Customer Reviews

Cacti: The Illustrated Dictionary

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While this is an excellent identification resource for globular cacti, the title suggests it covers the broader cacti species ~ which it does not. Unfortunately, its companion guide "Succulents-An Illustrated Dictionary" is also an excellent identification resource, but does not cover the balance of the cacti species either. I anxiously await full coverage of the cacti species.

This is a good encyclopedia of the globular species of cacti, but unfortuately, this is as far as it goes. The photos are good and precise. Another aspect to look at is that none of the column cactus are listed. Also, the measurements and expected size of the cactus plants are not detailed, so you just have to look and guess. I also wish that the measurements were in inches instead of the metric system. After all is said and done, this could be a good starting point for the very amateur cactus enthusiast!

It is very difficult to find fault in a book that is so comprehensive in what it sets out to achieve, and I have no wish to do so. However I would like to point out to potential purchasers, if your interest lies in columnar cacti (Cereus, Cleistocactus, Pilosocereus, I know I could go on forever), or anthing from the Opuntia genus, you will be disappointed because they are not included in the book. Of course many other species are not included but this would be virtually impossible to achieve. There is a very good selection of species for all of the more popular genera, many in flower, which obviously aids in the identification process. As a plant identifier this book would be very difficult to beat. Plant care is virtually non existent, but this is not what the book is about. Under most photographs you will get details of the distribution of the plant; flower colour; spination and some of the different synonyms the plant may be labelled under. if you have any serious interest in Cacti you need this book.

Very beautiful book, with as much colorfull pictures as you wish. The title should be "dictionary of globular cacti", because only such species are presented.

I've had this book for several years now and have found it to be very useful in identifying some cacti by their appearance alone, as the book is really a photo album with little text. It can also be used to choose species of cacti that you might want to own because it gives you some idea of their appearance 'pre-buying'. The authors are brothers who have worked well together and that in itself is kinda neat! I can recommend it to beginners and even some intermediate aficionados of cacti.

SUPERB COMPACT REVIEW OF A VERY BROAD SPECTRUM OF CACTI TO HELP ANY SERIOUS AFFICIONADO OF THESE CRITTERS. ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED, GOOD PICTURES OF EACH BASIC GROUP WITH CLEAR CONCISE DESCRIPTIONS. I WOULD SAY THIS IS A MUST IN THE LIBRARY OF ANY CACTUS LOVER.

If you are looking for the perfect book to help you identify cacti species, then add this book to your shopping cart. The pictures are wonderful; not only do they help you identify the cactus, but they also help you identify the flower. I looked up the cacti that I own and most of them were in the book. I highly recommend this book for the cacti enthusiast. Buy it today!

This field guide to hundreds of cacti and globular species is one of the best yet. I bought this guide at a nursury selling numerous species. I have 4 in my collection now, and am in the process of identifying them. I have three in the Mammilaria genus, and one completely seperate from that category. This book has so many to choose from so that you will never run out of ID choices when you need them. When these cacti flower it will be a snap to put identification cards on them! Unfortunately for the Americans, these are foreign cacti and we may never see them in their natural habitat, but this book makes them look just as glorious as real life!!!

So complete that it does not require a sequel. The Illustrated Dictionary provides hundreds of photographs of foreign, local, and native cacti. Since it is geared toward botanists and interested naturalists, scientific names are used beside each species portrait. The photos themselves are stunning and beautiful, at times showing the entire plant for quick identification. The plants shown are admirable, and interesting to look at for a while. Some cacti forms may be so appealing, that you may want to find them on the internet for further information! Intriguing series consisting of two Succulent books and a single complete Cactus guide.
The binding is okay, nothing special. That will not matter once you are captivated by the stunning photographs and useful identification purpuses.

I was able to identify 156 specimens growing in my fourteen year old living succulent wreath. The plants photographed in their natural habitat were useful because the gave clues to their culture. I winced because light and temperature requirements were not included, but then again, that would probably make the book too heavy to cart around the garden.