The Thrilling World Tour Of Botanical Adventures: Unveiling Chance Discoveries And Bizarre Specimens!

Embark on an exhilarating journey through the realms of flora and fauna as we bring you a one-of-a-kind world tour of botanical adventures. Join us as we traverse the globe to discover astonishing chance findings and peculiar specimens that will leave you in awe. Brace yourself for a wild ride packed with surprises, as we unveil the wonders hidden within the plant kingdom!

Chapter 1: Exploring the Mystical Amazon Rainforest

Our first stop takes us deep into the enchanting Amazon rainforest, where ancient trees and exotic plants thrive. Here, we encounter the epiphyllum oxypetalum, also known as the "Queen of the Night." This rare flowering plant blooms only at night, exuding a captivating fragrance that enchants anyone lucky enough to witness it. We delve further into the lush foliage and stumble upon the Victoria amazonica, a giant water lily with leaves capable of supporting the weight of a small child!

The Plant-Hunter's Atlas: A World Tour of Botanical Adventures, Chance Discoveries and Strange Specimens

by Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	64342 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	457 pages

FREE

Chapter 2: Unveiling the Secrets of the Mysterious African Savannah

Leaving the dense rainforest behind, we head to the expansive African savannah, teeming with an array of captivating specimens. The Welwitschia mirabilis, an ancient plant endemic to the Namib Desert, grabs our attention. With an incredible lifespan of up to 2,000 years, this mind-boggling specimen plays host to a multitude of surprising adaptations. We also come across the baobab tree, often called the "upside-down tree" due to its peculiar shape, which can store thousands of liters of water in its trunk!

Chapter 3: Unearthing Botanical Marvels in the Asian Wilderness

Continuing our adventure, we set foot in the captivating landscapes of Asia, where incredible botanical wonders await. In the depths of Borneo's rainforests stands the mighty Amorphophallus titanum, or the "Corpse Flower." This gigantic plant holds the title for the world's largest unbranched inflorescence and emits an odor akin to decaying flesh to attract pollinators. As we venture deeper into mainland Asia, we stumble upon the psychedelic Rafflesia arnoldii, renowned for producing the largest single flower on Earth!

Chapter 4: Unveiling Secrets from the Lush European Gardens

Our journey takes us to the picturesque gardens of Europe, where we encounter a myriad of ethereal blooms and hidden botanical curiosities. Amongst these is the Nepenthes rajah, a carnivorous pitcher plant native to the Bornean mountains, capable of trapping and digesting small animals. We also marvel at the vibrant colors of the Tulipa sprengeri, a rare species of wild tulip found only in the eastern regions of Turkey!

Chapter 5: Unraveling the Enigmatic Antarctic Flora

As we reach the icy terrains of Antarctica, many would assume the absence of plant life. However, our tour reveals the presence of unique plant species that have adapted to survive in this extreme environment. The Deschampsia antarctica, also known as the "Antarctic hair grass," withstands freezing temperatures and violent winds, showcasing nature's resilience. We also glimpse the vibrant hues of the Usnea antarctica, a curious lichen that clings to rocks as it defies the relentless cold.

After embarking on this exhilarating world tour of botanical adventures, it becomes evident that the world of plants holds endless surprises and peculiarities. From the lush rainforests of the Amazon to the frozen realms of Antarctica, nature's botanical wonders continue to astound and captivate us. These chance discoveries and strange specimens are a testament to the resilience and diversity of the plant kingdom, reminding us of the fascinating secrets yet to be unveiled.

The Plant-Hunter's Atlas: A World Tour of Botanical Adventures, Chance Discoveries and Strange Specimens

by Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	64342 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	457 pages

FREE

RHS Staff Pick of the Year 2021Spectator Gardening Book of the year 2021'A refreshingly insightful history of plant s.' - Roy Lancaster

Travel the world with extraordinary tales of the botanical discoveries that have shaped empires, built (and destroyed) economies, revolutionised medicine and advanced our understanding of science.

Circling the globe from Australia's Botany Bay to the Tibetan plateau, from the deserts of Southern Africa to the jungles of Brazil, this book presents an incredible cast of characters - dedicated researchers and reckless adventurers, physicians, lovers and thieves. Meet dauntless Scots explorer David Douglas and visionary Prussian thinker Alexander von Humboldt, the 'Green Samurai' Mikinori Ogisu and the intrepid 17th century entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian - the first woman known to have made a living from science.

Beautifully illustrated with over 100 botanical artworks from the archives of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this absorbing book tells the stories of how plants have travelled across the world - from the missions of the Pharaohs right up to 21st century seed-banks and the many new and endangered species being named every year.

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THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW is a world-famous research organisation and a major international visitor attraction. It harnesses the power of its science, the rich diversity of its gardens and collections to unearth why plants and fungi matter to everyone. Its aspiration is to end the extinction crisis and help create a world where nature and biodiversity are protected, valued and managed sustainably.