An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Robert Lee Riffle (Author), Paul Craft (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 17, 2003

Cowritten by the author of the award-winning The Tropical Look, An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms offers a definitive account of palms that may be grown in the garden and landscape. Because palms are often underutilized as a result of their unfamiliarity — even to tropical gardeners — Robert Lee Riffle and Paul Craft have exhaustively documented every genus in the palm family. Approximately 890 species are described in detail, including cold hardiness, water needs, height, and any special requirements. Generously illustrated with more than 900 photos, this volume is as valuable as an identification guide as it is a practical handbook. It even contains photos of several palm species that have never before appeared in a general encyclopedia. Interesting snippets of history, ethnobotany, and biology inform the text and make this a lively catalog of these remarkable plants.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As a horticultural librarian, I am constantly looking for good books on palms, and I can tell you that this book is at the top of the list. Not only is it useful, accurate, and authoritative, but the authors' poetic language brought life to the book."—Laurie Hannah, American Gardener, May/June 200 (Laurie Hannah American Gardener )

"This ultimate, expansive resource on cultivated palms will guide horticulturists with all levels of expertise ... Highly recommended."—S. C. Awe, Choice, September 2003 (S. C. Awe Choice )

Book Description

This is a definitive account of palms that may be grown in the garden and landscape. Because palms are often underutilized as a result of their unfamiliarity-even to tropical gardeners-Robert Lee Riffle and Paul Craft have exhaustively documented every genus in the palm family. Approximately 890 species are described in detail, including cold hardiness, water needs, height, and any special requirements.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 528 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (February 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881925586
• ISBN-13: 978-0881925586
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #804,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Palm Reference on the Market, March 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms (Hardcover)

There is no other comparable book on the market. It treats ALL 192 genera of palms currently known to science. The photos are excellent and are comparable to those of Riffle's award-winning first book, THE TROPICAL LOOK. The text is even better than the photos and includes observations and experiences from many long-time growers worldwide.

I don't understand the Canadian review which seems to fault the book because some of the palm species cannot be grown in much of the continental USA. Go far enough north and NONE of them can be grown! This is simply a fact of nature, not a fault of the book.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Photographic Reference for Palm Enthusiasts, May 4, 2003

By 

Norman Scott (Kailua, Hawaii United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms (Hardcover)

This is one of the most complete reference guides for anyone who has ever wondered about palm trees. The scientific treatment of the subject is kept to a minimum while the use of palms in the landscape is emphasized. Here the enthusiasm of the authors shines through. The numerous color photographs underscore the point that nearly any landscape need can be satisfied with thoughtful use of palms.

The photographs are snapshot rendered, but in my opinion, any lapse of quality which results is more than compensated by the adequacy of detail.

Though the authors provide notes on seed germination, they avoid a more thorough discussion of propagation. The authors generously supply hints on cultivation of many species covered in the book, but they do not discuss diseases which afflict growing specimens.

There is no doubt that the book is worth the price paid.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Overall Palm Reference, January 16, 2004

By 

Zone 10A (California, United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms (Hardcover)

This is truly a great book for palm enthusiasts. It has detailed descriptions and photos of most, if not all, of the palm species currently cultivated in the U. S., Australia and Europe and is an invaluable reference for the palm-growing hobbyist. It is not intended to be a "how to" book and shouldn't be criticized because for not discussing planting techniques, fertilization, diseases, etc.

I've bought four copies: one for myself and three for gifts.