Legends of the Leaf

Description

Why do the leaves of the Swiss cheese plant have holes? How did Aloe vera become a medicinal powerhouse? And why – despite your best efforts – can’t you keep your Venus flytrap alive?

You’re not alone. Houseplant expert Jane Perrone has asked those same questions. In Legends of the Leaf, she digs beneath the surface to reveal the surprising stories behind our favourite houseplants.

By exploring how they grow in the wild, and the ways people around the world have used and revered them, Perrone uncovers what makes these plants tick – and how understanding their roots can help us make them thrive in our homes.

Discover the journeys that brought these beloved species into our living rooms: from the Kentia palms that flanked Queen Victoria’s coffin; to the dark history of the leopard lily; to English ivy, which provided fisherman with a source of bait.

Beautifully illustrated and packed with practical care tips, Legends of the Leaf celebrates the hidden histories, cultural significance and enduring charm of the houseplants we live alongside.