Along with growing and buying them, plants have become one of my favorite subjects to read about. This list is a sampling of some favorite titles, a combination of narratives, facts, and tidbits. If you like plants, these are some of my recommendations:
Wicked Plants, Amy Stewart
Amy Stewart’s first appearance on this list, Wicked Plants is an A-Z compendium of botanical dangers that is sure to make you feel itchy. The format gives you facts and anecdotes along with helpful illustrations (in case you run into one of these plant monsters out in the wild). Each entry is marked with a classification category of Deadly, Illegal, Intoxicating, Dangerous, Painful, Destructive, or Offensive. My favorite thing about this book? It has been a great resource for that murder mystery novel I’m writing (and will probably never show anyone).
Happy Cactus, a DK publication
The book that keeps my cactus collection alive.
The Orchid Thief, Susan Orlean
I first read this book on a train traveling through Florida.
The Orchid Thief explores the myth behind a very Florida Florida-Man and the dangers of obsession. Orlean takes you back in time to the Victorian orchid collectors marching on suicide missions deep into the jungles of the world looking for the ultimate prize, and then leaves you standing waist-deep in the swamps of south Florida. Orchids are weird, beautiful and can be intoxicating when they challenge common sense. It’s a gripping narrative and reassures you that your plant addiction could be so, so much worse.
The Drunken Botanist, Amy Stewart
Amy Stewart again. Same idea as Wicked Plants, but with recipes! Did you know there are so many plants you can turn into alcohol (Banana Beer, anyone?). And she supplies extensive details on the plants you are already acquainted with. (You think you know about agave? You know nothing about agave!).
There are also helpful growing instructions for the home brewers.
Weird Plants, Chris Thorogood
Exactly what the title says, and with the lush illustrations to prove it. Did you know that the Rafflesia arnoldii is the largest flower in the world, growing up to 5 feet wide? And that it looks like what a toddler draws when the mean to draw a daisy?
I picked this up from the library to read about the giants (see: Titan arum) and the carnivores (I want a pitcher plant for my house!) and for the (horrid-looking) Hydnora, the weirdest plant in the world. The book is a little too light on text, but still a fascinating read.
Succulents, a DK publication
The book that keeps my succulent collection alive.
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