I welcome this very well compiled book for both the students of science, particularly Botany, as well as for the lay man interested in gaining knowledge about “The amazing world of plants”. Using an interesting quotation: “Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature” (Gerard De Nerval), I congratulate Dr. Bharati Bhattacharyya for presenting significant information in an artistic manner. This shall engage the reader in knowing about various aspects of different kinds of plants. The contents are like a “potpourri” exhibiting various aspects of the structure of plants, the uses of plants, the varied hues, defense mechanisms and many more features of different plant groups. Intertwined with scientific information, there is folklore, religious beliefs, and even poems. This “woven magic” led Professor HY Mohan Ram (the Doyen of Botany from University of Delhi) to comment that “It is written in a lucid style, with superb illustrations and excellent brief notes.” He further remarks that Bharati has a “deep interest, imagination, thoroughness, and elegance to bring out scientific work so artistically”. I don't see the need for any further words of appreciating the book.

In the introduction, the author describes various aspects of nature, such as diversity of plants, economic uses of different plant groups, conservation aspects, interaction between plants and animals, and religious folklore. She also refers to various poetic compositions “in praise of various plants” by stalwarts such as Mahikavi Kalidasa and Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. The famous poem by William Wordsworth entitled “Daffodils” is also reproduced. Beautiful illustrations add to the interesting information compiled by the author. A brief mention of the various chapters leads the reader to the journey ahead.

I am prompted to jump across to Chapter 8 – “Beans of Repute”, dealing with a large number of

Chap te r 1 e l abora te ly d e s c r i b e s t h e “ L e g u m i n o u s beauties”. Famous avenue and garden trees such as Cassia fistula (Amaltas, Golden Shower, Indian L a b u r n u m ) ; D e l o n i x re g i a (Gulmohar, Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant); Adenanthera pavonia

(Raktakambal, Red Bead Tree); and Acacia auriculiformis (Babool, Sona Jguri, Ear Pod Wattle) have been described and illustrated. In addition, the “slender woody climber” – Abrus precatorius (Indian Liquoirice, Rosary Pea, Ratti) has been included. This has “highly attractive” black and red shiny seeds which are poisonous. But interestingly, each seed has a very constant weight of “one tenth of a gram”. Thus, the seed was used as a standard (weight) by goldsmiths across India for many centuries.

I have known Dr. Bharati for more than 50 years and hold her in high esteem. I am very fortunate to be treated as her “younger brother” and thank her for discussing various aspects of the book with me through all stages of its publication (which was very unfortunately delayed for reasons beyond her control). She has also very graciously acknowledged my humble contribution in “correcting and updating the 'list of scientific names' of the plants included in the book”.

The Botanica 67: 119-122. 2017

GOLDEN GREENS – THE AMAZING WORLD OF PLANTS 2016. Bharati Bhattacharyya, The Energy and Resources Institute, TERI Press, New Delhi; ISBN 978-81-7993-441-8; pp xxiv +263

BookScape

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leguminous plants. The author also refers to several other economically important plants, such as Coffea arabica (“the coffee bean”); Theobroma cacao (“cocoa bean”); and Ricinus communis (“castor bean”) “because of their superficial resemblance to the true bean seed”. The main thrust of this chapter is a survey of the nutritious seeds of the legume family of plants. Thus the reader is introduced to the earliest known records of cultivated beans from the

nd“Guitarrero Cave” in Peru dating back to the 2 millennium BC. There are also references to ancient literary works such as the famous “Illiad” (an epic poem) as well as recent scientific documentation by the “Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations”. One learns about (1) Black beans; (2) Haricot beans; (3) Kidney beans (example the red kidney bean or rajma); (4) Cannellini beans; (5) Lima beans (different species of Phaseolus); (6) Pinto beans and (7) Green beans also called French beans (both Phaseolus vulgaris); (8) Sword beans and Jack beans (Canavalia gladiata and Canavalia ensiformis); (9) Lablab beans (Lablab purpureus) which have various names in different parts of the world; (10) Winged beans; (11) Broad beans (Vicia faba); (12) Moong bean (Vigna radiata); (13) Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia); and (14) Yardlong beans or Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) all of which are used in different kinds of foods. In addition there are vignettes of information about (a) Coral beans; (b) Velvet beans; and (c) the “Sea bean”. The “amazing Sea bean” has attracted attention from ancient times. It is obtained from a woody liana – Entada gigas. The fruit has 10 to 15 (or more) large seeds, each measuring 6 centimeters in diameter and 2 centimeters in thickness. The heart-shaped seed is hollow in the centre, a feature which allows it to float in water (hence the name sea bean). Similarly, the Queensland bean (Entada phaseoloides, distributed in tropical forests from Africa to Australia), is also interesting. The woody seed coats can be hinged together to make a “box-like container” for storage purposes. These can also be polished to make beautiful lockets. In India (particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands), Entada pursaetha has pods which measure 90-150 centimeters in length and contain 5 to 30 seeds. The presence of saponins in the seeds has led to the use of these in the place of soap. This feature has

become a source of income for many tribals who sell the seeds collected from the wild.

