The Book Of Seeds A Lifesize Guide To Six Hundreds Species From Around The World Paul Smith by Paul Smith 9780226362236, 022636223X instant download after payment.

Species with diversity of color and form

The vast majority of seeds are small and brown, so a selection based on taxonomy alone would not be visually interesting. For this reason, seeds that are distinctively colored or distinctively shaped have been selected, and small, dull-colored ones are proportionally underrepresented.

Global coverage

The book includes species from all over the world, particularly those that are distinctive, well known, or ubiquitous. However, there is a strong emphasis on North American and European species, reflecting the
plants with which the majority of readers of this book will be familiar. 

Human use

Many of the best-known edible (and poisonous) species, as well as a number of species used in traditional medicine, art, and so on, have been selected.

Scientifically compelling

Species that are the subjects of focused scientific research, medicinal use, and inspirations for biomimetic and
technological innovation have been included. 

Curious natural histories

Plants with unusual adaptions, such as the ability to thrive in extreme habitats, or those with interesting
symbioses or natural idiosyncrasies have been selected wherever possible. 

Conservation

Rare and threatened species have been chosen, particularly if the causes of their demise (often human overexploitation) are known. 

Shown in glorious color photographs, life size and in detail, alongside an engraving of the full-grown plant they become. Each profile includes a distribution map, a table of essential information, and a commentary revealing notable characteristics, related species, and a diagnosis of the specimen’s importance in terms of taxonomy, rarity, behavior, and use.