When I skimmed the pages of Rare Plants of Texas, I tried to think of a botanist friend who would welcome it as a birthday gift. Seconds later, I decided it was a keeper. No way would I part with it.

Brief introductory chapters set the stage by describing the natural regions of Texas, our state's history of conservation, the authors' categorizations of rarity along with the threats to sustainability and how to confront the dilemma. The book is scholarship at its truest, meticulous workmanship carried out with devotion as well as experience.

The authors, all at one time employed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, have brought together the fruits of more than 20 years of fieldwork. A narrative account describes individual features of rare plants, giving such information as the scientific and common names, global and state ranges and habitat and references of sightings.

Most of the species grow west of the Pecos River, but the county maps that accompany each entry show areas throughout the state that can claim particular varieties. The images show the extraordinary range of beauty among cacti, fragile blooms, water plants and shrubs. By singling out each species, their unique standing becomes even more apparent.

Battle lines are drawn between naturalists and conservationists on the one side and plant nurseries on the other, contesting the presence of exotics that challenge our native plants. The book, meeting a need for professional botanists and environmentalists, is no less appealing to the nature lover and diehard Texan. Texas A&M University Press has done itself proud with this book, and special mention goes to Linny Heagy for her delicate drawings.

Jane Manaster is a Dallas freelance writer.

Rare Plants of Texas

Jackie M. Poole, William R. Carr,

Dana M. Price and

Jason R. Singhurst

(Texas A&M University Press, $35,

flexbound)

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