Kindle Price: $20.03

Save $4.96 (20%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.

Plant Families: A Guide for Gardeners and Botanists [Print Replica] Kindle Edition

by Ross Bayton (Author), Simon Maughan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 243 ratings
See all formats and editions
Most of us lump plants together in one big family, and when pressed can only explain their grouping by what they’re not—not an animal, not a mineral, and so just a plant. In reality, there are hundreds of different plant families, each grouped logically by a unique family history and genealogy. This brings sense and order to the more than a quarter of a million different plant species covering a diverse spectrum that includes soaring sequoias (Cupressaceae), squat prickly pear (Cactaceae), and luxuriant roses (Rosaceae).



Plant Families is an easy-to-use, beautifully illustrated guide to the more than one hundred core plant families every horticulturist, gardener, or budding botanist needs to know. It introduces the basics of plant genealogy and teaches readers how to identify and understand the different structures of flowers, trees, herbs, shrubs, and bulbs. It then walks through each family, explaining its origins and range, and describing characteristics such as size, flowers, and seeds. Each family is accompanied by full-color botanical illustrations and diagrams. “Uses For” boxes planted throughout the book provide practical gardening tips related to each family.



We have much to gain by learning about the relationships between plant families. By understanding how botanists create these groupings, we can become more apt at spotting the unique characteristics of a plant and identify them faster and more accurately. Understanding plant families also helps us to make sense of—and better appreciate—the enormous biological diversity of the plant kingdom.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    Not Enabled
  4. Publisher
    University of Chicago Press
  5. Publication date
    October 7, 2017
  6. File size
    27034 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Not Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Not Enabled
  10. See all details
Next page
Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Examines the major families of the plant world. . . . For each included family, information is provided on family origins, morphology, and ornamental or agricultural uses for members of the family. Elegant color illustrations throughout highlight important terms, structures, and example species associated with each plant family.” ― Choice

“An amazing guide filled with botanical information and exacting illustrations and diagrams.” ― Oregonian

“A visually engaging introduction to systematics that would make a perfect gift or decorative tabletop book for almost any level of budding horticulturist. Its beauty does not detract from the bite-sized knowledge that it imparts, but rather works well to pull in the novice reader and maybe even attract a few future botanists.” ― Economic Botany

About the Author

Simon Maughan has worked as an editor and publisher for the Royal Horticultural Society for over twelve years, and is the author of RHS Botany for Gardeners.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0775NZSL1
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ University of Chicago Press (October 7, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 7, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 27034 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 243 ratings

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8 out of 5
243 global ratings
Nicely illustrated, smaller-size book.
4 Stars
Nicely illustrated, smaller-size book.
This is a nicely illustrated book, with drawings that are reminiscent of botanical watercolors from the 1800s. It is useful for identifying differences between plants, and for classifying plant types. The book is smaller than I expected (my fault for not checking the book dimensions) - I have posted a picture of the book in front of an 8.5" X 11" piece of paper. Although I recommend this book, it is not my favorite botanical reference book. Please mark if you find my review helpful. Thank you so much!
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

jar
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, Simple, To the point
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
I am surprised at how beautiful this book is, it came as a hardcopy which was nice. Beautiful illustrations, nice quality paper. As someone struggling to make sense of plant taxonomy it does a great job of giving historical and scientific background. This book also has diagrams and "keys" to help you identify random plants you don't know. Easy to read with the way that this book was written as well as the size of text and paragraph spacing makes it so its not overwhelming. Even for a Botanist this would be a nice reference Did I mention beautiful, it makes you want to pick it up and open. I dont know if someone drew these images or what but I really like the art style.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Dan DeFigio
5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a magnificent reference. Great history of the genetic lines of plants, useful keys, nice illustrations. Best plant reference book on my shelf so far!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
K.S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is amazing! It includes beautiful pictures, interesting facts and is very organized. It also has a built in ribbon book mark. This is a wonderful gift or to keep!
Helpful
 Report
Mike Kelley
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtfully written and exceptionally crafted
Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2021
Verified Purchase
This book is exceptionally well thought out and designed. The illustrations are fantastic, and the level of detail is sufficient for a generalist to get what they need. More than anything the craftsmanship stands out. They used extra heavy paper and bindings, making a resource that is a joy to hold and will outlast every book on your shelf!
6 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Grace Radican
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read, not for the Field
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
I really like this book and enjoy reading it, but the cover material is not meant for travel, so beware. The contents are interesting, but not really comprehensive if you are looking for study material. I still love it though and would highly recommend.
Helpful
 Report
Martie
5.0 out of 5 stars I’m so glad I didn’t listen to one of the reviews
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2019
Verified Purchase
that said it was mostly about flowers and plants in Europe. I thought, “ what, that doesn't make sense!”... I will put this book on my treaured book list. It explains plant families briefly, origins, how they evolved and characteristics of that family. If you want to understand plants, you have to understand their family. Beautiful art and science explained enough to know how to dog deeper if you need the info. What a fabulous book!
36 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ladybug
5.0 out of 5 stars Aunt loves this beautiful book.
Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
I bought this book for my garden-loving aunt, and she loved it. The book is beautiful--the illustrations are gorgeous. It even comes with a little ribbon bookmark. The book is interesting, maybe a little dense, but still so pretty and fun to thumb through.
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jasmine Rubalcava
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2021
Verified Purchase
A great book to start with if you’re interested in botany/gardening!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Pool planter.
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting for the hobby gardener.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
Really good information for sharing with interested people at my garden club. Thank you.
Report
Ty Schultz
5.0 out of 5 stars Plantastic
Reviewed in Canada on April 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
An absolutely wonderful and concise overview of the entire plant world. Excellent graphics and artwork to create a touchstone to the botanical universe.
Report
Alexandra O'Grady
2.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!
Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
The pictures are amazing and I love the breakdown of the book would recommend this book to any plant lover or aspiring Horticulturalist or Botanist. Very cool. My boyfriend (hotriculture student) also got a copy (as I was double charged unfortunately) and he was reading his copy immediately!
Customer image
Alexandra O'Grady
2.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book!
Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2021
The pictures are amazing and I love the breakdown of the book would recommend this book to any plant lover or aspiring Horticulturalist or Botanist. Very cool. My boyfriend (hotriculture student) also got a copy (as I was double charged unfortunately) and he was reading his copy immediately!
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer image
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report