Rhododendron / Richard Milne.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Milne, Richard, author.

Series:

Botanical (Reaktion Books (Firm))

Reaktion's Botanical series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Rhododendrons.

Rhododendrons--Varieties.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (236 pages) : illustrations.

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

London, UK : Reaktion Books, 2017.

Summary:

Has ever a plant inspired such love and such hatred as the rhododendron? Its beauty is inarguable; it can clothe whole hillsides and gardens with a blanket of vibrant color. The rhododendron has a propensity towards sexual infidelity, making it very popular with horticultural breeding programs. And it can also be used as an herbal remedy for an astonishing range of ailments. But there is a darker side to these gorgeous flowers. Daphne du Maurier used the red rhododendron as a symbol of blood in her best-selling novel Rebecca , and numerous Chinese folktales link the plant with tragedy and death. It can poison livestock and intoxicate humans, and its narcotic honey has been used as a weapon of war. Rhododendron ponticum has run riot across the British countryside, but the full story of this implacable invader contains many fascinating surprises. In this beautifully illustrated volume, Richard Milne explores the many ways in which the rhododendron has influenced human societies, relating this to the extraordinary story of the plant's evolution. Over one thousand species of the plant exist, ranging from rugged trees on Himalayan slopes to rock-hugging alpines, and delicate plants perched on rainforest branches. Milne relays tales of mythical figures, intrepid collectors, and eccentric plant breeders. However much you may think you know about the rhododendron, this charming book will offer something new.

Contents:

Cover

Rhododendron

Imprint Page

Contents

Introduction: Beauty and Bane

One: Sex and the Single Rhododendron

Two: The Fall and Rise of Azalea

Three: Rhododendromania

Four: Glasshouse Sensations

Five: The Home of the Rhododendrons

Six: Potions, Petals and Poisons

Seven: The Tears of the Cuckoo

Eight: Black Sheep: The Tale of Rhododendron ponticum

Nine: Conservation, Collections and the Future

Timeline

Appendix: Table of Groups within Rhododendron

References

Further Reading

Associations and Websites

Acknowledgements

Photo Acknowledgements

Index.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-78023-881-9