Synopsis
Orchids represent probably the largest of all flowering plant families on Earth and are renowned the world over for their exquisite flowers. Their remarkable blooms occur in all manner of size and shape, and orchid flowers range from some of the smallest and most diminutive in the plant kingdom to some of the largest and most flamboyant. Historically, the most popular orchids in cultivation have been those with large, showy flowers, however a significant proportion of known orchid species are far smaller. Within this group lie the true jewels of the orchid family, the miniature orchid species, which can produce some of the most unusual and often spectacular flowers of all. This two-volume work, A Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species, presents a richly illustrated insight into the very finest epiphytic and lithophytic miniature orchids currently in cultivation, focusing not only on those species with remarkable flowers, but also the many species that are grown for their striking leaf and plant forms. Produced with both novices and experts in mind, this exhaustive and accessibly written work features individual entries for over 500 different species across more than 120 genera. Each species entry includes nomenclatural and etymological information, as well as cultivation guidance and notes about habitat, conservation status and similarities to other orchids. The species entries also incorporate newly published taxonomic data that is also reflected in the extensive cross-index of orchid names and synonyms, and all species are generously represented with numerous photographs, including images of other species with which they are easily confused. A Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species is up-to-date, comprehensive, fully illustrated, and visually stunning. The work has been prepared so as to remain accessible to specialist and non-specialist audiences alike without compromising on valuable technical detail. As such, it represents an important reference book for miniature orchids, offering a spectacular overview of a group of plants that will appeal to botanists, naturalists, ecologists, conservationists and horticulturists alike. Volume specific information: An Introduction to the Orchid Family chapter offers a broad overview of the orchid family as a whole; information about orchid nomenclature; an illustrated guide to the morphology of the different orchid flower types, orchid pollination mechanisms, and also the various types of orchid plant habit, stems, roots, leaves, pseudobulbs and inflorescences that one might encounter. The Habitats of Miniature Orchids and their Conservation section introduces the conservation issues facing orchids in nature; an illustrated guide to the types of habitat that they are found in; and an explanation of the different assessment categories that exist to help monitor and regulate orchids in the context of plant conservation. Thereafter, the comprehensive Miniature Orchid Culture section addresses the specific needs of miniature orchids, with guidance on temperature; light and lighting types; humidity; air movement; water quality, watering frequency, volume and temperature; application of fertiliser; the different types of growing areas suited to miniature orchid culture and how they are managed; potting, mounting and labelling of plants; and finally an explanation of good hygiene practices and the most commonly encountered orchid pests and diseases. This section is followed by the species entries for the 44 genera listed on the contents tab, ranging from Acianthera to Grandiphyllum.
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