The Nature of Plants

An Introduction to How Plants Work

By: Craig N. Huegel

Narrated by: Tom Parks

Plants play a critical role in how we experience our environment. They create calming green spaces, provide oxygen for us to breathe, and nourish our senses. In The Nature of Plants, ecologist and nursery owner Craig Huegel demystifies the complex lives of plants and provides listeners with an extensive tour into their workings.

Beginning with the importance of light, water, and soil, Huegel describes the process of photosynthesis and how best to position plants to receive optimal sunlight. He explains why plants suffer from overwatering, what essential elements plants need to flourish, and what important soil organisms reside with them. Listeners will understand the difference between friendly and hostile bacteria, fungi, and insects.

Sections on plant structure and reproduction focus in detail on major plant organs - roots, stems, and leaves-and cover flowering, pollination, fruit development, and seed germination. Huegel even delves into the mysterious world of plant communication, exploring the messages conveyed to animals or other plants through chemical scents and hormones.

©2019 Craig N. Huegel (P)2020 Tantor

The Botanical Soap Opera You Didn’t Know You Needed

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you've ever wondered what your houseplants are plotting while you sleep, "The Nature of Plants" by Craig Huegel is the book for you. This literary masterpiece takes you on a journey through the secret lives of plants, revealing their hidden ambitions and daily struggles with a sense of humor that would make even a cactus crack a smile.

Huegel writes with the enthusiasm of a botanist who's just discovered that talking to plants actually works. You'll find yourself laughing out loud as he describes the "dating life" of pollinators and the "home renovation" projects of roots. By the end, you'll be convinced that your fern is judging your life choices.

This book has everything: drama, romance, suspense, and a level of plant gossip that would put a soap opera to shame. I now spend my weekends talking to my succulents and plotting world domination with my ficus. Five stars isn't enough – someone get this man a bouquet!

Fascinating!

Absolutely wonderful primer if you are new to plants. He getting into bigger topics, but doesn't get into topics that the average gardener doesn't need to know (i.e. The exact chemistry of photosynthesis) and gives a good overview of plant biology.I learned so much information from this that is already helping me take better care of my plants.

Loved it!

Great book! Learned so much. Fantastic narrator. Will give it another listen in the near future.

So informative!

Learned so much. He made complex ideas simple and easy to absorb. Highly recommend to anyone looking to learn about the magical world of plants!

A Masterful Book: Botany Revealed, Eyes Opened!

This book is exceptional. I have listened to it at least a half dozen times. I went ahead and purchased the book as well. The narration is top notch.

If you ever wanted to learn the basics of botany, this book is on-par with master gardening and university press publications. Indeed, this book is published by the University Press of Florida and the author, Craig N. Huegel, holds a doctorate in Animal Ecology. This book reflects his superb ability to research and make information available to us in understandable terms. He is presently a faculty member at St. Petersburg College in Florida and I have no doubt that his students listen to him with rapt attention.

I heartily recommend that you listen to this audio book and then do as I did: buy the book. You will never regret owing this gem of a book!

Great book

This is an incredible book. I learned so much. Thank you Dr. Huegel I appreciate you sharing your time and knowledge.

Engaging Primer on What “Really” Makes a Plant

As someone who enjoys both biology and gardening, this book was a fascinating listen. The author does not shy away from difficult concepts in plant biology, but manages to remain relatable to an educated amateur throughout. No doubt there were a few times I felt compelled to consult the accompanying reference material, but I also could have easily followed the conversation without doing so. I particularly enjoyed that many of the examples used to explain the concepts discussed were drawn from the author’s experience with his own personal garden. Overall I would say this book is a fantastic synthesis of basic plant biology, and would I would highly recommend it to anyone with more than a passing interest in gardening!