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he "Atlas of Woody Plant Stems" is a com- Naturally, it was impossible to cover completely the Tprehensively illustrated book with short, in- enormous variability of plant life forms. We have formative texts. We chose this layout because plant tried, however, to illustrate the main principles and anatomy and morphology can only be conveyed by features. Many decades of collection and prepa- detailed pictures. In addition, a vivid presentation tion provided the basis for this book. should attract a broader public, not only the s- cialist. We hope that the combination of anatomy Fritz Schweingruber would like to thank the Swiss and morphology will create interest and curiosity. Federal Research Institute WSL, that offered him Amateurs will enjoy the wide range of pictures; hospitality after his retirement. The authors thank all interested readers will be caught by particular chap- the students and colleagues that have, for decades, ters; specialists will delve into aspects and photo- collected and prepared samples, and who helped graphs that may have never been presented before; with the English translations. Thanks to John Kirby teachers may use the pictures for illustrations in who made the fnal English editing. classes with students.
List of contents
The Evolution of Plant Stems in the Earth's History.- The Structure of the Plant Body.- Secondary Growth: Advantages and Risks.- Modification of the Stem Structure.- Modification of the Xylem Within a Plant.- Modification of the Xylem and Phloem by Ecological Factors.- Modification of Organs.- Anatomical Variability.- Wood Structural Modifications Caused by Weather and Climate.- Wood Structural Modifications Caused by Extreme Events.- From Anatomical Features to Plant Structures.- Decay of Dead Wood.- Microscopical Preparation.
Summary
This atlas gives a unique assemblage of microscopic slides of wood anatomy and of the respective species in nature and demonstrates the reaction of stem anatomy to environments in which plants form woody stems. It is presented in color throughout and has more than 700 beautiful and instructive illustrations. It provides insight into the evolution of wood, to the variation of wood anatomy in response to climate and disturbances, and it gives an introduction to the methodology used to study wood. Special attention has been given to the unique feature of secondary growth. This occurs in annuals as well as in thousand-year-old living plants and it is the base for the observed large morphological and physiological diversity of woody species. The aesthetic and perfect functional structures in the anatomical slides and the pictures of the studied species are accentuated by the appealing design of the book.
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From the reviews:
"A cake may have a cherry on its top, but this atlas brings to our table many ‘cherries’ of wood science. … Overall, it is a great pleasure to spend time with this atlas. The vegetation scientist will find keys to interpret field observations. … The high level of all figures, along with the reasonable price of the book, makes it a perfect source for teaching material. … This atlas shows how much fun there is in science, in field work, and in wood." (Simcha Lev-Yadun and Paolo Cherubini, Journal of Vegetation Science, Vol. 19, 2008)
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From the reviews:
"A cake may have a cherry on its top, but this atlas brings to our table many 'cherries' of wood science. ... Overall, it is a great pleasure to spend time with this atlas. The vegetation scientist will find keys to interpret field observations. ... The high level of all figures, along with the reasonable price of the book, makes it a perfect source for teaching material. ... This atlas shows how much fun there is in science, in field work, and in wood." (Simcha Lev-Yadun and Paolo Cherubini, Journal of Vegetation Science, Vol. 19, 2008)
