Given in memory of Lillian "Mom Siegert" by Claude and Clara Mounce.

The subject matter of this text is conference based and deals with the physiology, ecology and management of orchid conservation. It offers information not only to the orchid research scientist, but also to the orchid enthusiast curious about the scientific background to this topic. Interest and support for plant conservation has increased considerably and a great deal of attention has been focused on the plight of members of the orchid family. The development makes it desirable to collect existing information and to consider areas of research.

Written by world leaders in the field, this first ever comprehensive reference on terrestrial orchids concisely explains the procedures necessary for their conservation and restoration. It includes beautiful color illustrations, methods and techniques in the utilization of modern technology and case studies to illustrate key principles and success stories. It covers topics such as monitoring, approaches used for mycorrhizal isolation and culture, seed sowing techniques, soil baiting, symbiotic culture of terrestrial species, translocation of propagated plants, pollination, genetic approaches for orchid biology and conservation, innovations in alginate encapsulation of seed and mycorrhizal fungus, and more. With terrestrial orchids now among the worlds most threatened plants, the need for conservation is paramount. It will equip orchid biologists, botanists, conservationists, students, and hobbyists with the necessary methodologies to facilitate the conservation of this endangered group of orchids. Although the focus is on terrestrial orchids, the techniques described in this book can also be applied equally to epiphytic (tree) orchids. Key Features -Clearly and concisely explains the procedures necessary for terrestrial orchid conservation and restoration -Offers methods and techniques complete in their detail, utilization of modern technology, simplicity, and ease of application across species from different parts of the world -Provides stand-alone guidance in each chapter and collectively enables practitioners to undertake what were previously considered complex scientific procedures -Includes relevant case studies to illustrate key principles and success stories in orchid conservation, written by world leaders in orchid conservation practice and science -Relates many of the techniques and procedures to epiphytic orchids to increase the appeal of the book to all orchid conservationists

This action plan chronicles the threats faced by wild orchids, but more importantly to critical habitats that host extraordinarily high orchid diversity and endemicity. It explores and recommends specific ways that national and local government, legislators, scientists and orchid conservationists as well as growers can all help to reverse present trends. The facts and viewpoints presented in this comprehensive document update and supplement the information available to conservation organizations and agencies through the world so that they can lobby their appropriate government offices more effectively.

One of every seven flowering plants on earth is an orchid. Some are stunningly over the top; others almost inconspicuous. The Orchidaceae is the second most widely geographically distributed family, after the grasses, yet remains one of the least understood. This book will profile 600 species, representing the remarkable and unexpected diversity and complexity in the taxonomy and phylogeny of these beguiling plants, and the extraordinary means they have evolved in order to ensure the attraction of pollinators. Each species entry includes life-size photographs to capture botanical detail, as well as information on distribution, peak flowering period, and unique attributes--both natural and cultural. The result is a work which will attract and allure, much as the orchids themselves do.

He has just a few months to complete his quest – no one has ever done it before within one growing season – and it will require ingenuity, stamina and a large dose of luck.As he battles the vagaries of the British climate, feverishly chasing each emerging bloom, Leif Bersweden takes the reader on a remarkable botanical journey.This study of the 52 native species is a fantastic gateway into the compendious world of orchids – one that will open your eyes to the rare hidden delights to be found on our doorstep.Like Two Owls at Eton and My Family and Other Animals, The Orchid Hunter is a charming account of a precocious adolescent’s obsession with the natural world.Leif’s enthusiasm for his quest is infectious, as is the quiet conviction with which he keeps at it, showing how plant hunting can be the ultimate mindful activity.

Orchids of Tropical America is an entertaining, informative, and splendidly illustrated introduction to the orchid family for enthusiasts and newcomers seeking to learn about more than 120 widespread orchid genera. Joe E. Meisel, Ronald S. Kaufmann, and Franco Pupulin bring alive the riot of colors, extraordinary shapes, and varied biology and ecology of the principal orchid genera ranging from Mexico and the Caribbean to Bolivia and Brazil. Orchids, likely the most diverse family of plants on earth, reach their peak diversity in the tropical countries of the Western Hemisphere, including, for example, more than 2,500 species in Brazil and 4,000 in Ecuador. The book also highlights reserves in the American tropics where travelers can enjoy orchids in the wild. Whether you journey abroad to see these unique plants, raise them in your home, or admire them from afar, this book offers fascinating insights into the diversity and natural history of orchids. Beyond the plant and flower descriptions, Orchids of Tropical America is packed with informative stories about the ecology and history of each genus. Pollination ecology is given in detail, with an emphasis on how floral features distinctive to the genus are linked to interaction with pollinators. This book also features information on medicinal and commercial uses, notes on the discoverers, and relevant historical data. The easy-to-use identification system permits quick recognition of the most common orchid groups in Central and South America. Genus descriptions are given in plain language designed for a nonscientific audience but will prove highly useful to advanced botanists as well. Descriptions focus on external morphology, and great care has been taken to ensure the guide is useful in the field without reliance on microscopes or dissections. Equally valuable as a field guide, a desktop reference, or a gift, Orchids of Tropical America will make an excellent addition to any orchid lover’s library. Visit the website for this book at www.orchidsoftropicalamerica.com.

Orchids represent probably the largest of all flowering plantfamilies on Earth and are renowned the world over for theirexquisite flowers. Their remarkable blooms occur in all manner ofsize and shape, and orchid flowers range from some of the smallestand most diminutive in the plant kingdom to some of the largestand most flamboyant. Historically, the most popular orchids incultivation have been those with large, showy flowers, however asignificant proportion of known orchid species are far smaller.Within this group lie the true jewels of the orchid family, theminiature orchid species, which can produce some of the mostunusual and often spectacular flowers of all. This two volumework, A Compendium of Miniature Orchid Species, presents a richlyillustrated insight into the very finest epiphytic and lithophyticminiature orchids currently in cultivation, focusing not only onthose species with remarkable flowers, but also the many speciesthat are grown for their striking leaf and plant forms.Produced with both novices and experts in mind, this exhaustiveand accessibly written work features individual entries for over500 different species across more than 120 genera. Each speciesentry includes nomenclatural and etymological information, as wellas cultivation guidance and notes about habitat, conservationstatus and similarities to other orchids. The species entries alsoincorporate newly published taxonomic data that is also reflectedin the extensive cross-index of orchid names and synonyms, and allspecies are generously represented with numerous photographs,including images of other species with which they are easilyconfused.