The Plant Hunters: The Adventures of the World's Greatest Botanical Explorers (Y)

From the Ancient Egyptians to the travelers along the silk and spice routes to the scientists still uncovering nearly 200 species a day, Plant Hunters tells the story of our obsession with all things that grow-both for their beauty and their economic potential. Accompanied by hundreds of beautiful illustrations, this intriguing tale moves from East to West and back again, introducing the botanists, explorers, and empire builders who gathered plants such as the coconut tree, roses, and numerous fruits and vegetables and brought them to foreign lands. These are the stories behind the plants we now take for granted in our gardens, as well as those that have enriched and impoverished nations.