What the Flora?
Get ready for a wild ride through the most shocking, inspiring and downright unbelievable stories about plant life in our new non-fiction book.
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 and history, the incredible stories offer a fresh perspective on the ingenuity and wonders of the plant kingdom. 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.
What the Flora? is available to purchase from book retailers across Australia, including our very own Garden Shops and at The Calyx. You can also listen to What the Flora? as an audiobook.
Go behind-the-scenes at our What the Flora? launch event.
Experience an evening of fascinating tales, lively conversation and shared curiosity about the natural world at our official book launch event on Tuesday 22 September from 6-8pm at The Garden Gallery at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Learn more and buy your ticket here.
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.