I was given a book which I already have, so exchanged it today for this fabulous book which is a delight to dip into or get lost in with its detailed information and gorgeous illustrations. I have already heard some good things about it, such as in an interview with the authors on RNZ. The writing is very approachable, well researched and helpful. I’m inspired to grow more NZ flowers in my garden. There are suggestions for growing your own in the section: ‘Right plant for the right place’ at the end of the book.
According to the authors, it was men who originally did most of the exploring and collecting, while there were women who excelled as botanical artists.
We’ve shared some mutual eye-rolling at the ‘his’ story of botany, the dominant voice of the colonial man, and the casual way that ownership and the word ‘discovery’ was so brazenly used for plants that were already known and named by tangata whenua.
Some representations of NZ flora over the years:
Best of all, I love the botanical illustrations, especially when they show the plants in context.
It is a book to treasure.
Anne-O-tations 