Publisher's Synopsis
Ever since the middle of the 18th century, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew have been finding, cultivating and introducing plants previously unknown to science. From Brazil to the Cape of Good Hope, from rhododendrons to the monkey-puzzle tree, Kew expeditions have discovered thousands of additions to the range of plants on which we can call for food, medicine, industry or adornment. "Plant Hunting for Kew" contains 15 accounts of specimen-hunting safaris to remote corners of the world over the last few decades.;Written by Nigel Hepper's colleagues from their own first-hand experiences, these include stories about treks to tropical Africa, hunting for the forest coconut in Madagascar, and searching for orchids in the Solomon Islands, as well as tales of travel in Nepal, Cyprus, the Middle East and China. The earliest journeys are described in the first chapters, and the role of Kew's students and the seed bank at the Gardens are explained. Writing for both the general and the specialist reader, the contributors give a flavour of the interest and excitement of botanical expeditions. This handsome and instructive book will be of interest to all enthused by travel and discovery, as well as being a source of pleasure for those fascinated by the story of plants and their importance to the modern world.
