Plant ConservationPlant Conservation
Plants’ ability to turn sunlight into energy makes them the basis for all life; without them there is no life. And they are more than just a food source—they provide us with fuel, fibers, and pharmaceuticals.
Global warming and the destruction of natural habitats are a serious threat to many plants, and there are worldwide efforts to mitigate the disaster. Plant Conservation tackles this essential topic head on. Timothy Walker, as the director of the Oxford Botanical Garden, a leader in the field of plant conservation, plays a key role in this effort. He highlights what is happening now, from cataloging the world’s flora to conservation efforts like protecting plants from overcollecting. He also shows home gardeners how they can become involved, whether by growing their own food to decrease reliance on large agriculture or by making smart plant choices by growing natives and avoiding invasives.
Plant Conservation treats a critical topic in an accessible and optimistic way. It is required reading for students, professionals, and anyone with a keen interest in the importance of plants.
This conservation volume from Walker (director, U. Oxford Botanic Garden) introduces itself by emphasizing the ecological role of plants in supporting human life both directly and indirectly, and invites an audience of gardeners to help meet goals set by the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) for year 2020. The meat of the book discusses the challenge of cataloging flora, the question of whether to try and preserve native species in changing climates or relocate with attendant risks, and how to preserve and promote diversity without straining available resources. In the last section, ways for individual gardeners to help are outlined, and the final postscript recaps the GSPC strategic components. Annotation ©2014 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
An internationally respected botanist describes worldwide plant conservation efforts including cataloging all flora and protecting species from over-collecting and offers suggestions for ways that home gardeners become involved in this important movement.
Title availability
About
Subject and genre
Details
- Portland, Or. : Timber Press, 2013.
From the community