The mysterious title – “Known but Unknown” – creates a curiosity forcing the reader to analyze the contents of Chapter 2. The discussion revolves around those plants which may sound familiar to many but which require special attention to understand them. Six species of plants have been described here. These include (1) Neolamarckia cadamba – the “Kadam'Kadamba or Parvati's tree”; (2) Pandanus odoratissimus - the “Ketaki/ Ketakidwayam”; (3) Elaeocarpus angustifolius – the “Rudraksh”; (4) Saraca asoca – the “Ashoka/Sita Ashoka”; (5) Ficus benghalensis var. krishnae – the “Krishna's Butter Cup or Krishna Fig”: and (6) Magnolia champaca (earlier Michelia chamapaca) – the “Swarna Champa or Golden Champa”. All these plants are associated with Hindu Mythology and are grown in numerous temples across India. Each one has an interesting relationship with a deity and is associated with a temple related to that God/Goddess. Some of these are also grown in gardens for their ornamental value.

Chapter 3 entitled “Mesmerizing Tulips” with numerous coloured illustrations takes the reader through many interesting facets of these ornamental plants. Different aspects of history, origin, classification, cultivation and varieties are intertwined with folklore and “Tulip Mania”. There is also a brief paragraph on “Art, Artifacts, and Popular Culture” associated with these famous bulbous plants. The variously coloured beautiful flowers can lead one to dream of the rainbow. This has been actualized in Chapter 6, “A Rainbow of Natural Colours”. The stimulating discussion enables the reader to realize the significance of “natural dyes” obtained from different plants. One very important message which must be passed on to the future generations is the fact that these “beautiful colours” are produced naturally in different parts of the plants. They are all “eco-friendly” and provide variety to different aspects of human life. Thus, there are pigments which add

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colour and flavor to food as well as those which are used to dye fabrics. They do not harm the humans in any manner. The journey from tribal cultures to modern-day scientific importance of “nature's gift of colours”, is blended with poetic compositions and interesting stories.

It would surprise many to know that plants produce “Flying Machines” as elaborately described in Chapter 5. These “so called flying machines” are different dispersal mechanisms of plants. We have (a) seeds with wings (example Moringa or Drumstick, Hiptage); (b) seeds with silky fibres (example Bombax, Cieba, Chorisia); (c) seeds with simple hairs (as in the sunflower family); and other forms. When numerous such seeds are dispersed, they appear as an “army of parachutists released from an aircraft” in the atmosphere. This has been responsible for the wide dispersal of the plants because the seeds are carried “far and wide” by the wind. The mechanism has been evolved to overcome gravity and has resulted in many species occupying even remote islands. Interesting aspects of some common plants have been presented along with folklore. Thus, (1) the “Satni/Chhatiun/Devil's Tree – Alstonia scholaris” ; (2) the “Red, White and Mexican Cotton – Gossypium; (3) the “Red Silk Cotton/Semal/Tree of Hell – Bombax ceiba; (4) the “True Kapok/Kapok/White Silk Cotton Ceiba pentandra; (5) the “Mexican Silk Cotton/Floss Silk Tree – Chorisia speciosa; and (6) the “Giant Milkweed – Calotropis gigantea have been described. The chapter closes with a discussion on “Parachutes, Gliders and Helicopters” with illustrations of how “Mother Nature” has designed different seeds/fruits to ensure their efficient dispersal.

Another interesting title – “The Green Gun” (Chapter 12) provides a fascinating account of the defense mechanisms adopted by different plants. Humans have been enjoying “Nature's gifts” in different ways. Some people just randomly pick up flowers or collect buds or fruits, while some selectively pick up fresh green leaves for food or fodder. The plants do not complain for this intrusion in their lives, and no one has ever heard plants “shouting for all the ill-treatment meted out to them”. At the same time, other members of the animal world from the small aphids to the large herbivores also seek their gifts from plants. This factor may have led to the development of various defense mechanisms by different plants. Thus,

Chapter 7 provides an in depth account of plants that “conquered the world”. The major thrust in this informative essay revolves around different members of the “deadly nightshade” family (Family Solanaceae). Although the majority of these plants originated in Central and South America, they are cultivated in many parts of the world. These include (1) Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum); (2) potato (Solanum tuberosum); (3) chilli (Capsicum species); and (4) Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum & Nicotiana rustica). They have not only spread far and wide, but have been accepted by people across continents. In addition, they have captured markets all over the world. In each case, the author presents concise information to illustrate the fascination for

