The Incredible Journey of Plants

In The Incredible Journey of Plants, Stefano Mancuso presents us with an illuminating look at our botanical history. He explains how plants can migrate long distances over time and why plants we consider native to our habitats may have started life on another continent altogether. It is peppered with loads of interesting details, like how in 1910, it was thought that importing hippos to Louisiana could help clear the swamps of the much-hated water hyacinth that originated in the Amazon. Or how reverently trees that survived the atomic attack on Hiroshima are treated today. Plus many more fascinating details about the life and journey of plants we often take for granted.

Overall, this is a highly engaging book by an author who knows how to spin a tale that weaves together biology, history, philosophy, and a love of all things to do with plants. It is beautifully presented with lovely watercolor illustrations. And I think it’s safe to say that anyone who reads this will never look at a plant the same way again.