Dendrobium orchids have been among Hawaii's most popular plants since Dendrobium anosmum, with its hanging pseudobulbs and delightfully fragrant flowers, was introduced from the Philippines in 1896. Four decades later the Islands' first Dendrobium hybrid was registered, and by the 1950s, coinciding with the advent of the University of Hawai'i's orchid research program, Hawaii was established as the center for Dendrobium hybridization. Dendrobiums have since become the single most valuable commercial flower in Hawaii, given their combined use for cut-flowers, leis, and blooming potted plants. Breeding Dendrobium Orchids in Hawaii summarizes for easy reference research on cytogenetics and breeding of dendrobiums conducted over the past 47 years, mainly at the University of Hawai'i. A lavishly illustrated section on species important to Hawaii's orchid industry is followed by a description of the origin of many popular hybrids. Throughout, information on cross-breeding, seed propagation, flower color and form, and controlling disease is presented in language readily understood by the layperson. A total of 175 color photographs showcase registered hybrids, cut-flower cultivars, potted plant cultivars, and novelties. The authors share valuable tips on counting Dendrobium orchid chromosomes, germinating seeds, and cloning plants and provide a comprehensive glossary. Breeding Dendrobium Orchids in Hawaii will be an essential reference for anyone associated with orchids-growers, hobbyists, breeders, tissue culture propagators, plant geneticists, and horticultural scientists.

Recent studies have revealed remarkable complexity and diversity in orchid-pollinator relationships. These studies comprise a vast literature currently scattered in numerous, often obscure, journals and books. The Pollination Biology of North American Orchids brings together, for the first time, a comprehensive treatment of this information for all native and introduced North American orchids found north of Mexico and Florida. It provides detailed information on genetic compatibility, breeding systems, pollinators, pollination mechanisms, fruiting success, and limiting factors for each species. Distribution, habitat, and floral morphology are also summarized. In addition, detailed line drawings emphasize orchid reproductive organs and their adaptation to known pollinators. This, the second of two volumes, treats the subfamily Orchidoideae with the tribe Cranichideae. This is followed by examination of the seven North American tribes of subfamily Epidendroideae and the single North American tribe of subfamily Vanilloideae. The Pollination Biology of North American Orchids will be of interest to both regional and international audiences including: Researchers and students in this field of study who are currently required to search through the scattered literature to obtain the information gathered here. Researchers and students in related fields with an interest in the co-evolution of plants and insects. Conservation specialists who need to understand both the details of orchid reproduction and the identity of primary pollinators in order to properly manage the land for both. Orchid breeders who require accurate and current information on orchid breeding systems. General readers with an interest in orchid biology. Charles Argue, Ph.D., is a plant biologist at the University of Minnesota specializing in the study of pollen grains. His articles have appeared in numerous journals including the American Journal of Botany, International Journal of Plant Sciences (formerly Botanical Gazette), Botany (formerly Canadian Journal of Botany), Grana, Pollen et Spores, North American Native Orchid Journal, The Native Orchid Conference Journal, Fremontia, and as chapters in a number of books. .

This sixth and final volume in the Genera Orchidacearum series treats 140 genera in tribes Dendrobieae and Vandeae of the largest subfamily, Epidendroideae, including some of the showiest orchids often used in hybridizing.