Sex and Beauty: The Science of Flowers - Softcover

Russell, Sharman Apt

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0738202088 ISBN 13: 9780738202082

Publisher: Perseus Books, 2001

Synopsis

An acclaimed nature writer reveals the secret life of flowers. . In Anatomy of a Rose , Sharman Apt Russell eloquently unveils the "inner life" of flowers. From their diverse fragrances to their nasty deceptions, Russell proves that, where nature is concerned, "wonder is not only our starting point, it can also be our destination. " Throughout this botanical journey, she reveals that the science behind these intelligent plants-how they evolved, how they survive, how they heal-is even more awe-inspiring than their fleeting beauty. Russell helps us imagine what a field of snapdragons looks like to a honeybee, and she introduces us to flowers that regulate their own temperature, attract pollinating bats, even smell like a rotting corpse. She also delves into cutting-edge research on everything from flower senses to their healing power. Long used to ease everything from depression to childbirth, flowers are now our main line of defense against childhood leukemia and the deadly Ebola virus. In this poetic rumination, which combines graceful writing with a scientist's clarity, Russell brings together the work of botanists around the globe, and illuminates a world at once familiar and exotic.

About this title

Review

'Apt has a gift for making the reader see, and occasionally even smell, the flora she evidently so passionately loves.' -- Sunday Times August 2001 by Ruth Rendell

'Every page holds a revelation..[the reader is] confronted by so much exuberance, joy and undoubted expertise.' -- Sunday Times August 2001 by Ruth Rendell

Synopsis

An acclaimed nature writer reveals the secret life of flowers. . In Anatomy of a Rose , Sharman Apt Russell eloquently unveils the "inner life" of flowers. From their diverse fragrances to their nasty deceptions, Russell proves that, where nature is concerned, "wonder is not only our starting point, it can also be our destination. " Throughout this botanical journey, she reveals that the science behind these intelligent plants-how they evolved, how they survive, how they heal-is even more awe-inspiring than their fleeting beauty. Russell helps us imagine what a field of snapdragons looks like to a honeybee, and she introduces us to flowers that regulate their own temperature, attract pollinating bats, even smell like a rotting corpse. She also delves into cutting-edge research on everything from flower senses to their healing power. Long used to ease everything from depression to childbirth, flowers are now our main line of defense against childhood leukemia and the deadly Ebola virus.

In this poetic rumination, which combines graceful writing with a scientist's clarity, Russell brings together the work of botanists around the globe, and illuminates a world at once familiar and exotic.

Edition details

• Publisher: Perseus Books
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0738202088
• ISBN 13: 9780738202082
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 232