Providing a guide to the cultivation of both the terrestrial and epihytic orchid species growing in South Africa, this volume includes numerous hints, illustrations and photographs to help simplify the process. Detailed growing notes are given for over 60 terrestrial and over 40 epiphytic species.

The color photographs were taken in the field by Eric la Croix.

Providing a guide to the cultivation of both the terrestrial and epihytic orchid species growing in South Africa, this volume includes numerous hints, illustrations and photographs to help simplify the process. Detailed growing notes are given for over 60 terrestrial and over 40 epiphytic species.

The exquisite charm, beauty and fragrance of orchids have fascinated people for many centuries, and will no doubt continue to do so for many more. Gone are the days when people believed that growing orchids is only for a select few rich gardeners.

An authoritative and detailed guide to caring for orchids in the home - the result of experience, continuous experimentation and extensive research by expert authors. All common types of orchids are covered. This book communicates all the necessary information in a way which is easy to understand, with over 100 unique, purpose-taken pictures. It includes a section with answers to the most common questions, and a photographic guide to signs, diagnosis and treatment for bringing ailing orchids back to health. The only book you need when growing orchids at home.

Orchids account for a large share of global floriculture trade both as cut flowers and as potted plants, and are estimated to comprise around 10% of international fresh cut flower trade. The average value of fresh cut orchids and buds trade during 2007-2012 was US$ 483 million. In 2012, there are more than 40 countries exporting orchids and 60 countries importing orchids around the world, with the total size of the global trade equaling US$ 504 million. In India, about 1350 species belonging to 186 genera represent approximately 5.98% of the world orchid flora and 6.83% of the flowering plants in India. The publication on “Commercial Orchids” is presented in 15 interesting chapters vividly highlighting the global orchid industry, bio-diversity, conservation and bio-piracy of genetic resources, morphological and molecular characterization of valuable species, breeding approaches for improved genotypes, production of quality planting materials, physiology of tropical and temperate orchids, climate change and its impact on orchid productivity, production technology of commercial epiphytic orchids for cut flower, production technology of commercial terrestrial orchids for cut flower, orchids for pot culture, hanging baskets and tree mounting, medicinal and aromatic orchids, post-harvest management of cut flowers of commercial orchids, value addition and marketing.

Orchids of South Africa is the first field guide to local orchids to be published in over 30 years, and presents the more than 450 orchid species found in the region, including Lesotho and Swaziland. A comprehensive roundup of orchids in their natural habitat, the book features: multiple photos for each species, distribution maps, flowering time-bars, succinct text, enabling sure identification of these fascinating plants. An illustrated introduction discusses orchid structure, ecology and conservation status. Informative, colourful and easy-to-use, Orchids of South Africa is the authoritative update enthusiasts have been waiting for.