IF THE Latin terms for your favourite plants leave you shaking your head, fret no more: your saviour is here in the new book, Practical Latin for Gardeners.
The beautiful little book covers more than 1500 of the most useful and widespread Latin names, organised into thematic chapters including colour, plant form, and places and people.
Each chapter is divided into smaller groups, such as light colours and bright colours.
"Behind the Name" boxes increase the book's practical value, and beautiful botanical watercolours complete the package.
And if you find yourself often tongue-tied when it comes to pronunciation, worry no more: the guide includes the definition and pronunciation of each word. There's also a 15-page index, so the guide can still be used as a conventional dictionary of Latin names.
The pocket-size format makes it an ideal companion for use in the garden or when out and about selecting new plants.
Author James Armitage is the principal botanist with the Royal Horticultural Society.
Based in the Herbarium at RHS Garden Wisley, his work is focused on research into the identity and origins of garden plants.
- Practical Latin for Gardeners, by James Armitage, Allen and Unwin, RRP $24.99.