The green kingdom laid bare

Unlike animals, plants cannot move at will. Once a seed puts down roots, it stays put. So to find food, avoid injury and reproduce, plants must be masterful at adapting to what nature provides.

In nine engrossing chapters and scores of stunning photos, this book reveals the “freeloaders” (plants that sponge off others); plants that adjust to extreme heat or cold, too little or too much water, fire and nasty soils; and those that develop “love-hate” relationships with animals that destroy them and ensure their survival. The authors turn the tables with a look at plants that eat animals.

“Mostly Hidden Relationships” is a delight: Who knew that lichens are colorless without their symbiotic algae or bacteria? The final chapter describes plant evolution with evidence of current changes. Throughout the book, one fact becomes vividly clear: In places as diverse as Queensland, California and Mt. Kilimanjaro, there would be no life on the planet without the wondrous plant kingdom.

Lili Singer