The irresistible story of the Japanese cherry blossom, threatened by political ideologies and saved by an unknown Englishman. It is not just a story about trees, but about... endeavor, war, and reconciliation.

Collingwood Ingram, born in 1880, became known as 'Cherry' for his defining obsession. As a young man, he traveled to Japan and discovered the stunning displays of cherry blossoms, or sakura. On his return in 1926, Ingram witnessed shocking changes in the country's cherry population, as a cloned variety was taking over the landscape and being used as a symbol of Japan's expansionist ambitions.

Determined to preserve the variety of trees, Ingram began sending the rare varieties from his own garden in England back to Japan with the help of a network of 'cherry guardians.' This is an eloquent portrait of an extraordinary man, whose legacy we enjoy every spring, and his unusual place in botanical history.

Spellbinding... A portrait of great charm and refinement - Christopher Harding, Guardian.

Winner of the 2020 Award for Excellence from the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries.

Pages: 400, Dimensions: 12.8x12.8cm.