Prickly Plants

Some plants have glossy green leaves. Some have colorful flowers. Some plants have long, sharp spikes. Amazing to look at and painful to touch, cacti and other prickly plants are always a favorite with young children. This book explores how many plants use thorns or spikes to defend themselves from animals that want to eat them. When it comes to cacti, the spines of these plants are actually long, thin leaves that have adapted to keep the plants from losing water in the dry, desert environments where they live. Filled with information perfectly suited to the abilities and interests of an early elementary audience, this colorful, fact-filled volume gives readers a chance not only to learn, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. From dramatic images to high-interest facts, this book makes learning about plant bodies, defenses, and adaptations a lively and engaging experience.

Profiles four of the world's prickliest plants, explaining how prickliness works as a defense and what people should do if they have an unfortunate encounter with one of these stingers.

All the weeds commonly found in the North Central Region, as well as a good many that are less common, are illustrated and described in this book. Detailed pictures have been given for most of the weeds, and wherever possible in the descriptions common terms have been substituted for technical ones. People with a minimum of botanical knowledge should therefore be able to identify almost every weed they are likely to find. A weed is defined as a plant not intentionally sown, whose undesirable qualities outweigh its good points. Includes: weed descriptions; keys for identifying weeds; glossary; index to species; and index to families. B&W drawings.

"Prickly Plants introduces readers to thorny and spiney plants from around the world and the ways in which they use thorns and spines to protect themselves. From cacti to the crown of thorns, readers will be fascinated with these plants' prickly defenses!"--

Many edible plants considered exotic in the Western world are actually quite mainstream in other cultures. While some of these plants are only encountered in ethnic food markets or during travels to foreign lands, many are now finding their way onto supermarket shelves. Top 100 Exotic Food Plants provides comprehensive coverage of tropical and semitropical food plants, reviewing scientific and technological information as well as their culinary uses. Wide-ranging in scope, this volume’s coverage includes plants that produce fruits, vegetables, spices, culinary herbs, nuts, and extracts. A user-friendly format enables readers to easily locate information on botanical and agricultural aspects, economic and social importance, food uses, storage, preparation, and potential toxicity. The book also contains an introductory chapter that reviews important historical, economic, geopolitical, health, environmental, and ethical considerations associated with exotic food plants. Thoroughly referenced with more than 2000 literature citations, this book is enhanced by more than 200 drawings, many chosen from historical art of extraordinary quality. This timely volume also highlights previously obscure edible plants that have recently become prominent as a result of sensationalistic media reports stemming from their inherently entertaining or socially controversial natures. Some of these plants include the acai berry, kava, hemp, and opium poppy. A scholarly yet accessible presentation, the book is filled with numerous memorable, fascinating, and humorous facts, making it an entertaining and stimulating read that will appeal to a broad audience.

Careful - some plants bite! Make reading your superpower with DK’s beautiful, leveled nonfiction. Use your reading superpowers to learn all about carnivorous plants, plants that sting, poisonous plants and nature’s daggers - a high-quality, fun, nonfiction reader - carefully leveled to help children progress. Plants Bite Back is a beautifully designed reader all about all the different kinds of dangerous plants in the world and how they bite back! The engaging text has been carefully leveled using Lexile so that children are set up to succeed. A motivating introduction to using essential nonfiction reading skills. Children will love to find out about curiosities of the natural world.

The first complete guide to natural healing properties and uses of the prickly pear cactus • Examines the scientific research promoting the cactus as a natural diabetes and cholesterol medication as well as its use in the treatment of obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, skin ailments, and viral infections • Explores the healing uses of prickly pears from the perspective of doctor, chemist, ethnobotanist, cook, and layman • Includes 24 cactus recipes--from Prickly Pear Bread to Cactus Candy The prickly pear cactus--a plant that has the distinction of being a vegetable, fruit, and flower all in one--is destined to be the next big herbal superstar, following in the footsteps of St. John’s wort and Echinacea, according to author Ran Knishinsky. One of the driving forces behind its popularity is that each part of this plant functions as both food and medicine. It has been a staple in the diets of the people of the southwestern portion of the United States, the Middle East, parts of Europe and Africa, and Central and South America for hundreds of years. Traditionally, the prickly pear cactus has been used as a panacea for over 100 different ailments. More recently, it has been the subject of blood cholesterol research trials sponsored by the American Heart Association. In addition to the results of this research, Knishinsky includes scientific studies on the antiviral properties of the cactus to treat herpes, influenza, and HIV, as well as its use in treating obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin ailments. A resource section details the natural food companies that supply prickly pear cactus and a chapter of recipes offers 24 traditional and modern dishes using the pads and fruit of the cactus.

Native Plants of the Midwest features the best native plants in the heartland and offers clear and concise guidance on how to use them in the garden.