Customer Reviews

An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book is simply the most comprehensive, practical reference to palms in cultivation. No detail has been left out for hardiness, landscape use, and horticultural needs. Most photos are excellent, but many were taken of rare species in the field and are not meant to be coffee table gorgeous--you won't find photos of these species in other books. We can grow a surprising array of palms here in the Northwest, and this book is just as useful to me as it would be on the Gulf Coast. This book also has the invlvement of the International Palm Society vice president, so it comes with the stamp of authority.

A nice addition to the various encyclopedias on cultivated palm trees. The authors went to a lot of trouble photographing the many species illustrated as well as the undertaking to provide information on each species but not perfect considering the magnitude of the task. If you are a collector of palms or enjoy palm trees this book is a must in your library. I use this volume as a reference regularly and could not imagine my library without it. Also a nice companion to Betrocks Cultivated Palms of the World.

Riffle's Encyclopedia...was the answer to my prayers. As a Florida Certified Landscape Designer with a penchant for usual palms, I was at a loss for a prime professional resource. I was using a well known guide to landscape palms which simply wasn't comprehensive enough. It was great for common commercial work but not very good for custom tropical design. Riffle's book does it all. Pricewise, it's a steal!

Palms are listed according to genus, then species and varieties. The attributes of each genus are clearly presented so that the reader may discern the relationships of individual species. For example, Riffle describes Licuala palms in general, then tells you about the uniqueness of each Licuala species - you'll then know a L.ramsayi from a L.peltata sumawongii. Just saying those names will make a definite impression on your neighbors, trust me!

The photo section is very comprehensive and can easily be supplanted with a dilligent internet search. You can't expect too many more pictures than are presented but there always is a desire for a different camera angle. I didn't find it at all cumbersome to go back to the narratives from the photo section.

The narratives are very comprehensive. The only criticism I have is that they tend to be a little more technical than the non-professional might like. Having said that, essential growth and care information as well as design and aesthetic considerations are clearly presented. Also, there are great appendices with catagorized lists, definitions and other important palm information.

Riffle presents a noteworthy cross section of the world's palm species in cultivation. Even though many will only tolerate tropical environments, the beauty of these magnificant species is brought to you in this book. It is for the professional to rely on and for everyone to enjoy.

Gary Moran, EdD, FCLD
Coral Springs, Florida

The photographic plates are indeed very beautiful but having the descriptions in another section of the book does make for an inconvenient flipping from the front of the book that has the photographs to the back of the book with the textual information.

It has an informative section named "Seed Germination Notes for Selected Genera." I would have liked to see more growing notes...like suggested soil mixtures for best germination results.

THIS ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF PALMS JUST ENTERED MY LIBRARY TODAY...SO,
MY COMMENTS ON THE PUBLICATION ARE ONLY FROM SKIMMING THIS REFERENCE TEXT. HOWEVER, IT IS ENOUGH FOR ME TO GIVE AN OPINION.

ALL THROUGHOUT ARE NUMEROUS BEAUTIFUL COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS REPRESENTATIVE OF EACH SPECIES IDENTIFIED. DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION PERTAINING TO EACH REFERENCED PALM IS PROVIDED...ON HIGH QUALITY GLOSSY PAPER AND BINDING. IT IS COMPREHENSIVE AND BASICALLY ENLIGHTENING.

I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS ENCYCLOPAEDIA TO BE A PART OF ANY PALM ENTHUSIASTS LIBRARY FOR QUICK REFERENCE, IDENTIFICATION, AND STUDY. HAVING BEEN A 'PALM NUT' FOR SOME 25 + YEARS, ENJOYING, COLLECTING, AND GROWING EXOTIC SPECIES AS A HOBBY. A SELF-TAUGHT NOVICE THAT I AM; I RECOGNIZE A 'GOOD' PALM BOOK WHEN I SEE ONE...AND THIS TRULY IS. SIMPLY 'PALM'TASTIC!

A TRANSPLANT FROM THE NORTH, WHO'S CAUGHT THE PALM 'BUG,'
WILL BENEFIT FROM THE STRAIGHT FORWARD (NON-CLINICAL) PRESENTATION OF THIS BOOK...WRITTEN TO BE UNDERSTOOD BY A LAY PERSON; YET, PROVIDING BASICALLY ENOUGH DETAIL AND INFORMATION FOR THE AVID PALM ENTHUSIAST TO CHERISH.

THOMAS BULLERS, VENICE, FLORIDA
JUST A 'PALM NUT.'!

A comprehensive coverage of palms, this encyclopaedia claims to include photographs of palms which have never before appeared on such a book. Following the introduction there are over 220pp of photographs of palms, and a further 236pp entitled Palm Descriptions A-Z. The book concludes with notes on pronunciation, landscape lists, seed germination notes, a glossary, bibliography and index.

In total the book describes around 890 species and includes over 900 photographs. In addition to tropical palms, the book includes many palms capable of withstanding temperatures as low as -15C (5F), so is useful even for gardens in climates such as the UK. The individual palm descriptions are comprehensive and cover natural habitat, a physical description and notes useful for cultivation; the text is readily accessible.

This is a large and handsome volume beautifully illustrated; it ranks as one of the most useful books on the subject in my library.

What I was looking for:
A book with lots of detailed pictures of palm trees and cultivation tips.

What I got:
An exhaustive list of palm trees with a short text accompanying each and a set of pictures that look amateurish and are not enough representative of each species.