The Wild Flora of Kew Gardens: A cumulative checklist from 1759 details all plants that have ever been recorded growing in a wild state within the Gardens or its periphery (including the towpath, Kew Green and Old Deer Park), and all natives cultivated in formal beds or other plantings, either currently or in the past, for which there is reliable documentation, dating back to the first record of 1759. Nearly 2,000 taxa are included, with citation of literature records and herbarium specimens and accompanying colour photographs. The book notes the past and present distribution of wild species within the Gardens, and demonstrates the extent to which the wild flora of the Kew estate has changed over its 250 years.

A thorough field guide to the wildflowers of the western Mediterranean's sunny shores. The western Mediterranean--running from Italy to Portugal and encompassing Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, and coastal North Africa--is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, home to more than 10,000 plant species. This updated edition of the Field Guide to the Wildflowers of the Western Mediterranean is the most comprehensive plant identification guide to the area. Covering more than 2,500 plants, this accessible guide focuses on the most common and conspicuous species that occur in the area, with descriptions, color photographs, and illustrations throughout. The book also includes sections on where to find native plants in the wild, as well as a glossary of terms. An ideal companion for wildlife and plant enthusiasts, this guide will enable even the most botanically blind to reliably identify native flora in the sunny and coastal climes of the western Mediterranean.

Explores what makes the world's rarest plants so exceptional, and by what means they have become so scarce, and tells the story of 40 rare and endangered species. Includes 40 frameable prints; encased in a collector's box.

Passionate, forthright and enthusiastic, Carlos Magdalena is a world-renowned horticulturist - known both for his charisma and his conservation work. The Plant Messiah follows Carlos' dreams and disappointments; from his days as a school boy in the death throes of General Franco's Fascist dictatorship, to his advent as The Plant Messiah at the forefront of conservation, backed by the reputation and resources of The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and enthused by the potential that lies beyond. The book discloses for the first time the details behind his 'codebreaking' exploits and the secret stories behind his work; his genius, lateral thinking and steadfast belief that everything is possible.

In the Kew Book of Sugar Flowers, sugarcraft specialist Cassie Brown teaches you how to craft stunning, authentic-looking flowers and foliage using flower paste (gum paste). Learn how to create beautiful bouquets and stunning sprays, from the early stages of germinating your ideas - taking inspiration from nature and making moulds from real flowers and leaves - to creating floral cake decorations with an exotic or wild flower theme for a special occasion. Through clear and concise step-by-step instructions, Cassie explains every facet of crafting sugar flowers, from gaining an appreciation of the flower itself, to preparing the flower paste and colouring it to wiring the flowers into an attractive and realistic bouquet. There is a veritable garden of delights to choose from, from ornate orchids to delicate daisies. The method for crafting each individual flower is demonstrated in stunning detail beginning with an 'exploded flower' photograph that illustrates each of the individual components and working through the techniques and tricks that Cassie herself applies to create her stunning floral displays. The Kew Book of Sugar Flowers is the perfect book for the established sugarcrafter looking to develop their skills and take their cake-decorating capabilities to the next level. Readers with a particular interest in flowers and plants will also love this book for its painstaking recreation of flora in flower paste (gum paste), and the book is endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew giving extra credibility to the stunning realism of the flowers that Cassie Brown has recreated. Foreword by Eddie Spence M.B.E. Eddie Spence MBE has enjoyed an illustrious career in confectionery and cake design and his superior skills have earned him the opportunity to decorate many cakes for the royal family, including Her Majesty the Queen herself.

For the first time, this extraordinary compilation showcases weird, mysterious and bizarre plants from around the world. Plants trick, kill, steal and kidnap, and this unique book explores a fascinating world in which plants have turned the tables on animals. Author Chris Thorogood showcases these plant behaviours, the interrelationships among plants, the interdependencies between plants and animals, and the intrigue of plant evolution. All types of weird and sinister are featured in this book, from carnivorous plants that drug, drown and consume unsuspecting insect prey; giant pitcher plants that have evolved toilets for tree shrews; flowers that mimic rotting flesh to attract pollinating flies, and orchids that duplicitously look, feel and even smell like a female insect to bamboozle sex-crazed male bees.

The Algarve region of southern Portugal is an area of immense botanical importance with numerous endemic and rare species. It is also one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, where it sees more than seven million tourists per year. Scientists and sightseers alike are drawn to the lovely flowers that dot the landscape. This is one of the few comprehensive identification guides that caters to both kinds of visitors, and the first edition has been a best-seller. This second edition is fully updated with new species and new findings. Information is provided on where and when to see plants with information on their habitat and vegetation types. Rare and unusual plants of the region are highlighted, including orchids and parasitic plants. The more than one thousand descriptions are accompanied throughout with over 650 stunning color photographs, 780 line drawings, and distribution maps.