From the Herbarium
(see Science Library > Plant Guides) :
Gwilym, Lewis, Brian Schrire, Barbara Mackinder, and Mike Lock. 2005. Legumes of the World. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
ISBN: 9781900347808
The “book of books” where the pea family is concerned. Legumes have been a key area of research at Kew since 1855. They hold in their collection 726 of the 727 genera in the Leguminosae.
This book is a complete reference for both the botanical illustrator and plant enthusiast. The text for each genus is accompanied by color photographs, pen-and-ink line drawings, and the occasional watercolor painting. Legumes of the World is truly an illustrated reference. In addition to the wonderfully visual and descriptive text, readers will find the main characteristics of the three subfamilies in the Leguminosae compared side-by-side in an easily digestible table. A large section of this book is dedicated to the biogeography of this family. There is also a section in which the authors describe the economic importance of the legumes. The number of legume products found in food, drink, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, manufacturing and many other industries is impressive. One can no longer be blind to the number of products derived from the third largest plant family on the planet.
This title is currently available overseas.
Cost: $109.20, plus international shipping.
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