Functional plant ecology
    Pugnaire, Francisco I., QK901 .H295 2007

“Following in the footsteps of the successful first edition, Functional Plant Ecology, Second Edition remains the most authoritative resource in this multidisciplinary field. Extensively revised and updated, this book investigates plant structure and behavior across the ecological spectrum. It features the ecology and evolution of plant crowns and addresses approaches to generalization in functional plant ecology, including the species-sampling problem, plant ecology strategy schemes, and phylogeny. The book follows a bottom-up approach, from the more specific, detailed studies focusing on plant organs to the broadest ecosystem approaches. It offers the latest findings and research breakthroughs in plant ecology, as well as consideration of classic topics in environmental science and ecology. A wide-ranging compendium, the book investigates plant structure and behavior across the ecological spectrum, from the leaf to the ecosystem levels.”

Pollen: the hidden sexuality of flowers
    Kesseler, Rob, QK658 .K47 2006 Oversize - 2nd floor - West side

“Pollen, the minute building block of plant life, contain firmaments of otherworldly beauty. Through the marvel of scanning electron photomicroscopy, and in collaboration with two renowned experts, visual artist Kesseler unveils the delicate artistry and vibrant wizardry of this horticultural workhorses in an incandescent blend of exacting science and extraordinary art. Carried by wind, water, birds, and bees, microscopic pollen grains embark on a remarkable journey to fertilize an awaiting plant. Harley writes of the evolution and diversity of pollen and the process of pollination with both the precision of an academic text and the poetry of a heartfelt homage. Whether interpreting the intricacies of symbiotic relationships or extolling the miracle of parthenogenesis, Harley patiently and precisely opens this hidden world to novices and serious students alike. Carol Haggas.” - From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

A natural history of conifers
    Farjon, Aljos, QK494 .F36 2008

“Leading expert Aljos Farjon provides a broader perspective with this compelling narrative that observes conifers from the standpoint of the curious naturalist. It starts with the basic question of what conifers are and continues to explore their evolution, taxonomy, ecology, distribution, human uses, and issues of conservation. As the story unfolds many popular misconceptions are dispelled, such as the notion that all conifers have cones (untrue), and the extraordinary diversity of conifers begins to dawn as Farjon describes the diminutive creeping shrub Microcachrys tetragona, whose strange seed cones resemble raspberries, and the prehistoric-looking Araucaria meulleri.

The taxonomic diversity of conifers is huge and Farjon goes on to relate how, over the course of three 300 million years, these trees and shrubs have adapted to survive geological upheavals, climatic extremes, and formidable competition from flowering plants. Scarcely less remarkable is his explanation of how conifers, with only 627 species, grew to occupy every continent on earth ranging from the high latitudes to the tropics.”