Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary [Paperback]

James G. Harris (Author), Melinda Woolf Harris (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A useful glossary that clearly explains and illustrates myriad confusing terms likely to turn up in botanical reference sources.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

This comprehensive, illustrated guide to phytography, the descriptive terminology of plants, was designed as a companion to a textbook for students of botany. Noting that the glossaries of most textbooks are inadequate, and that other field guides include scientific terminology definitions, the Harrises created this handbook to easily convey the meaning of botanical terms with a simple illustration and a short descriptive note.

In alphabetical arrangement, part 1 details more than 2,400 commonly used terms in plant descriptions and identifications coordinated with more than 1,700 illustrations. Included are common usage, historical definition, and divergent usages of terms. No pronounciation guide is included. Part 2 includes terminology grouped in related areas, for example, roots (parts, shapes, types); stems (parts, types, forms); leaves (bases, apices, attachments); surfaces; inflorescences (parts, types, forms); flowers (symmetry, pollination systems, number of floral structure); and fruits (parts, type).

While Taxonomic Terminology of the Higher Plants by Henry Ira Featherly (Iowa State Univ. Press, 1954, reprinted 1965) is similar in scope, it does not include any illustrations. The line drawings enhance the potential usefulness of this reasonably priced handbook of taxonomic terms for both professional botantists and students. It is a recommended addition to both public and academic library botany collections.

Product Details

• Paperback: 197 pages
• Publisher: Spring Lake Pub; 1St Edition edition (May 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096402215X
• ISBN-13: 978-0964022157
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #704,651 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

115 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the advanced amateur, February 9, 2000

By 

H. Paul Greenough (Blaine, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary (Paperback)

If you're an amateur trying to key out a strange plant -- and you've gone beyond the stage of using guides with sections on "plants with red flowers" to using more advanced guides, this book can help you cut through the forest of technical terms. It has the usual alphabetical listing of terms and definitions -- but what makes it work for me are the sections arranged by structure. For example, all the terms to describe leaves are collected in one well-illustrated section, as are terms describing flowers, roots, stems, surfaces, and other parts of the plant. The grouped illustrations make it really easy to figure out which term best describes your plant. The book would be best used in conjunction with a technical guide specific to the plants of your region.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaching with Plant Identification Terminology, February 26, 2006

By 

David H. McDougal - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary (Paperback)

I teach Botany and Molecular Biology at the local high school. The Harris's treatise "Plant Identification Terminology" is a terrific tool for teaching. Not only are the terms well defined, but the 1,900 illustrations clear up any possible confusion. I highly recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Plant Identification Terminology, February 8, 2008

By 

Norman F. Hunter (colorado springs, co, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary (Paperback)

Excellent text. I do a lot of botany and plant identification. This is the best book for terms I have ever used. Virtually all terms I need are well illustrated.