Orchids of Tropical America: An Introduction and Guide

High quality, hardbound book full of excellent photos and maps. Unlike most orchid books, this one on Central and South America, has an illustrated guide showing characters needed for orchid identification followed by a character-based key to genera and species. Orchid genera and species are alphabetically listed with detailed descriptions and color photos. A final chapter on "Where to see orchids" lists parks, nature reserves, conservation sites, and botanical gardens alphabetically by country with descriptive notes and contact information for each. A great way to plan your next vacation or excursion. Many pages of bibliography show the sources that will help readers get deeper into orchid literature. A final index of terms, genera, species, and locations helps the reader quickly find any information sought. Thoroughly well thought-out organization makes this book a great traveling companion as well as a fascinating armchair read.

With this user friendly book navigating through the orchid diversity of Costa Rica's rainforest has become a pleasure instead of confusion! All the main things in one place, easy to understand for a beginner. After struggling in the jungle of Latin and Greek terms, so typical for orchid identification in many resources, this feels like a relief and a good launchpad for further work. This book makes me believe that I can learn orchids of my region. Besides it is also a very enjoyable evening read. Natural history, culture and plant biology together with basics for identification in a very balanced mix. Photos are good, drawings are helpful, descriptions for each genus clear and specific enough. I also find useful the overview 'where to see orchids' in different countries and the references to online resources that are included in this book.

More information on species should be provided.

If you get a chance to travel to see orchids in the American tropics, I'd highly recommend you get this book and use it as a guide. When I saw my first tropical orchid in the wilds of Brazil, the first thing I wanted to know was, what was it? The book gives you the information you need to identify 122 genera of orchids you may find with photo examples of several common species within each genus that you are likely to encounter on your trip(s). It was written by today's explorers and conservationists who have a vision for the future of how to preserve not only specific endangered orchids, but entire ecosystems using science and ecotourism as the catalysts for change. I highly recommend this book.Photo is one of my first orchids in the wild, Cattleya (Sophronitis) coccinea in Brazil on a trip with the Orchid Conservation Alliance.

A necessarily limited selection of species, but with excellent descriptions. The introduction is remarkable, written with passion and apt to awake a love for orchids even in the lay man.

Great book. The keys are very easy to use. The coverage is pretty good too. At least most of the common stuff is covered.

Great basic information for a quick reference. Not a lot of depth of specific cultural information but a great book to have on hand.

I'm an orchid nut. They have taken over my house. This book is a treasure of wonderful photos along with great information.