This new fourth edition has been completely revised and updated, covering all aspects in the field of plant sciences including biochemistry, plant physiology, cytology, ecology, genetics, evolution, biogeography, earth history, and earth sciences.
Over 500 new entries, including Rosales, physical dormancy, menthol, and codeine, enhance the dictionary's coverage of botanical terms, key drugs and medicines derived from plants, and plant orders, families, and genera. It also explains many ecological terms, and expands beyond plants to describe fungi and bacteria and how they affect plants.
Numerous appendices include Plant Classification and SI Units, with new timelines showing important moments in plant evolution. For ease of use, vernacular plant names have been transferred to an appendix, fully cross-referenced to the A to Z entries. The dictionary's dedicated companion website points to recommended web links and additional resources.
The most up-to-date dictionary available on its subject, this is an essential resource for students of plant sciences and amateur botanists, as well as an entertaining and valuable guide for the plant enthusiast.
Preface
Contents
A Dictionary of Plant Sciences A-Z
Plant Classification
Fungi Classification
The Universal Genetic Code
The Geologic Time-Scale
SI Units
Phylogenies
Timelines
Vernacular Plant Names
Michael Allaby has written many books on nature and environmental science. He is the General Editor of the Oxford Dictionaries of Zoology and Ecology, and co-author of the Dictionary of Earth Sciences. Other publications include the Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate; The Facts on File Weather and Climate Handbook; and the DK Guide to Weather.
Reviews of previous editions:
"Allaby succeeds remarkably well over a wide range of discipline [...] leaves one a better informed person, and who could ask for more from a dictionary?"
– Times Higher Education Supplement
"[...] a very useful first dictionary for biologists with an interest in plants [...]"
– Alan Cadogan, Journal of Biological Education, Vol. 41(4)