A new book in our library is The Illustrated Encyclopedia of
Orchids edited by Alec Pridgeon and published by Timber
Press. This beautiful book illustrates and identifies over 1100
species. The first few pages give basic orchid information,
history and a bit on conservation. Then comes the good stuff!
While the brilliant photography makes this a delightful book
just to browse through, it is also a wealth of information. The
next 284 pages list the genera alphabetically and give some
basic cultural information. Several species from each genus
are pictured and country of origin is given, followed by a
description of the plant and flower. Growers who are
concerned about a plant's ultimate size will be pleased here.
A tremendous number of species in each genus are shown, for
example, 37 Masdevallias, 44 Paphiopedilums and 54
Oncidiums.
It's a great source for growers who love the
species, as well as those who are interested in the background
of a hybrid. This is a beautiful "wish book", and I hope you
will CHECK IT OUT!
Dianna Borel, Librarian