Weird Plants

BY CHRIS THOROGOOD, KEW PUBLISHING, £18

This stunning book, by an author whose passion for flowers is matched by his exceptional skill in portraying them with oil paints, showcases some of the most charismatic and colourful species, including carnivores, vampire-like parasites and flowers that bamboozle animals into doing their bidding. Sometimes plants are thought of as the supporting cast for the animal kingdom – something for them to eat or to hide in and raise a family – but this book places these celebrities of the vegetable kingdom centre stage. A botanical tour de force. Phil Gates Botanist