Book Description

Victoria: The Seductress is a sumptuously illustrated book that tells the fascinating story of the Victoria water lily and her discovery and introduction into cultivation. It also details the adventures of the countless people around the world who attempted to grow and understand this aquatic marvel. Hailed as the Queen of the Plant Kingdom, Victoria has no equal among the plants of the world. Even today, she remains as elusive for home gardeners and nature enthusiasts as she was 150 years ago, when she first entered the princely homes and conservatories of Europe and America. This book offers a new perspective on the majestic Victoria, presenting a vivid portrait of her for garden enthusiasts interested in natural and cultural history. It is written by Dr. Tomasz Anisko, curator of plants at Longwood Gardens, who oversees the proper naming and identification of plants, coordinates plant trials, and leads plant exploration efforts.