An enchanting look at the lives of plants, from the colours they see to the schedules they keep, in time for the start of the planting season



'An intriguing look at a plant's consciousness.' Scientific American



In What a Plant Knows, renowned biologist Daniel Chamovitz presents a beguiling exploration of how plants experience our shared Earth – in terms of sight, smell, touch, hearing, memory, and even awareness. Combining cutting-edge research with lively storytelling, he explains the intimate details of plant behaviour, from how a willow tree knows when its neighbours have been commandeered by an army of ravenous beetles to why an avocado ripens when you give it the company of a banana in a bag (it’s the pheromones).



Combining cutting-edge research with lively storytelling, biologist Daniel Chamovitz explores how plants experience our shared Earth – through sight, smell, touch, hearing, memory, and even awareness. Whether you are a green thumb, a science buff, a vegetarian, or simply a nature lover, this rare inside look at the life of plants will surprise and delight.



Discover:





How does a Venus flytrap know when to snap shut?
Can an orchid get jet lag?
Does a tomato plant feel pain when you pluck a fruit from its vines?
And does your favourite fern care whether you play Bach or the Beatles?