In the Name of Plants: "From Attenborough to Washington, the people behind plants' names"

The book In the Name of Plants tells the stories of the people and plants that were named after them, including pioneering explorers, collectors, and botanists such as Alice Eastwood and Charles Darwin. It features superb artworks and photography from the Library of the Natural History Museum.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: The Natural History Museum

The names of plants that we are so familiar with, such as magnolia, bougainvillea, and sequoia, may seem like mere labels, but they hold within them tales of espionage, heroism, rivalry, mystery, and inspiration. In the Name of Plants delves into the stories of these individuals and the plants that bear their names.

Each chapter unfolds the tale of the person for whom each plant is named, many of whom were pioneering explorers, collectors, and botanists. Take, for instance, Alice Eastwood, whose remarkable journey led to the naming of the yellow aster, Eastwoodia elegans. Eastwood, a 19th-century explorer, fearlessly ventured into uncharted territories and made a historic rescue by saving the California Academy of Science's invaluable plant collection from the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

The range of subjects covered in In the Name of Plants is vast and captivating. From Charles Darwin (Darwinia) to legendary French botanist Pierre Magnol (Magnolia), to the founding fathers of the United States, George Washington (Washingtonia) and Benjamin Franklin (Franklinia), the book showcases a diverse array of personalities and their botanical contributions.

To accompany these captivating stories, the book features stunning artworks from the renowned Library of the Natural History Museum. These artworks provide a visual representation of the plants and their unique characteristics, while also capturing the beauty of specimens and wild plants in their natural habitats. Additionally, each entry is accompanied by comprehensive taxonomic details, geographic spread information, and photographs that further enhance our understanding and appreciation of these remarkable plants.

In the Name of Plants is a captivating journey that unveils the hidden stories behind the familiar names of plants. It serves as a testament to the remarkable individuals and their contributions to botany and exploration, while also showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of the natural world. Whether you are a plant enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of nature, this book is a must-read that will leave you inspired and enlightened.

Weight: 826g
Dimension: 184 x 238 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780565095352