{"product_id":"an-orchard-invisible-a-natural-history-of-seeds-9780226757735","title":"An Orchard Invisible: A Natural History of Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe story of seeds  in a nutshell  is a tale of evolution. From the tiny sesame that we sprinkle on our bagels to the forty-five-pound double coconut borne by the coco de mer tree  seeds are a perpetual reminder of the complexity and diversity of life on earth. With An Orchard Invisible  Jonathan Silvertown presents the oft-ignored seed with the natural history it deserves  one nearly as varied and surprising as the earths flora itself. Beginning with the evolution of the first seed plant from fernlike ancestors more than 360 million years ago  Silvertown carries his tale through epochs and around the globe. In a clear and engaging style  he delves into the science of seeds: How and why do some lie dormant for years on end? How did seeds evolve? The wide variety of uses that humans have developed for seeds of all sorts also receives a fascinating look  studded with examples  including foods  oils  perfumes  and pharmaceuticals. An able guide with an eye for the unusual  Silvertown is happy to take readers on unexpectedbut always interestingtangents  from Lyme disease to human color vision to the Salem witch trials. But he never lets us forget that the driving force behind the story of seedsits theme  evenis evolution  with its irrepressible habit of stumbling upon new solutions to the challenges of life. \"I have great faith in a seed \" Thoreau wrote. \"Convince me that you have a seed there  and I am prepared to expect wonders.\" Written with a scientists knowledge and a gardeners delight  An Orchard Invisible offers those wonders in a package that will be irresistible to science buffs and green thumbs alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"My Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45647009153077,"sku":"ByrdShop_0226757730","price":32.81,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0627\/8139\/0901\/files\/9780226757735.jpg?v=1781685372","url":"https:\/\/atxbooks.com\/products\/an-orchard-invisible-a-natural-history-of-seeds-9780226757735","provider":"ATX Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}