Powered By Plants - Clive Gifford

Powered by Plants introduces us to the wondrous plants whose ingenious features have inspired innovations in human technology.

Plants exhibit an incredible range of diversity in their shape, structures and how they interact with other living things and their environment. Some of this great diversity is being increasingly studied and copied, inspiring innovation in science, design, engineering and technology.
 
Discover towering cottonwood trees with wind power potential to slippery, meat-eating assassins of the plant world and the fast-growing aquatic plant which helps propel ships farther using less energy. Learn surprising applications and spin-offs of both exotic species including the world’s largest flower that generates its own heat and more familiar plants such as bamboo, coconut and maize, all depicted in colourful, lively illustrations and fact boxes.