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Sunflowers
Series: Botanical
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Format: Hardback
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See moreSunflowers
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Description
Sunflowers are the most recognisable members of the world's largest family of plants, Asteraceae, which includes lettuce, chrysanthemums, asters, dahlias, and weeds. The sunflower family is found in almost all habitats, from the driest deserts through grasslands and the tallest mountains to urban wastelands, and includes more than 32,000 species. The family has become a part of our literary and visual cultures, inspiring artists such as Vincent van Gogh, and is used by advertisers to promote countless products. It produces hugely popular and economically valuable ornamental flowers, as well as familiar flavourings such as tarragon and artemisia. Additionally, sunflowers are used in the production of antimalarial drugs, artificial sweeteners, insecticides, and fish poisons.
Sunflowers unravels the interplay between the biology of sunflowers and human cultures over the last 6,000 years. It explores our fascination with the family and how our uses of the plants have changed over millennia. Illustrated with many rarely seen images of the sunflower family, this beautiful volume will appeal to those looking for a new, surprising perspective on familiar flowers.
Series: Botanical
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Sunflowers by Stephen A. Harris delves into the diverse and extensive family of the Asteraceae, highlighting its broad range of species, including marigolds and daisies. The book is praised for its intriguing exploration of the family's biology, ecology, and cultural significance, offering readers a trove of new and surprising insights. Critics commend Harris for his celebratory approach to this vast assemblage of flowering plants, noting the book is both informative and enjoyable.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781780239262
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 11 June 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Illustration: 105 illustrations, 87 in colour
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 138.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 256
About the Author
Stephen A. Harris is an Associate Professor of Plant Sciences and curator of the herbarium at the University of Oxford. His books include Sunflowers (Reaktion, 2018) and Roots to Seeds: 400 Years of Oxford Botany (2021).
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