PhytoChem Australia: A Database on Australian Plant Chemistry 1940–2000

Women and Plants is a valuable collection of case studies from areas in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. These case studies work together to help us gain a better understanding of the intricate relationship between women, plants, and the environment. The contributors of this book come from many disciplines, such as, ethnobotany, geography, agronomy, anthropology, sociology, nutrition, and gender studies. These contributors have done a wonderful job stressing the importance of including women in ethnobotanical research, in resource management planning, and in the conservation of biodiversity and certain native plant species. They have taken on the task of discussing the gender biases evident in most current scientific research, policy, and development practice relating to biodiversity management and land issues. The many international case studies offer superb examples of the vital roles women play throughout the world in their families, their communities, and their natural environments. The chapters in this book are neatly organized into five parts, each containing case studies that truly build on each other. Each part presents a theme that is essential to the analysis of women and gender relations in people–plant relationships. Part 1—Culture, Kitchen and Conservation; Part 2—Gender Relations, Women’s Rights and Plant Management; Part 3—Gendered Plant Knowledge in Science and Society; Part 4— Plants, Women’s Status and Welfare; Part 5—Gender, Biodiversity Loss and Conservation. The design of the book is visually appealing and organized. I especially like the cover photograph and the choice of colors for the cover. I personally would have appreciated one or two photographs for each of the case studies. These could have been photographs of the women, their daily activities, their fields, plant collecting areas, important plants, etc. Photos such as these sprinkled throughout the text would pull the reader into the lives of these women at a greater and a more personal level. Also, a map of the study site for each of the case studies would have been helpful in mentally picturing where these studies occurred. I feel that these two additions would highlight the culturally and geographically diverse focus of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and feel as though my mind has been intellectually and culturally fed and opened at the same time. I now have a much greater understanding of and respect for those many unnoticed and unknown women whose rich knowledge is an important key to the survival of the environment and ethnobotanical knowledge. This book has definitely inspired me to take on a different and more encompassing approach when conducting ethnobotanical research in the future. I recommend this book to anyone interested in ethnobotany, gender relations, or the conservation of biodiversity and of traditional knowledge and cultures. In fact, anyone remotely interested in the health of this planet and its many inhabitants should read this book.