Plants have been a consuming passion for Ghillean Prance since early childhood, resulting in 30 years' exploration of the Brazilian rainforest, and the Directorship of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. `To be the head of a modern scientific institution with a worldwide reputation, and to combine that with adventures that can compare with the most daring exploits of nineteenth century explorers might seem impossible. But that is what Ghillean Prance has achieved and it is a thrilling mixture.' David Attenborough.