New Encyclopedia Of Orchids, The: 1500 Species In Cultivation

Description:
In this authoritative, detailed and carefully researched encyclopedia, more than 350 genera of cultivated orchids are included and 1500 species described. Infinitely varied and hugely interesting, these strikingly beautiful plants are sumptuously illustrated with approximately 1000 photographs in a reference that no orchid lover can afford to be without. Isobyl la Croix's broad knowledge of orchids is evident in this encylopedic account of the largest of all flowering plant families. Her experience gained as a scientist, plant hunter and horticulturist, along with her deep passion for orchids, inform the plant selection and add depth to the plant descriptions. The cultivation advice includes information about the orchid's native habitat including elevation, geography, and climate, that will significantly improve the chances of successful growth in the domestic environment. Recent developments in DNA analysis have led to some surprising findings with regard to the relationships between orchids and the author has undertaken an extensive effort to bring all orchid names up-to-date to reflect the latest scientific thinking and taxonomy. From Acampe to Zygostates, no other serious reference approaches the depth and authority of this remarkable book. Enthusiasts, collectors, and those starting out with orchids will value it for identification and rely on its authority whether researching the most familiar cypripedium or the most rarified angraecoid.

Review:
The new authority on orchids. -- Robert Haehle South Florida Sun-Sentinel 20080905 A remarkable book and an essential resource for public libraries. The depth and authority of the content, along with the spectacular photographs, make it a valuable reference for enthusiasts, collectors, and those starting out with orchids. -- Kathleen A. Welton Library Journal 20081015 An authoritative and lavishly photographed beauty of a book that will delight orchid enthusiasts and astonish everyone else. -- Nancy Schoeffler Hartford Courant 20081114 A gorgeous picture-laden respite from winter, perfect to read by the fire. Buffalo Spree 20081101 A must-have. ... Not since the publication of Hawk's Encyclopedia of Cultivated Orchids in 1965 has such an authoritative, detailed and researched book been published. La Croix has created the definitive orchid encyclopedia and no serious reference approaches the depth and authority of this remarkable book. With 100 orchid species profiled, this is the book that all orchid enthusiasts are desiring. If you are not an orchid grower, this tome is a beautiful and impressive coffee table book. -- Russell Studebaker Tulsa World 20081206 This comprehensive reference is the ultimate for cultivated orchids, a book for the serious orchid lover or grower. ... There is no better book for the orchid grower than this well-illustrated reference. -- Richard Poffenbaugh Mansfield News Journal 20081209 The most definitive and well-researched textbook about orchids in more than 40 years. ... This 524-page hardcover reference will help you identify and appreciate all your favorites. -- Joel M. Lerner Washington Post 20081213 At more than 500 pages, [this book] is a phenomenal reference for the orchid lover. -- Cindy Decker Columbus Dispatch 20091122

Author Biography:
Isobyl la Croix trained as a botanist at the University of Edinburgh where she developed a deep passion for tropical orchids. After graduation, she and her husband spent 22 years in the tropics, mainly in Africa, collecting, studying, and growing orchids. She has written a series of authoritative books and articles on tropical African species. Since her return to the United Kingdom, Isobyl has edited Orchid Review, the doyen of orchid journals. Her deep and extensive knowledge of orchids, as scientist, horticulturist, orchid journal editor, and orchid hunter, is reflected in her concise but critical text. Few authors of orchid books have a broader knowledge and experience than Isobyl la Croix, whose name is well known to aficionados of tropical African orchids.