors, Plant is a must for anyone whose love of gardening spurs them to explore the wider implications of saving our botanic heritage.

Reproduced with permission from the former Weekend Gardener magazine. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the RNZIH