http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
ix, 214 pages : black and white illustrations ; 24 cm
Describes the histories and features of many unusual and spectacular specimens of the plant world.
"Plants so spectacular, grotesque, or unusual that they have: expelled bad dreams, expurgated madness, inspired love, cured melancholy, and rendered men invisible; tumbled houses, brought about the defeat of armies, and induced the entire population of towns to scandalous behavior; when exhibited, drawn crowds of reporters and film crews from Paramount Studies to record the event. 'Bizarre Plants' -- a book about plants so monstrous, mythical, or magical that to ignore them would be to discredit man's sojourn through this fantastic world. Here are the little-known histories of nature's creations that transcend the ordinary -- the upside-down-looking baobab tree whose fruits resemble sausages; the fabled coco-de-mer from under the sea whose seed is like a giant female pelvis. And more: enchanter's nightshade (believed to be the plant most dear to Satan), an herb which contains alkaloids potent enough to cause delirium and even death ; the fantastic dragon's blood tree ; the fungi that glow in the dark ; plants that devour animals the size of birds and rodents. The author traces the superstitions and legends which surround orchids, mandragora, ginseng, and other fantastics of our plant world. An expert in the chemistry and pharmacology of plants, Dr. Emboden also includes recent information on how these plants are used in medicine today. 'Bizarre Plants' is for the nonbotanist who can't get through highly specialized texts on the physiology, ecology, and other "ologies" of plants. And it is for those fascinated by the esoteric, the extraordinary, the occult, and the astounding evolution of magic into medicine."--
Prologue -- Monstrous plants -- Orchids in witchcraft and medicine -- Satan's simples: The herbs of black magic -- Herbs of grace: Witches and warlocks undone -- Dragon's blood -- The fabulous Coco-de-mer -- Plants that eat animals -- The hand of glory : Mandragora -- Ginseng : Wonder of the world -- Fungal fantasies -- Plants that never were : A floral "talepiece."
The Cushing Library/Science Fiction copy [A14853533458] is from the personal library of Edward W. Bryant Jr.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 207-208).
Bizarre plants: magical, monstrous, mythical