A Gardener's Book of Plant Names
, first published in 1963, is the classic reference on the origin and meanings of the thousands of botanical names. The book provides, in alphabetical order by genus and species name, the origin and pronunciation of the word, its definition and, in many cases, interesting anecdotes or historical information about the plant and its use in, for example, gardens, medicine, food, or folklore. Of value too is the extensive index, which cross-references some 1,800 common plant names to the corresponding botanical names.