"Dominant throughout the temperate northern hemisphere, conifers form the backbone of boreal ecosystems. This comprehensive reference work explains the complex life cycles and ecological and economic importance of these trees." "Based on more than five decades of study, Graham R. Powell provides an illustrated, guided tour of conifers from seed and reproduction to old age and death. Focusing on the most common species, Powell offers a clear picture of the vital roles conifers play in varying environmental systems and discusses the extent to which humankind relies on coniferous trees. The engaging text is peppered throughout with interesting facts and comparative data about well- and lesser-known species." "The Lives of Conifers features hundreds of full-color illustrations and expansive morphological, anatomical, and physiological information about the evergreens. The book includes a glossary of terms and a detailed bibliography for further study."--BOOK JACKET.
From one of the best natural-history university presses around, this reference is an illustrated guide to the development of coniferous tree species in North America. Powell (forestry and environmental management, U. of New Brunswick, Canada) covers the 12 most common species indigenous to North America (balsam fir, eastern hemlock, tamarack larch, eastern white pine, jack pine, pitch pine, red pine, black spruce, red spruce, white spruce, eastern juniper, and eastern thuja), follows the life cycle of the tree, from seed to sapling, and compares genera and species at each stage. He describes developmental processes, methods for identifying species, and branch and tree development, demise, and death. It is a comprehensive and lengthy volume. All photos were taken by the author and are presented in color. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Dominant throughout the temperate northern hemisphere, conifers form the backbone of boreal ecosystems. This comprehensive reference work explains the complex life cycles of these trees.
Based on more than five decades of study, Graham R. Powell provides an illustrated, guided tour of conifers from seed and reproduction to old age and death. Focusing on the most common species, Powell offers a clear picture of conifersa type of tree that plays a vital role in various environmental systems and upon which humankind relies for its lifestyle. The engaging text is peppered throughout with interesting facts and comparative data about well- and lesser-known species.
The Lives of Conifers features hundreds of full-color illustrations and expansive morphological, anatomical, and physiological information about the evergreens. The book includes a glossary of terms and a detailed bibliography for further study.
