Publications : AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY PRESS

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY PRESS

New Book Announcement: Wild Plants in Auckland
Author : Alan Esler
Published by : Auckland University Press
Paperback, photographs, original line drawings
RRP : $NZ 39.99

Wild plants may be as simple as a weedy patch in a garden or as complex as native forest in a bushy gully.   A large proportion of Auckland’s living landscape is made up of urban plants growing without intentional human aid.   Every kind of plant is different, in its form, its requirements and tolerances, its life history and its influence on other plants.   In words, and in exquisite line drawings and colour photographs, this fascinating and approachable book by an expert in the field tells the story of 322 species that grow wild in New Zealand’s largest city.

The first part of the book demonstrates the place of wild plants in the urban vegetation, showing in detail how today’s landscape evolved.   The second explores some of the ways in which these plants impinge on our lives, in building and farming, in parkland and forest walks, and in science.   The last section tells how they are structured for their various roles in the plant communities.

Alan Esler’s enthusiasm for his subject, his wide experience and knowledge of Auckland’s rich and varied flora and his awareness of the wider context in which plants live and grow make this a remarkable book.   Students, teachers, managers of turf, weeds and trees, gardeners and everybody who appreciates Auckland’s unique environment will be intrigued and informed by Wild Plants in Auckland.

Alan Esler was for many years DSIR Regional Botanist based at the Mt Albert Research Centre and is the author of many publications on the botany of the Auckland region.