Cactus - Couverture rigide

Torre, Dan

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 1780237227 ISBN 13 : 9781780237220

Editeur : Reaktion Books, 2017

Synopsis

Cacti are full of contradictions. Although they can be found in some of the harshest, driest and most barren environments on earth, some are delicate tropical plants that grow high among the branches of the rainforest canopy. Many examples bristle with ferocious-looking spines, while others are completely bare. Nearly all exhibit remarkable floral displays - some having flowers that are even larger than the plant itself. Cacti have played a prominent role in human history for thousands of years. Some species were revered by ancient civilizations, playing a part in their religious ceremonies; other varieties have been heavily cultivated for food or for the production of the bright red dye cochineal - which is actually derived from a parasitic insect that feeds on the prickly pear cactus. Native to the American continents, cacti have spread worldwide and have become an important feature in many gardens and collections. Although not often in the culinary forefront of people's minds, a number of varieties of cacti are delicious to eat - it is a cactus that produces 'dragon fruit', which is fast becoming one of the world's more popular tropical fruits. In Cactus Dan Torre explores the natural, cultural and social history of cacti, with particular emphasis on how these remarkable plants have been represented in art, literature, cinema, animation and popular culture around the world. This is a highly original, entertaining and informative book that will appeal to everyone with an interest in cacti.

A propos du livre

À propos de l?auteur

Dan Torre is Senior Lecturer in the School of Design at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. His writing and research span a range of topics including design, animation and botanical studies. He is an avid grower and collector of plants, and the author of Cactus (2017) and Carnivorous Plants (2019), both published by Reaktion Books.

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Reaktion Books
• Date d'édition: 2017
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 1780237227
• ISBN 13: 9781780237220
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 224
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible