ORCHIDS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

492 pages, 500 colour photographs, many colour illustrations, 82 line drawings, 458 distribution maps, purple cloth, with the dust jacket. A good copy.

'This book describes all 466 species in 52 genera which occur in the southern African region, with most of the species illustrated with colour plates, and most of the genera by black and white line drawings. The geographical ranges of the species are shown by distribution maps, and the pollinator, habitat, flowering time and other information about the species given. Where known, the relationships among the species and genera are summarised by simple phylogenetic diagrams. Identification keys for all species are invaluable for all those who would like to put names to unknown species, botanists, collectors and growers alike. Informative introductory chapters provide background information on aspects like structure, ecology, pollination, classification, conservation and cultivation of the southern African orchids.' (Editor's note)