Product Description

Provides information on the names, characteristics, cultivation, and geographic distribution of more than 300 species of cacti and succulent plants.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1068413 in Books
• Published on: 1986-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Customer Reviews

Correct title: Cacti and no other succulents
The title is misleading in that this book describes no other form of succulents outside cacti. The pictures are generally small and too many are closeups that show what a particular feature of the plant looks like, but not the entire plant. The descriptions are short and a bit weak, as well.

Just plain great!
Simon and Schusters guide to Cacti and Succulents delivers the absolute goods! There are many beautiful cacti listed here, as well as imformative explanations about each plant. With more than 350 species and large varieties of each, this a great buy!
However, there are no succulents listed here, but if you want succulents, just try "Succulents the Illustrated Dictionary."
This book is not for beginners, and lists complex scientific names on each cactus. It is great however, for thoroughly interested and experienced people, (such as me.)
So, if you cacti fascinate you, and you like quality photos, pick up this gem!

Has It's Limitations

The two previous reviewers show how difficult it is to recommend a book when doing a review of it. One reviewer didn't like it, the other one thought it was the bees knees. Can, they both be right? Well in their own minds they certainly are. At the end of the day it all depends on what you are looking for. I agree in part with both of them.

The photographs are sometimes not as quite as good as they could be, being too small and not always the best angle. In many cacti books you see the same old photographs regurgitated again and again but to be honest I Did not see any that I had seen before in this book. True, the descriptions can be a little sketchy. On the plus side the book does cover the cultivation of these wonderful plants. In fact it covers 300 species (a mere drop in the ocean as far as the Cactaeae Family goes) but pretty good for a book of this type. It also gives their geographic distribution, i.e. Mexico, Brazil, Chile, etc. All true cacti originate in the Americas.


If you are really interested in these plants and you are going to be happy with one book on Cacti, then perhaps you would be better spending a little more money on something more comprehensive.. However if you have a small library of cacti books, this will probably be a welcome addition.