A beautiful, richly illustrated book on Europe's wild orchids - perhaps the most enigmatic and popular group in the botanical world. The orchid family (Orchidaceae), numbering some 25,000 species, is one of the world's two largest families of flowering plants. Whilst the vast majority of orchids are found in the wet tropics, Europe accommodates c.130 native orchid species which are equally arranged in dense inflorescences of great beauty. Furthermore, the adaptations encountered in some of the European species are just as fascinating as those of their tropical relatives. This book provides an introduction to the native orchids of Europe. It features four sections: 'Structure and systematics', 'Orchids and the environment', 'Orchid portraits' and 'How to learn more'. This part constitutes the bulk of the book, presenting individual genera in a sequence which reflects their most likely evolutionary relationships. Each genus is introduced by one page of text and illustrated by one or more colour plates on the following pages. The text gives information on how to recognise the genus, where it is distributed, and the estimated number of species it contains - alongside information on the range of environmental requirements and flowering times in the European species. Depending on the genus, additional information may be found on topics such as pollination biology, associated fungi, evolutionary relationships or systematic problems. Beautiful watercolour artwork accompanies the text, making this an indispensable gift for anyone interested in the natural world. Not only is it a useful field guide, it is also a beautiful art book.

Given in memory of Lillian "Mom Siegert" by Claude and Clara Mounce.

Written by world leaders in the field, this first ever comprehensive reference on terrestrial orchids concisely explains the procedures necessary for their conservation and restoration. It includes beautiful color illustrations, methods and techniques in the utilization of modern technology and case studies to illustrate key principles and success stories. It covers topics such as monitoring, approaches used for mycorrhizal isolation and culture, seed sowing techniques, soil baiting, symbiotic culture of terrestrial species, translocation of propagated plants, pollination, genetic approaches for orchid biology and conservation, innovations in alginate encapsulation of seed and mycorrhizal fungus, and more. With terrestrial orchids now among the worlds most threatened plants, the need for conservation is paramount. It will equip orchid biologists, botanists, conservationists, students, and hobbyists with the necessary methodologies to facilitate the conservation of this endangered group of orchids. Although the focus is on terrestrial orchids, the techniques described in this book can also be applied equally to epiphytic (tree) orchids. Key Features -Clearly and concisely explains the procedures necessary for terrestrial orchid conservation and restoration -Offers methods and techniques complete in their detail, utilization of modern technology, simplicity, and ease of application across species from different parts of the world -Provides stand-alone guidance in each chapter and collectively enables practitioners to undertake what were previously considered complex scientific procedures -Includes relevant case studies to illustrate key principles and success stories in orchid conservation, written by world leaders in orchid conservation practice and science -Relates many of the techniques and procedures to epiphytic orchids to increase the appeal of the book to all orchid conservationists

An accessible, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide--the only one to cover all the orchids found in Britain and Ireland Covering more than fifty species as well as hybrids and variants, this is an engaging, intuitive and in-depth identification guide to all the orchids of Britain and Ireland at all stages of development, from first emergence through to setting seed. Drawing on the authors' extensive field experience and the latest scientific research, Britain's Orchids uses multiple techniques to help both beginner and more advanced orchid enthusiasts to identify even the trickiest plants. The book is beautifully illustrated with plates by talented artist Sarah Stribbling as well as more than 1,000 detailed, instructive and evocative photographs by the authors. Orchids have long fired the imagination with their beauty and rarity. This book aims to ignite or increase your passion for these special plants and for the conservation of their habitats, from remote mountaintops to urban wild spaces. The first book to cover all the species, subspecies and varieties, as well as hybrids, at all stages of development Lavishly illustrated with close to 100 stunning plates drawn to scale to show key identification features and more than 1,000 stunning photo showing orchids in their natural settings Simple, step-by-step system for identifying almost any orchid Up-to-date distribution maps and seasonal charts showing when each species can be seen in its various stages Special-feature identification keys that can be used on difficult plants