Witch's Orchard: The magic and folklore of fruit, nuts and nature's sweet harvest

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Sandra Lawrence

The magical use of edible plants - from the orchard and vineyard to the fig pit and hedgerow - is a tale as old as time.

From Persephone's pomegranates in ancient Greek myth to dragon fruit being born of the mythical creature's fiery breath, and from hazel trees growing at the end of the world to breaking fast with dates, almost every ingredient in an ancient or modern orchard has been said to have powerful properties.

Featuring over 60 species, with dozens of fascinating entries from around the world, this informative and entertaining gift book is the latest in Kew's esoteric Witch's Garden series.