Customer Reviews

The Genus Arisaema: A Monograph for Botanists and Nature Lovers

5 star:		(3)
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The 2nd edition is a markedly improved and extended update of the ground-breaking original. New information,new pictures. The accurate line-drawings for recognizing species by leaf-type have been preserved.

This book is a must have book for any botanic garden library. The amount of information is unbelievable and very easy to follow. There are sections on growing, propagating, hardiness and more. Everything you need to know to grow these plants.
The Gusman's describe each plant wonderfully, although I wish a hint of hardiness was included in the descriptions so I could start making a list of some for my garden. There are tons of photos that are so beautiful and so well taken that it will make you want to dive right into this strange group of plants.

Arisaema is a genus of Aroids currently gaining in popularity and, with the imports from China arriving in the West with shakey IDs to say the least, this is the book you want to sort out the whole mess.

Fotos are extremely good, many being from collection expeditions,other from cultured plants. General morphology is beautifully explained, comparisons of leaf arrangements and important floral attributes are clearly illustrated, general habitat is discussed, although only general cultural instructions are mentioned, one does get a good understanding of how to approach these plants in the garden. Also, there is a classification of the tuber under each taxon, blooming and emergence seasons are discussed, essentially, everything that could be included has been included. Coupled with the excellent printing quality, this is a book not to be missing from the botanical library. Nice to read, as well.

Fine organization and descriptions of the species in the genus. Not so complex that a beginner can't follow. It is necessary to keep referring to the definations. since the details are important. I'm pleased to add this book to the one on Aroids by Demi Brown.

THE MEAGER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS FASCINATING GENUS HAS BEEN FINALLY RECTIFIED IN THIS MONUMENTAL MONOGRAPH ON THE GENUS ARISAEMA. NO LONGER IS THIS GENUS RELEGATED TO BRIEF MENTION IN TOMES REGARDING BULBS AND MISTREATED AS DISMAL ESOTERICA.FOR THE BOTANIST AND GARDENER ALIKE, CULTURE AND CULTIVATION, ACCURATE DESCRIPTIONS OF SPECIES AND GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION ABOUND. A VALABLE ADDITION TO ANY HORTICULTURAL LIBRARY.