Wily Violets and Underground Orchids: Revelations of a Botanist

by Peter Bernhardt

In this book, Peter Bernhardt takes us on a grand tour of the botanical realm, weaving engaging descriptions of the lovely shapes and intriguing habits of flowering plants with considerations of broader questions, such as why there are only six basic shapes of flowers and why the orchid family is so numerous and so bizarre. Everyone from amateur naturalists and gardeners to plant scientists will find Wily Violets and Underground Orchids a lively guide to botanical lore.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Natural History, Gardening

268 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1989

About the author

Peter^^Bernhardt
Dr. Peter Bernhardt (1952- ), Professor, Department of Biology, St. Louis University, Missouri.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. Who knew there was a dispute over the role of marsupials in pollination? Who knew there are (truly) orchids that grow underground? Who knew there's a tree that grows its seeds on sweet, tasty branches to tempt bats? There are as many methods of seed dissemination and reproduction tactics as there are plants There is so much wonder in this book.

[Dyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! It's a little dated, of course, given that it was published in 1989. And the botanical/biological language can be a bit jargon-y at times. But other than that, it was well written and super fascinating. Each chapter focuses on a different plant & aspect of biology, and I learned a lot of things I hadn't known before. Definitely recommend to all plant lovers!

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun facts. Lovely read. On orchids, particularly enjoyed chapters abt Darwin and carnivorous orchids in early SF.