Compared to the obvious complexity of animals, plants at a glance seem relatively simple in form. But that simplicity is deceptive: the plants around us are the result of millennia of incredible evolutionary adaptations that have allowed them to survive, and thrive, under wildly changing conditions and in remarkably specific ecological niches. Much of this innovation, however, is invisible to the naked eye. With Wonders of the Plant Kingdom, the naked eye gets an unforgettable boost. A stunning collaboration between science and art, this gorgeous book presents hundreds of images of plants taken with a scanning electron microscope and hand-colored by artist Rob Kesseler to reveal the awe-inspiring adaptations all around us. The surface of a peach―with its hairs, or trichomes, and sunken stomata, or breathing pores―emerges from these pages in microscopic detail. The dust-like seeds of the smallest cactus species in the world, the Blossfeldia liliputana―which measures just twelve millimeters fully grown―explode here with form, color, and character, while the flower bud of a kaffir lime, cross-sectioned, reveals the complex of a flower bud with the all-important pistil in the center. Accompanying these extraordinary images are up-to-date explanations of the myriad ways that these plants have ensured their own survival―and, by proxy, our own. Gardeners and science buffs alike will marvel at this wholly new perspective on the world of plant diversity.

Wonders of the Plant Kingdom: A Microcosm Revealed

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Stuppy, Wolfgang

Kesseler, Rob

Harley, Madeline

Gardening & Landscape Design

University of Chicago Press

A scientific and artistic collaboration reveals a stunning, even sensual, microscopic world. 
 Pollen grains have fascinated the scientifically curious since the 17th century. They are minute, almost impossible to see without a high-powered microscope, and remain hidden beyond the beauty o the flower until the moment of release. Then the grains, like alien spaceships, are carried by wind, water or animal to achieve their purpose of procreation. 
 This beautifully produced and highly original book by an artist and botanical scientist portrays the perfect designs of these microscopic organisms. Special light and scanning electron microscopy are used to obtain astonishing images of pollen grains, which are combined with exquisite photographs of the parent plants. 
 Pollen describes and illustrates in minute detail the reproductive workings of plants ranging from tulips and lilies to orchids and palms. The structure and form of pollen set the scene for the remarkable events that occur from pollination to fertilization. Also included are literary references to plant reproduction, as well as early botanical illustrations. 
 Pollen is an intriguing book that is both informative and surprisingly beautiful.

Pollen: The Hidden Sexuality of Flowers

Firefly Books

Science and art collaborate to reveal a stunning, even sensual, microscopic world. Three landmark books -- Pollen, Seeds and Fruit -- were published in 2006 and 2008 to rave reviews: "breathtaking," "ravishing," "spectacular," "enlightening," "truly revelatory" and "beautiful almost beyond description." In The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants, the authors bring the best of these books together in one volume that is a fascinating union of art and science. Visual artist Rob Kesseler uses special light techniques and scanning electron microscopy to create astonishing images of a variety of pollens, seeds and fruits. His razor-sharp cross sections reveal intricate interiors, pods, pouches, keys and other examples of botanical architecture and seed dispersal. Seed morphologist Wolfgang Stuppy and palynologist Madeline Harley deftly explain the botanical purposes of the pollens, seeds and fruit, how they fulfill their missions and their roles in preserving the biodiversity of our planet. Literary references to plant reproduction are featured along with early botanical illustrations. The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants is groundbreaking in its intimate examination of plant reproduction. It is an essential reference for artists, designers and photographers and will fascinate gardeners and general readers.

The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants

Praise for Pollen: The Hidden Sexuality of Flowers These are the most ravishing biology lessons we've ever seen.... An enlightening gift or a personal indulgence. --Chicago Tribune 
 Praise for Seeds: Time Capsules of Life An incandescent blend of exacting science and extraordinary art. --Booklist 
 Praise for Fruit: Edible, Inedible, Incredible Little short of astonishing. If the book never gets further than your coffee table, it's still likely to blow the stuffing out of anything else laid near it. --January Magazine 
 Three landmark books, Pollen: The Hidden Sexuality of Flowers; Seeds: Time Capsules of Life; and Fruit: Edible, Inedible, Incredible, earned high praise that varied from "breathtaking" and "ravishing" to "enlightening" and "truly revelatory." The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants, which sold 6,000 copies in hardcover and is now available in paperback, brings together the best of these three books in one fascinating union of art and science. 
 Visual artist Rob Kesseler uses special light and scanning electron microscopy to create astonishing images of a variety of pollen, seeds and fruits. His razor-sharp cross-sections reveal intricate interiors, pods, pouches, keys, and other examples of botanical architecture and seed dispersal. Seed morphologist Wolfgang Stuppy and palynologist Madeline Harley deftly explain the botanical purposes for which the pollen, seeds and fruit are designed, how they fulfill their mission, and their role in preserving the biodiversity of our planet. Literary references and early botanical illustrations pepper the text. 
 The Bizarre and Incredible World of Plants is groundbreaking in its intimate examination of plant reproduction. It is an essential source and reference for artists, designers and photographers and will fascinate gardeners and readers interested in the natural world.

Polen: La sexualidad oculta de las flores

Arts & Photography

Photography & Video

TURNER PUBLICACIONES S.L.

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Books by Harley, Madeline