Science and Secrets of Natural History – serie

Discover the fascinating stories behind some 300 species of fungi and understand the world of mushrooms like never before!Did you know that fungi put the fizz in champagne and the flavour in chocolate? Fungi is everywhere we look: in a forest, under the sea, and in the kitchen. In this beautiful book, leading fungal biologists Professor Lynne Boddy and Dr Ali Ashby bring you closer to 300 species of mushrooms and lichens through fascinating facts, mushroom datasets, and detailed illustrations. Discover some of the fastest speeds in nature, specimens that glow in the dark, and fungi that clean up oil spills.Humans have had a close relationship with mushrooms for thousands of years. Bringing together technology, medicine, food, culture, and nature, this fascinating book will open your eyes to the wonders of the hidden kingdom all around us.

Discover the fascinating stories behind around 300 species of wildflowers, and marvel at a botanical beauty and diversity you never knew existed. Did you know that orchids existed alongside dinosaurs? And that 30,000 plant species are used as medicine worldwide? In this stunning book, leading botanist Chris Thorogood brings you closer to 329 species of wildflower through fascinating facts, plant profiles, and detailed illustrations. More than just meadows, discover wildflowers that are pollinated by birds, that look like stones, and that feed on the creatures around them.Humans have had a close relationship with wildflowers throughout history from growing dahlias as crops and comfrey as medicine, to carrying posies to ward off the plague and roses down the aisle. Bringing together natural history, culture, food, medicine and technology, this fascinating book will open your eyes to the botanical wonders all around us. With a guide to the wildflowers growing in every habitat, identification notes, a grow-your-own guide and more, this is the ultimate flower-lover's companion.

Discover the fascinating stories behind 300 species of insects and explore their world.Did you know that insects are essential to life on Earth? Without them we simply couldn't exist – they pollinate our crops, break down dead matter, and play a vital role in our ecosystems. Yet their numbers are plummeting in the face of changing climates, pesticide use, and threats to their essential habitats. This cutting-edge book, which is grounded in the latest research and written by members of the Royal Entomological Society, teaches you all you need to know about bugs, beetles, butterflies and more – revealing how vital they are to us and we are to them.From a look at how insects have been collected for study, to the use of insects in medicines, and their importance in art and literature, this fascinating book knits together science, food, culture and natural history.With advice on spotting insects in a range of habitats, species identification notes, a guide to attracting beneficial insects to your outdoor space, and more, this book is the ultimate wildlife-lover's companion.