Tropical and Subtropical Trees: An Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

Margaret Barwick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2004

This exhaustive, lavishly illustrated A-Z encyclopedia describes tropical and subtropical trees by their specific attributes and profiles, such as color, shape, texture, flowers, foliage, or fruit. It also includes a collection of useful quick-reference checklists that help gardeners, designers, and planners to choose appropriate species for specific uses and conditions. Useful summary boxes for every species cover details such as growth habits, light and shade requirements, tolerances, soil types, details of propagation, and problems that may occur. The result is an irresistible mix of images, descriptive captions, and informed reference texts. It is both a superb introduction for the beginner and an authoritative companion for the enthusiast and professional, providing greater knowledge and understanding of the key elements of tree classification, anatomy and use from around the world. This is destined to become the essential reference work for all gardeners, designers, planners, arboriculturists and horticulturists with an interest and passion for the tropical and subtropical.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The most comprehensive and lavishily illustrated book on the subject that has ever been published."
—John Bagnasco, Garden Compass, August 2005 (Garden Compass )

"A visually stunning compendium of exotic species. ... This is an invaluable tool for nurseries, landscape architects, botanists, and gardeners."
—B. E. Fleury, Choice, April 2005 (Choice )

"Whether an amateur or professional gardener this book works as an excellent reference book sprinkled with interesting facts."
—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, January 2005 (National Gardener )

Book Description

This lavishly illustrated A-Z encyclopedia describes tropical and subtropical trees by their specific attributes and profiles, such as color, shape, texture, flowers, foliage, or fruit. It also includes useful quick-reference checklists that help in choosing appropriate species for specific uses and conditions. Useful summary boxes for every species cover details such as growth habits, light and shade requirements, tolerances, soil types, and details of propagation. It is both a superb introduction for the beginner and an authoritative companion for the enthusiast and professional.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press (October 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881926612
• ISBN-13: 978-0881926613
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.6 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #830,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning!, December 16, 2004

By 

P. van Rijckevorsel (The Netherlands) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tropical and Subtropical Trees: An Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

It is not easy to say something sensible about this book. It is just too overwhelming. As can be expected these days of the Timber Press this is a lavishly illustrated, gorgeously printed and handsomely bound volume. Lay-out is immaculate. All pictures (full color) are of a beautiful quality, or better. An immense amount of information is given for each species (usually one page is devoted to each species). In view of the wealth of information provided, there is a huge potential for error, but the book appears to be remarkably error-free. A curious error is that of using "cv." before a cultivar epithet. The one error-prone category here is that of the author abbreviations in the botanical names: these do not consistently follow the recommended standard and, from time to time, are in something of a mess. Obviously, this is unlikely to trouble those who belong to the book's target audience. The other thing that can be questioned is its aim to cram so many trees into one book. However, for someone wanting a handy (if big) one-volume work on (sub)tropical trees this cannot be recommended enough. It will also make a lovely gift to just about anybody.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the investment, August 30, 2006

By 

Harold De Mun "Hal DeMun Book Mark" (Panama) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tropical and Subtropical Trees: An Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

I have bought several copies for my book store customers here in Panama, and all are delighted with this book. Though a bit cumbersome, it is certainly thorough, and a valuable research tool for anyone interested in the flora of the tropics. It's beautifully illustrated, a book to display as well as study, typical of Timber Press' fine volumes.

5.0 out of 5 stars very amazing encyclopedia, January 27, 2007

By 

Carlos Fernandez Viadero (Santander, Spain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tropical and Subtropical Trees: An Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

An imprescinble issue for all lovers of tropical trees. Very good colour pictures and excellent and short information. The USDA zones assigned to trees sometimes are not accuracy in my experience.