Flora's Orchids [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Ned Nash (Author), Isobyl la Croix (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2005

From the producers of the bestselling Flora (Timber Press, 2003) comes the definitive reference for orchid enthusiasts, with more than 1500 orchids described in detail. Genus entries give information on natural distribution, characteristics, and cultivation; species coverage includes a description and symbols indicating the type of plant — whether terrestrial, lithophyte, or epiphyte — average height and spread, and temperature and light requirements. More than 1350 stunning photographs show specimens in close detail along with plants in their native habitats wherever possible. Introductory chapters deal with the history and taxonomy of orchids, cultivation and propagation techniques, pests and diseases, and conserving orchids in the wild. A handy reference table summarizes climate and cultivation information for each species, and the comprehensive glossary and index make the wealth of information contained in Flora's Orchids easily accessible.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The orchid, one of the largest families of plants, could be referred to as a universal flower. Its ability to adapt to most climates makes it among the most diverse and widely distributed flowering plants in the world. There are 25,000 to 35,000 natural species of the orchid.

Flora's Orchids presents more than 1,500 varieties of this versatile plant, with entries accompanied by at least 1,300 stunning color photographs. The flowers are arranged in an A-Z format. Each entry first lists the scientific name in Latin, often accompanied by a Latin synonym and, where appropriate, the translated common name. Plant spread and height are listed both in inches and centimeters, followed by symbols indicating plant type, natural growing locations, growing conditions, frost tolerance, preferred temperatures, type of flower, and preference for pot or mount cultivation. The brief descriptions explain the type of genus, geographic area, and bloom and dormancy seasons. Cultivation advice includes mulching, treating dormant tubers, and propagating.

Especially valuable for aspiring botanists and average gardeners is the background information that precedes the dictionary text and explains orchid varieties, taxonomy, hybridization, history, cultivation, propagation, and more. The history section delves into the fascinating historical development of the plant for culinary and medicinal usage and also explores the use of orchids in folklore and literature. A detailed cultivation table for each of the species is found in the appendix.

All in all, the 12 botanical experts who contributed to Flora's Orchids have created an outstanding, readable, and easy-to--understand specialized reference work suitable for gardeners at all levels. Recommended for public libraries and academic libraries with pertinent collections. Ann Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Even those who claim not to like orchids will enjoy thumbing through this beautiful book."—Jerry Parsons, Pacific Horticulture, May/June 2006 (Jerry Parsons Pacific Horticulture )

"Describes and offers beautiful color photographs of over 1,500 orchids, far more than in most such books, in language that minimizes difficult botanical terminology, and it provides a glossary explaining important terms it does use."—M. Taylor, Choice, April 2006 (M. Taylor Choice )

"The book offers substance as well as style."—Janet A. Crum, Library Journal, November 2005 (Janet A. Crum Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press; First Am edition edition (September 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088192721X
• ISBN-13: 978-0881927214
• Product Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #923,603 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magnificent book, October 1, 2005

By 

Just a Reader (New York,USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flora's Orchids (Hardcover)

Not only a magnificent book, but also a very useful update (and a replacement) to the out of date Encyclopaedia of Cultivated Orchids (Alex Hawkes), as well as more encyclopedic than Home Orchid Growing (Rebecca Northern) and far better photographed than my old edition of The Manual of Cultivated Orchid Species (Bechtel, Cribb, Launert), or similar texts on highly specific orchid plants such as the various (equally wonderful) books on Vandas and Catasetums. The few 'errata' that I've seen (a misclassified Nobile dendrobium hybrid, a flipped picture) and a handful of different hybrid names that I've never heard of (Kunthara vs. Burrageara) are minor. Exquisite pictures, readable text (without resorting to too much botanical jargon), beautifully laid out, this is a real joy to add to anyone's orchid library.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bulky but good, January 4, 2007

By 

E. J. Baenziger (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flora's Orchids (Hardcover)

The style of this encyclopedia is quite pleasing and the colors are spectacular. I have two comments, however. First, the book is very heavy, unwieldy for a reference book. The second remark refers to the choice of clones, especially hybrids, that seems limited to the photographs on hand, leaving many interesting primary hybrids out to the advantage of many (too many) hybrids that are difficult to find, and, in many cases, not very interesting. The book would have been better if it limited itself to species, many of which are missing (e.g. about 15 Cattleya species)or to primary hybrids. Obviously a commercial choice of "pretty pictures" without much information, like parents... Additionally, botanicals are very sparse, although many orchidists are looking for information on them.
In other words, a hybrid book for non-experts, which must be supplemented by many other sources to be truly useful.
What species are there are well done.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, January 9, 2007

By 

Fred F. Harmon IV - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flora's Orchids (Hardcover)

I bought this book as a Christmas gift for my mother who is an Orchid nutbag. She was absolutely amazed at the book and how many amazing pictures there were in it. She said it's so big and has so much information that it will take her months to get through all of it.