The Cycads - Hardcover

Loran M. Whitelock

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0881925225 ISBN 13: 9780881925227

Publisher: Timber Press, 2002

Few other plants, with the possible exception of palms, can rival cycads for variety of foliage, size, and form. In spite of such diversity, however, cycads represent an ancient lineage whose fossil history extends over 200 million years. Cycads are tough and durable, not only as survivors but also as ornamental plants of great intrinsic interest. Yet cycads in the wild are all endangered. Whitelock has spent decades studying cycads in their natural habitats around the world and in cultivation. Through his efforts, a well-documented program of propagation has made an increasing variety of cycads available to those who wish to grow and know more about them.

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Review:

It is a must have for any cycad enthusiast. If you are into cycads then you will want this book. This reference provides an up-to-date treatment of cycads. "The Cycads" is well worth owning. -- Jesse Perry "Rhapidophyllum" (01/23/2002) An up-to-date treatment of cycads . . . practical advice on cultivation and propagation. [The] ultimate cycad reference book. -- Don Davis "Lynchburg News and Advance" (01/14/2003) [This book] is worth the price for the pictures alone. -- Robert Haehle "Tropical South" (05/15/2002) ["The Cycads"] provides gardeners with much useful information. -- Joanne S. Carpender "National Gardener" (01/23/2003) "The Cycads" is a book that once you own, you will not be able to put down. -- Bart Schutzman "Cycad Newsletter" (06/04/2002) An important resource work . . . a very valuable, comprehensive, and readable contribution, which should be in every botany collection. -- L. G. Kavaljian "Choice" (11/15/2002) Delving into the book promises to increase a gardener's knowledge of the care and cultivation of intriguing specimens distinguished by spiky leaves and dramatic forms...An invaluable resource. This is wonderful book that many in the cycad world have long anticipated, and it will be enjoyed by both amateur and expert alike for many years to come. -- Garrie Landry "Brittonia" (06/11/2003) What makes this a unique volume is that in addition to the primary facts there is also information about cultivation of specific species and notes about the conversation status. -- Amy Paster "E-Streams" (05/11/2003) An up-to-date treatment of these fascinating plants . . . "The Cycads" is a reliable reference book, sure to be of assistance to botanists and researchers, collectors and growers, and certain to add to the ranks of those interested in cycads. Another Timber Press instant classic! A fine book written by a nurseryman and landscape designer that presages the increased taxonomic contributions of informed 'amateurs' asso many professionals get lost or sidetracked in the cladistic forest. This is the book for which we have always been waiting. It only remains for me to thank the author for his writing and painstaking work, and for sharing his knowledge and experience with us through this book. -- Piet Vorster "Encephalartos" (08/05/2002) The author is unquestionably one of the masters in his field and has done a great service to those with serious interests in cycads by recording his experiences and offering his advice. -- James H. Flynn Jr. "American Reference Books Annual" (03/27/2003) Mr. Whitelock's book offers most of what a professional botanist or amateur enthusiast would want in a botanical reading or a botanical reference, pus more...the book is an exceptional value. -- David L. Scarnecchia "Journal of Range Management" (05/21/2004) By far the most complete coverage of this group of plants . . . Because of the current interest in cycads, the availability of this book is important as a reference for both collectors and those with a more casual interest. -- R. Cox "Cycad Newsletter" (10/09/2003) Loran Whitelock's decades of study of this tropical plant will have much to do with its future. . . . [His] research will be of value to general readers as well as botanists, landscape architects, and commercial growers. -- Nancy Moulton "Bloomsbury Review" (03/18/2003) There is no other book that compares with "The Cycads" in quality and scope. Cycad enthusiasts have waited a long time for a book devoted to these beautiful conifers. I am happy to report that "The Cycads" is here, and it is well worth the wait. -- Scott Zona "Tropical Fern and Exotic Plant Society Newsletter" (09/01/2002) This book is a milestone [in] the promotion of cycads to the world at large. It is a 'must have' to anyone with a serious interest in cycads; but more than that, I hope that it finds a place in all public library shelves so that "The Cycads" become more accessible to all. -- Roy Osborne "Palms and Cycads Forum" (03/05/2002) After studying and collecting cycads for over 40 years, Loran Whitelock should feel gratified in finally producing his book - and for the rest of us it has certainly been worth the wait. But beware. It is difficult to look through the work without being bitten by the 'cycad bug'. -- Myron Kimnach "Cactus and Succulent Journal" (06/16/2002) The ancient plant family of cycads has finally received proper treatment in [this book] . . .. It is notable for excellent photography of cycads in their native habitat as well as through review of all the known species. [This book] is valuable as a reference tool for horticulturists, botanists, and other plant enthusiasts. -- Robert Haehle "Sun Sentinel" (08/02/2002) This is a book for gardeners, collectors, naturalists, conservationists, and scientists alike. A thoroughly comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of this prehistoric plant clan comes from the life's work of that doyen of cycad enthusiasts around the world, Loran Whitelock. His great enthusiasm and vast personal experience shine through, creating an interesting, accurate, and factual book. His synthesis of history, taxonomy, ethnobotany, and horticulture has that rare combination of easy, interesting reading yet strict adherence to fact--something of a rarity in modern publishing--and is a must-have for those wanting real, lasting knowledge. -- Ken Hill "Royal Botanical Gardens Newsletter" (07/16/2002) " An important resource work ... a very valuable, comprehensive, and readable contribution, which should be in every botany collection." -- L. G. Kavaljian, Choice, November 2002 " ["The Cycads"] provides gardeners with much useful information." -- Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, January 2003 " Loran Whitelock's decades of study of this tropical plant will have much to do with its future ... [His] research will be of value to general readers as well as botanists, landscape architects, and commercial growers." -- Nancy Moulton, Bloomsbury Review, March 2003 "Loran Whitelock's decades of study of this tropical plant will have much to do with its future ... [His] research will be of value to general readers as well as botanists, landscape architects, and commercial growers."--Nancy Moulton, Bloomsbury Review, March 2003--Nancy Moulton "Bloomsbury Review " "["The Cycads"] provides gardeners with much useful information."--Joanne S.--Joanne S. Carpender "National Gardener " "An important resource work ... a very valuable, comprehensive, and readable contribution, which should be in every botany collection."--L. G.--L. G. Kavaljian "Choice "

Synopsis:

This reference provides an up-to-date treatment of cycads, which are the most primitive surviving gymnosperms. Whitelock (owner of a cycad nursery) describes all of the known cycad species throughout the world and gives practical advice on cultivation and propagation. In addition, he discusses the historical human use of cycads, distribution past a

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