Plants also protect themselves with other mechanisms. Thus, Petunia and Antirrhinum (two common garden plants) have a “bristly surface with sticky secretions”. These can “trap and kill small pests”. Others may have “stinging hairs” as in the nettle family. Urtica dioica (the stinging nettle) has soft hairs with a bulbous base. In this enlarged base, the plant stores an acidic solution, and when anyone touches the plant, the soft hair easily breaks splashing the acid on the individual. This causes a burning sensation akin to the sting of a scorpion (hence the vernacular name Bicchhu- buti). On the other hand, the “Tree nettle – Urtica ferox – is known to cause harm (often fatal) to “both livestock and man”. Mimicry, myrmecophily, thigmonastic movements, chemical responses and the recent discovery of “aposematism” are other defense mechanisms described in this chapter.

plants may have “thorns, spines, or prickles which will deter grazing herbivores from approaching them”. For example, in Africa, giraffes consume large quantities of “young juicy leaves” of the majestic Acacias. It has been estimated that a giraffe can consume as much as 29 kilograms of leaves in a day. At this rate, a herd of the animals would completely leave the trees bare. To prevent the loss of all leaves, these trees have long (8 – 10 cms.) sharp thorns at the base of the leaves. These sharp “knife-edged” thorns protect the leaves. Some species of Acacia have “pockets” (at the base of the leaf) filled with ants and these enter the mouth of the giraffe, thus deterring the herbivore. There are many examples of thorns/prickles being developed as a defense mechanism in different plants which help in reduction of grazing by herbivores.

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All botanists know that, a “herb is usually a short-lived plant”, but to the layman the term “herb” has a much wider significance. Thus chapter 10 leads the reader through the “wealth of the herbal world”. The discussion revolves around different plants used by man for many purposes, such as culinary or medicinal, and sometimes for their “magical power”. A brief account of the “active principles” or the chemical compounds responsible for the useful properties of different herbs helps in understanding the significance of these plants. Details of (1) Mint, (2) Peppermint, and (3) Pennyroyal (all from the genus Mentha); (4) Sacred basil or Tulsi (Ocimum); (5) Lemongrass (Cymbopogon); (6) Kalmegh – Andrographis paniculata; and (7) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) are provided in simple language for easy assimilation even by the layman.

these “conquerors”. In the case of tomato, two poems have been included, one by her own grandson and the other by “Pablo Neruda, a Noble Prize willing Chilean poet”.

Four chapters (4, 9, 11 & 13) help the reader understand some fascinating groups of plants. Chapter 4 provides a valuable insight into the world of an “exotic palm from Madagascar”. This was discovered as recently as December 2006, and has been identified as a new genus adding to the rich diversity of the flora and fauna. Beautiful illustrations and detailed description of this new discovery – Tabina spectabilis are provided. In addition, there is also brief mention of some other palms of this island nation. Similarly, various aspects of the “giant grasses” or bamboos are woven into a beautiful fabric (Chapter 9). Information on the origin, flowering, and uses of different species, as well as 'myths and legends' associated with bamboos, fascinate the reader. The scientific knowledge is “beautifully laced” with poems, folklore and a folk song (“The Goddess of Bamboo”). The chapter concludes with a discussion on “some well-known bamboos”.

All cricket lovers have heard of the “Proteas”, the name given to the team from South Africa. How many know the fact that this name comes from a plant (“The Giant or King Protea”) which is the national flower of South Africa. This “King Protea” has the “largest flower of the genus Protea” (named after a Greek God who was capable of assuming different shapes at will) and the botanical family in which it is classified is called

<prithipalsingh_1946@yahoo.co.in>

Prithipal Singh

In the “finale”, I stress on the fact that the “well compiled book” is a virtual “treasure house of knowledge”. It deserves a prominent place in all libraries. I strongly recommend it to all interested in “the amazing world of plants”.

Department of Botany, Kirorimal College

I have looked at each chapter as “a distinct essay” providing useful information. Thus, one can read the book leisurely without following the sequence in which the “essays” have been presented. This aspect was appreciated by a friend (Mr. Hilol Nundy, an engineer and nature enthusiast) who read the book and enjoyed it. His single request was the need to provide an index to the names (both botanical and vernacular) listed at the end of the book for easy consultation by a “non-botanist”.

“WE REGRET TO MENTION THAT DR. (MRS.) BHARATI BHATTACHHARYA PASSED AWAY ON MARCH 24, 2018" EDS.

Associate Professor (retired)

Proteaceae (Chapter 11). The members of this family are distributed in Australia and South Africa, although many interesting species are cultivated in different parts of the world. A rich diversity is observed in the different members and this has been presented in a meaningful manner. The last chapter (13 – “The Unusual, Vulnerable, Rare and Threatened”) takes stock of different plants with reference to the need to understand the rich biodiversity before it is lost. The relationships between the plants and different aspects of the environment are discussed. The significant “United Nations Conference on Environment and Development” (held in Rio-de-Janerio, Brazil in 1992) is mentioned to educate the reader on the need to conserve those species which are under threat. Several species of plants have been described to highlight the “unusual, vulnerable, rare and threatened” as indicated in the title.

The book concludes with (1) A Glossary – explaining the many botanical terms used in the text; (2) A Bibliography; (3) A List of Botanical Names of Plants; and (4) A list of “Names of Some Plants in Different Indian Languages”.

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