A Fragile Eden

Most of the plants first described one hundred years ago are still found today, but many are becoming increasingly rare. Some cling to existence with only a few specimens to be found, often in remote locations. In 1985 the Oxford University Biological Expedition to the Seychelles studied the vegetation on several of the islands. Rosemary Wise, the department's artist, was asked to accompany the expedition. She became alarmed that the rapidly disappearing species might go unrecorded and made it her mission for the next ten years to paint all of the endemic flora in their natural habitat. She has written an accompanying text (with a contribution by Malcolm Coe) to describe this unique flora.

The Seychelles are home to plant species found nowhere else. Perhaps the most famous is the "double coconut" (Lodoicea maldivica), a photogenic tree that has become synonymous with the islands. The illustration of this unique palm, like all of the illustrations contained in the book, was painted from firsthand observation. The large format, superb printing, and informative descriptions of A Fragile Eden allow the reader to appreciate the author's obvious passion for these plants. The book will appeal to a wide audience, including professional botanists, ecologically-minded travelers, and anyone who enjoys tropical plants or botanical art.