Plant Hunters - Tapa dura

The Plant Hunters tells the story of our fascination with plants and the discovery of new species. From ancient times, when Alexander the Great included naturalists in his entourage, this intriguing story moves across the world, as plants such as coconut trees, roses and numerous fruits and vegetables were introduced from one country to another. It traces the establishment of botanical gardens and the discovery through exploration of plants that made or broke economies, for instance tulips, tea and rubber. Travelling right around the world and throughout history, this is the tale of the botanical pioneers who changed the face of landscapes.

Carolyn Fry is a journalist and author specialising in science, conservation and natural history. A former Editor of Geographical, the magazine of the Royal Geographical Society and a contributor to BBC Online (science and technology).