Plant Families - by Ross Bayton & Simon Maughan (Hardcover)

About the Book

Most of us think of plants as belonging to one big family, but they don't. There are actually hundreds of different plant families, which botanists have grouped together using what they know of their family histories and genealogy, to bring some sense and order to more than quarter of million different plant species. Using this knowledge, we can teach ourselves to see similarities of characteristics between plants and get a pretty good idea of which family they belong to. GENEALOGY FOR GARDERNERS presents the enormous diversity shown by the many families of plants in a way that is easy to understand, whether one's interest lies in natural history or with horticulture. The superb illustrations make it exceptionally attractive and accessible book. Information boxes on most pages highlight interesting facts, unexpected relationships, botanical curiosities, and notable members of plant family groups. Readers can make sense of the enormous biological diversity of the plant kingdom, by piecing together family likenesses and genealogical connections.

Book Synopsis

Most of us lump plants together in one big family, and when pressed can only explain their grouping by what they're not--not an animal, not a mineral, and so just a plant. In reality, there are hundreds of different plant families, each grouped logically by a unique family history and genealogy. This brings sense and order to the more than a quarter of a million different plant species covering a diverse spectrum that includes soaring sequoias (Cupressaceae), squat prickly pear (Cactaceae), and luxuriant roses (Rosaceae).

Plant Families is an easy-to-use, beautifully illustrated guide to the more than one hundred core plant families every horticulturist, gardener, or budding botanist needs to know. It introduces the basics of plant genealogy and teaches readers how to identify and understand the different structures of flowers, trees, herbs, shrubs, and bulbs. It then walks through each family, explaining its origins and range, and describing characteristics such as size, flowers, and seeds. Each family is accompanied by full-color botanical illustrations and diagrams. "Uses For" boxes planted throughout the book provide practical gardening tips related to each family.

We have much to gain by learning about the relationships between plant families. By understanding how botanists create these groupings, we can become more apt at spotting the unique characteristics of a plant and identify them faster and more accurately. Understanding plant families also helps us to make sense of--and better appreciate--the enormous biological diversity of the plant kingdom.

Review Quotes

"A visually engaging introduction to systematics that would make a perfect gift or decorative tabletop book for almost any level of budding horticulturist. Its beauty does not detract from the bite-sized knowledge that it imparts, but rather works well to pull in the novice reader and maybe even attract a few future botanists."-- "Economic Botany"

"An amazing guide filled with botanical information and exacting illustrations and diagrams."-- "Oregonian"

"Examines the major families of the plant world. . . . For each included family, information is provided on family origins, morphology, and ornamental or agricultural uses for members of the family. Elegant color illustrations throughout highlight important terms, structures, and example species associated with each plant family."-- "Choice"

About the Author

Simon Maughan has worked as an editor and publisher for the Royal Horticultural Society for over twelve years, and is the author of RHS Botany for Gardeners.