The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

What the Flora?

Get ready for a wild ride through the most shocking, inspiring and downright unbelievable stories about plant life, from the experts at Botanic Gardens of Sydney. 

Pre-order the book
What the flora book cover artwork and botanical illustrations of corpse flower venus fly trap and mushroom

This is your backstage pass to the drama, mystery and importance of Earth’s most overlooked species.

What the Flora? is a new non-fiction book written by Vanessa Fuchs for Botanic Gardens of Sydney and published by Hardie Grant. Blending science, true crime, history and a touch of lore, the incredible stories offer a fresh perspective on the ingenuity and wonders of the plant kingdom.

From Australia’s wildest landscapes to the farthest reaches of the globe, scientists and plant obsessives are uncovering strange stories and profound truths about plants that will leave you feeling fascinated and slightly unnerved. You’ll encounter trees that survived atomic blasts and deadly species that have shaped medicine and myth, discover the mind-bending secrets of plant intelligence and learn how pollen can be used to crack a murder case.

This thrilling journey also reveals the remarkable ways plants have shaped our world: fuelling civilisations, inspiring innovation and sustaining all life on Earth. Our very survival is intertwined with theirs, and protecting plants may be our greatest hope for the future. Whether you're a hardcore plant nerd or just curious, this book will forever transform the way you see plants. 

Pre-order your copy now for a chance to win

What the Flora? is coming out in September and will be available to purchase from book retailers across the country, including our very own Garden Shops at all our sites. After you pre-order, fill in this short form and you'll go into the draw to win one of the prizes below at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney:

  • 2 x Foundation and Friends New Year's Eve picnic tickets   
  • 2 x Taste of Country experiences 
What the Flora? Incredible stories from the brilliant and bizarre world of plants. A new book written by Vanessa Fuchs for Botanic Gardens of Sydney. Coming out in September.
Vanessa Fuchs. Written What the Flora? book for Botanic Gardens of Sydney

About the writer

Vanessa Fuchs joined Botanic Gardens of Sydney in 2018 as a science communicator. To help more people discover the surprising world of plants, she produces and hosts the Garden’s award-winning Branch Out podcast. With her trademark blend of enthusiasm and making science fun and accessible, Vanessa loves to make plants the true stars of the natural world – not just the backdrop.