A guide to identifying the native orchids of southwest Western Australia, based on a simple, mainly pictoral key directing the reader to the section addressing the distinctive features of each species and information on distribution, habitat, flowering period, and the common name. Includes full desc

Description Photos Mapsof South-west Australian Orchids

A Guide to Native Orchids of South Western Australia

This book provides an overview of the orchid family and describes unique features of their biology and ecology. Key topics include the global importance of Western Australia as an orchid diversity hotspot and the amazing interactions between orchids and pollinating insects. An overview on orchid conservation issues in WA and advice for orchid tourists are also provided along with a guide to identification with keys to orchid genera. Most chapters concern orchid identification with additional information on the pollination, ecology, cultivation and taxonomy of each genus. For each species, a brief description focuses on defining features with the majority of space used for photos. These chapters were designed to be user friendly and make identification as easy and accurate as possible.

Written by three of Western Australia's most prominent orchidologists and featuring over 200 full-page, color illustrations by renowned botanical artist Pat Dundas, this long-awaited volume is the first modern text cataloging all known species of orchids in Western Australia. It is a comprehensive resource for hardened enthusiasts and initiates alike. Never before has such a wealth of information on Western Australian orchids been available in a single book. Along with a detailed introduction to Western Australian orchids, it contains: species placed in taxonomic groupings to make it easier to differentiate between those that are closely related . information on each species, including who named them and where they were first collected . their habitat, distribution, flowering period, size, and distinguishing features . illustrations of the entire plant with flowers, stems, and leaves rendered in exquisite detail, making it easier to correctly identify the orchid (all illustrations reduced from life-size, using a common scale, allowing realistic size comparisons between species).