Author(s): Daniel Chamowitz

Natural History and Environment

A captivating journey into the inner lives of plants — from the colours they see to the schedules they keep. How does a Venus flytrap know when to snap shut — can it feel an insect's spindly legs? How do roses know when it's spring — do they remember the weather? Now, in What a Plant Knows, renowned biologist Daniel Chamowitz presents a beguiling exploration of how plants experience our shared Earth — in terms of sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing, memory, and even awareness. Combining cutting-edge research with lively storytelling, Chamowitz explains phenomena such as how a willow tree knows when its neighbours have been commandeered by an army of ravenous beetles, and why an avocado ripens when you give it the company of a banana in a bag. And he settles the debate, once and for all, over whether your beloved basil plant cares if you play Led Zeppelin or Bach. Chamowitz reveals that plants have much in common with people — far more most of us realise. Whether you have a green thumb, or are a science buff, a vegetarian, or simply a nature lover, this rare, inside look at the life of plants will delight all who read it.