<p><b><i>The fascinating stories of the plants that changed civilizations.</i></b></p><p><b><i>Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History</i></b> is a beautifully presented guide to the plants that have had the greatest impact on human civilization. Entries feature a description of the plant, its botanical name, its native range and its primary functions -- edible, medicinal, commercial or practical. Concise text is highlighted by elegant botanical drawings, paintings and photographs as well as insightful quotes.</p><p>Many of the plants are well known, such as <b>rice, tea, cotton, rubber, wheat, sugarcane, tobacco, wine grapes and corn</b>. However, there are also many whose stories are less known. These history-changing plants include:</p><ul><li><b>Agave,</b> used to make sisal, poison arrows, bullets, tequila and surgical thread</li><li><b>Pineapple, </b> which influenced the construction of greenhouses and conservatories</li><li><b>Hemp, </b> used for hangman's rope, sustainable plastics, the Declaration of Independence and Levi's jeans</li><li><b>Coconut, </b> used for coir fiber, soap, margarine, cream, sterile IV drips and coagulants</li><li><b>Eucalyptus, </b> used in mouthwash, diuretics, vitamins, honey, underwear and fire-resistant uniforms</li><li><b>Sweet pea, </b> which Gregor Mendel used in his research on genetic heredity</li><li><b>White mulberry, </b> used to make silk</li><li><b>English oak, </b> used for fire-resistant structures, dyes, leather tanning, charcoal, casks and ships</li><li><b>White willow, </b> used in the manufacture of aspirin, cricket bats, hot-air balloon baskets and coffins</li></ul><p>This attractive reference provides an innovative perspective on both botanical and human history.</p>