Customer Reviews

The Curious World of Carnivorous Plants: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Biology and Cultivation

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

 

 

I will give credit to the authors on a well researched, biologically detailed book that covers the different Carnivorous Plant families. I was looking forward to getting and reading this book but was disappointed after reciving it.

I feel this is a good introductory book on the topic so if you know nothing at all about Carnivorous Plants then a purchase may be all right for you. Most of the material in the book is found in other books of CPs. So if you have other books on CPs that you like, then this becomes redundant.

I am very spoiled by two books in my collection on the topic of CPs. The first is the SAVAGE GARDEN by Peter D'Amato, and the second is PITCHER PLANTS OF THE AMERICAS by Stewart McPherson.I recommend both of these instead of the one I'm reviewing. Between the two of these you should have all you need on cultivation, biology, evolutionary trends, and notes on many species of Carnivorous Plants.

This book covers all the basic aspects of Carnivorous Plants from their taxonomy, through ecology, physiology and evolution to how to grow them. I would say it is the one essential text for all enthusiasts. The text is illustrated with many amazing photographs and micro-photographs. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It even makes a fascinating coffee table book for the uninitiated.

After compairing this book with "The Savage Garden" by D'Amato and "Pitcher Plants of the Americas" by McPherson I think this book offers some interesting background information on the history, ecology and evolution of CPs in general that add to the other two books mentioned. It is written without too much botanical jargon while still offering good detail that is easy to follow and understand. Additionally, the book offers good information about habitats, trapping mechanisms, and features of each of the major different kinds of CPs out there. It also has lots of great photos that really add to the book. The biggest drawback this book has is the quantity and quality of cultivation and propagation information. It has some in there, but is not half as good as what is found in D'Amato's book. Better still are the "Grow Carnivorous Plants DVD series" done by Sarracenia Northwest if you main interest is learning how to grow and propagate CPs.

This book is fantastic. I was looking for a book with with the ecology of carnivorous plants, their physiology, and their cultivation. I got all the information I needed. :) Great book with great pictures.