Vanishing Flora: Endangered Plants Around the World
By the turn of the century as many as 25 percent of the plant species of our world may have become extinct. Artist Stermer makes an eloquent plea to halt this devastation with an introductory essay and a collection of stunningly detailed watercolors and sketches of some of the notable species that may shortly vanish from the earth. According to Stermer, the most compelling reason to conserve these vanishing species is ecological; when we destroy a life form we threaten the "complex systems that keep us alive." He writes, "We must discipline ourselves to step more lightly on the planet." To convince us, Stermer offers over 80 illustrations?primarily full-page watercolors?of global plant species whose existence is precarious. Accompanying his illlustrations are brief descriptions of the plants including the location of their remaining sites. An appendix lists organizations that activly work to protect endangered flora. For natural history collections.?Laurie Bartolini, Legislative Research, Springfield, Ill.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.