The Pleasure of Plants

Delve between the sheets to learn about the romance and rudeness of plants

This beautiful collection of 30 plant stories celebrates a rude name, a suggestive appearance, or unusual reproduction antics. Sumptuously illustrated and laced with fascinating facts, tantalizing tales, and baffling biology, Naughty by Nature brings the private life of plants alive.

Whether explaining how “Shaggy solider” or “Sticky Willy” got their names, or the importance of catfishing for pollination, this fascinating collection explains how sex is at the heart of plant reproduction. But there is a serious side too. Each plant story offers a dive into interesting information about the biology, history, and ecology of a plant.

Occasional essays reveal the interconnected world of humans and plants. Take for example, fragrance: both plants and humans use scent for attraction, whether that be other humans or, in the plant’s case, pollinators. Consider too, how plant names have impacted the English language – how did “popping the cherry” ever come to fruition?

Naughty by Nature is a feast for the eyes and the soul. Whether you’re enticed by their looks or intrigued by their names, you’ll want to know more – and return for a second date with these fascinating plants.