Customer Reviews

The New Encyclopedia of Orchids: 1500 Species in Cultivation

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just received this new book and am very impressed with the photographs. Good selection of species, some common in cultivation but many that you probably never have nor will see at any nursery or orchid show. Compared to the other big encyclopedias out there this one has mostly better photographs and more in depth descriptions of the plants and flowers but cultural information may be less complete. If you already have several of these general tomes then this one is not mandatory to purchase but will make a good addition to any library. A very nice book and good value.

While I can only concur with the above reviewers this excellent volume falls short in that not all orchids addressed are illustrated. I know space is an issue, but even a small photograph would prove really helpful with identification issues

This a very broad encyclopedia of common species, less common species and rare species. It is better a s a library reference though it has not kept up with the changing array of taxonomic names. This is unfortunate. I also agree with another reviewer that if it is a species discussed in text then it should be illustrated. The photos are exquizite. the reasonable price of the text for the dazzling array of photos reflects foreign printing. I would not buy it if I was a novice. Matt CohenZen of Watering Your Garden

This book is very well written. It rivals Alex Pridgeon's encyclopedia of orchids. It contains not only the old names but many of the new name changes. It is an excellent reference for beginner and experienced orchidists alike. A must in the library along with Marie Selby's book on orchid genera and Alex Pridgeon's encyclopedia of any serious orchidists. Thank you for this book

I must admit that at first before I ordered this book, I had installed Orchid Wiz on my computer, and thought I would not purchase any more books on orchids, but on seeing this book for sale, I would have to say I weakened. And as it turns out , I am glad I did.

What a truly magnificent publication. It's well above my expectations and a real treasure to have in my quite extensive library.

The photographs would be the best I have seen in any of my 30 plus books,( I didn't realize I had so many.)and the text matches the prints. Overall a must for any hobby orchid grower, and I am very pleased I had a weak moment.

I ordered this book and find it very thorough in its covering orchids. When I ordered it Amazon also recommended the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Dictionary of Orchid Genera. The information is identical in both books. There is no need to order both.

This book is a must for every orchid grower, whether beginner or experienced grower. The multitude of species covered and the wealth of information provided makes this book indispensable. Highly recommended.

Very good reference for specie orchids. It is comprehensive but not exhaustive.

I recommend this all wanting a new specie reference book.

I am pleased to share my passion about the orchids and reading this great encyclopedia. There are lots of beautiful pictures and useful information. Dr. Isoybal la Croix is a prominent botanist especially in orchids, so I have learnt a lot from her book.

I live in Taiwan, a beautiful subtropical island called Formosa,which means beauty and there are some of the most beautiful species have their scientific names such as Cypripedium formosanum, Dendrobium formosum (not native to Taiwan), Phalaenopsis aphrodite v. formosana, and Pleione formosana. I am lucky to grow my orchids at the balcony of my house naturally without any greenhouse equipment.

However, I found a little error in the book, on pp.86 the description of Cattleya, the second paragraph writings:..... They(Cattleyas) have been widely used in hybridization, both itrageneric and intergeneric with related genera such as "Brassia", Laeliea, Rhycholaeliea, and Sophronitis. I confirm that it should be "Broassovola" rather than "Brassia" which cannot cross with Cattleya alliance.

In addition, the photograph of Sophronitis tenebrosa on pp.440, I can tell it is Soph. grandis and these two species are very similar. I love this picture because it is the most beautiful Cattelyode orchid I've ever seen!!

The New Encyclopedia of Orchids: 1500 Species in Cultivation is an excellent compilation of a large number of orchid species. The photos are larger and the species information sufficient for all orchid enthusiasts, especially the information on the species habitat and altitude. A large number of orchids new to cultivation makes this book a great one.