Rooted in Time

Living Fossils and Other Tenacious Plants

By Carole T. Gee | Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

About the book

An intriguing portrait of persistent plants with deep roots that have survived eons on earth, featuring exquisite watercolors and numerous color photos.

Plants are tenacious organisms. Their green ancestors were among the earliest living beings on Earth, while clubmosses and ferns that arose 400 million years ago still thrive in the moist understory of temperate and tropical forests. Plants like these are considered \"living fossils,\" as they have remained unchanged for hundreds of millions of years or are the sole survivors of their once diverse lineage. In Rooted in Time, paleobotanist Carole T. Gee shares stories of the remarkable plants that first appeared eons ago, yet still green the planet today.

This romp through the plant kingdom begins 3,500 million years ago, with the first photosynthesizing organisms on earth—the cyanobacteria. It then leads us down fascinating evolutionary paths to the ancient cousins of the evergreen wreaths on your own front door. Rooted in Time highlights more than eighteen plants with extreme longevity, exploring their botanical significance, cultural importance, natural history, and ethnobotanical usefulness. Between the plant vignettes, Gee explains how plants met the challenges of growing in new habitats and ecological niches by conquering life on land, evolving seeds and cones, and making flowers.

Rooted in Time pulls together facts from cutting-edge paleontological research and botanical science to offer engaging narratives on unique plants that grace our world with their quiet dignity and extraordinary longevity. Lavishly illustrated with more than a hundred color photos and exquisite watercolor portraits, this book will appeal to plant lovers at all levels—from avid gardeners and botanical garden enthusiasts to college students and plant science professionals.

Editions of Rooted in Time

Hardcover
ISBN 9781421449388
EBook
ISBN 9781421449395

Read an Excerpt

An intriguing portrait of persistent plants with deep roots that have survived eons on earth, featuring exquisite watercolors and numerous color photos.

Plants are tenacious organisms. Their green ancestors were among the earliest living beings on Earth, while clubmosses and ferns that arose 400 million years ago still thrive in the moist understory of temperate and tropical forests. Plants like these are considered \"living fossils,\" as they have remained unchanged for hundreds of millions of years or are the sole survivors of their once diverse lineage. In Rooted in Time, paleobotanist Carole T. Gee shares stories of the remarkable plants that first appeared eons ago, yet still green the planet today.

This romp through the plant kingdom begins 3,500 million years ago, with the first photosynthesizing organisms on earth—the cyanobacteria. It then leads us down fascinating evolutionary paths to the ancient cousins of the evergreen wreaths on your own front door. Rooted in Time highlights more than eighteen plants with extreme longevity, exploring their botanical significance, cultural importance, natural history, and ethnobotanical usefulness. Between the plant vignettes, Gee explains how plants met the challenges of growing in new habitats and ecological niches by conquering life on land, evolving seeds and cones, and making flowers.

Rooted in Time pulls together facts from cutting-edge paleontological research and botanical science to offer engaging narratives on unique plants that grace our world with their quiet dignity and extraordinary longevity. Lavishly illustrated with more than a hundred color photos and exquisite watercolor portraits, this book will appeal to plant lovers at all levels—from avid gardeners and botanical garden enthusiasts to college students and plant science professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rooted in Time about?

An intriguing portrait of persistent plants with deep roots that have survived eons on earth, featuring exquisite watercolors and numerous color photos.

Plants are tenacious organisms. Their green ancestors were among the earliest living beings on Earth, while clubmosses and ferns that arose 400 million years ago still thrive in the moist understory of temperate and tropical forests. Plants like these are considered \"living fossils,\" as they have remained unchanged for hundreds of millions of years or are the sole survivors of their once diverse lineage. In Rooted in Time, paleobotanist Carole T. Gee shares stories of the remarkable plants that first appeared eons ago, yet still green the planet today.

This romp through the plant kingdom begins 3,500 million years ago, with the first photosynthesizing organisms on earth—the cyanobacteria. It then leads us down fascinating evolutionary paths to the ancient cousins of the evergreen wreaths on your own front door. Rooted in Time highlights more than eighteen plants with extreme longevity, exploring their botanical significance, cultural importance, natural history, and ethnobotanical usefulness. Between the plant vignettes, Gee explains how plants met the challenges of growing in new habitats and ecological niches by conquering life on land, evolving seeds and cones, and making flowers.

Rooted in Time pulls together facts from cutting-edge paleontological research and botanical science to offer engaging narratives on unique plants that grace our world with their quiet dignity and extraordinary longevity. Lavishly illustrated with more than a hundred color photos and exquisite watercolor portraits, this book will appeal to plant lovers at all levels—from avid gardeners and botanical garden enthusiasts to college students and plant science professionals.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Rooted in Time?

Mathematics and Science > Biology, life sciences

Where can I read a sample of Rooted in Time?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781421449388

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Rooted in Time?

Carole T. Gee

Who is the Publisher of the book Rooted in Time?

Johns Hopkins University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Rooted in Time is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781421449388) and ebook(ISBN 9781421449395)

Where can I buy Rooted in Time online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Rooted in Time from below

Where can I buy Rooted in Time?