Product Description

In this authoritative, detailed and carefully researched encyclopedia, more than 350 genera of cultivated orchids are included and 1500 species described. Infinitely varied and hugely interesting, these strikingly beautiful plants are sumptuously illustrated with approximately 1000 photographs in a reference that no orchid lover can afford to be without. Isobyl la Croix's broad knowledge of orchids is evident in this encylopedic account of the largest of all flowering plant families. Her experience gained as a scientist, plant hunter and horticulturist, along with her deep passion for orchids, inform the plant selection and add depth to the plant descriptions. The cultivation advice includes information about the orchid's native habitat including elevation, geography, and climate, that will significantly improve the chances of successful growth in the domestic environment. Recent developments in DNA analysis have led to some surprising findings with regard to the relationships between orchids and the author has undertaken an extensive effort to bring all orchid names up-to-date to reflect the latest scientific thinking and taxonomy. From Acampe to Zygostates, no other serious reference approaches the depth and authority of this remarkable book. Enthusiasts, collectors, and those starting out with orchids will value it for identification and rely on its authority whether researching the most familiar cypripedium or the most rarified angraecoid.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #151280 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 524 pages

About the Author
Isobyl la Croix has written a series of authoritative books and articles on tropical African species: Epiphytic Orchids of Malawi (1983), Orchids of Malawi (1991), Flora Zambesiaca Orchidaceae (1995, 1998), and African Orchids in the Wild and in Cultivation (1997). She trained as a botanist at the University of Edinburgh where she developed a deep passion for tropical orchids. After graduation, she and her husband spent 22 years in the tropics, mainly in Africa, collecting, studying, and growing orchids. Since her return to the United Kingdom, Isobyl has edited Orchid Review, the doyen of orchid journals. Her deep and extensive knowledge of orchids, as scientist, horticulturist, orchid journal editor, and orchid hunter, is reflected in her concise but critical text. Few authors of orchid books have a broader knowledge and experience than Isobyl la Croix, whose name is well known to aficionados of tropical African orchids.

Customer Reviews

EXCELLENT BOOK!!
Timber press and the author have outdone themselves. Extremely informative, great layout and more pictures than you can shake a stick at!!

This is a large book and a must have for anyone who loves tropical wild Orchids! I have an unsual and rare Orchid here and it is the first book I have purchased, and I have around 12, that contains this little known species!!

This publication also contains many Orchids I have so far not seen in any of my other books, including the equally impressive Flora's Orchids by the same authour and publisher! I was also pleased to discover that it is totally new and not a re-hash of the authors earlier work!

You will not be disappointed and I eagerly await any forthcoming title by a very good team that produced these works!