The Book of Seeds

The main aim of this sumptuous guide is to provide a detailed visual profile of 600 different types of seed, each shown life size and in close-up detail. The range of shapes, sizes, colours and textures of the seed coats potently illustrates the astonishing diversity of seed plants. Each species has a page to itself with a line drawing of the mature plant and a map showing its location. The author and his team also discuss the evolution and science of seeds, their use by human civilisations and the issues surrounding their conservation. Ivy Press, £30