Frustrating Flowers and Puzzling Plants: Identifying the difficult species of Britain and Ireland

This book provides a fresh approach to identifying difficult plants by understanding their biology and presenting tabular keys that are more user-friendly and evolutionarily valid than conventional dichotomous keys. Each chapter contains illustrations of key diagnostic features and coverage of the historical recognition of complexity within each group. It is the perfect guide for getting to grips with challenging groups or untangling botanical mysteries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2024
Publisher: Pelagic Publishing

If you have ever attempted to identify wildflowers, you will undoubtedly understand the significance of this book's title. While many plants are relatively easy to recognize, others can be quite challenging. Standard wildflower guides often offer equal assistance in identifying the simple and distinctive species as they do the complex and tricky ones. This ingenious book is specifically designed to provide relief for the frustrated novice botanist and to assist those with more experience who may be stuck with unfamiliar and complex groups.

From willows to water-crowfoots, from eyebrights to dandelion look-a-likes, we have all encountered baffling specimens or seemingly cryptic plants. Presented here is a fresh and innovative approach to identifying difficult plants by gaining an understanding of the biology behind their complexity. In simple terms, you will be guided to the specific parts of the plant that require the most attention. The tabular keys are more user-friendly and evolutionarily valid than conventional dichotomous keys, which can often be confusing and cumbersome. Each chapter includes illustrations of key diagnostic features rather than entire plants. Other unique aspects include coverage of the historical recognition of complexity within each group, which informs debates about the appropriate level of resolution for your specific needs.

This accessible guide offers an excellent opportunity to delve into that challenging group you have been saving for next year or to unravel a botanical mystery that keeps recurring. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced botanist, this guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to confidently identify wildflowers and explore the fascinating world of botanical identification.

Weight: 618g
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784273316