Slipper orchids are amongst the most popular of all cultivated orchids. They are widely grown and have been hybridised for almost a century and a half. This book covers the tropical American species of three genera of slipper orchids, Selenipedium, Mexipedium and Phragmipedium. Until fairly recently the slipper orchid scene has been dominated by the tropical Asian species of the genus Paphiopedilum, however the discovery of a suite of spectacular new species, particularly in the genus Phragmipedium and of the monotypic Mexipedium xerophyticum,a true missing link, has transformed appreciation of the tropical American slipper orchid species. The new generation of hybrids that have resulted are showy, brightly coloured and long-lasting - favourites on the show bench and in the amateur greenhouse.This is the first monograph in English to cover the tropical American slipper orchids. Written by Phillip Cribb, perhaps the leading orchid taxonomist in the world, together with Christopher Purver, Director of the Eric Young Orchid Foundation, on the Isle of Jersey, renowned for its Phragmipedium breeding program.The authors provide a detailed systematic treatment of the genera and species, including their history,taxonomy, description, keys, distribution, cytology and ecology. A history of the breeding ofPhragmipedium hyrids since the second half of the 19th century deals with the revolution broughtabout by the discovery of the amazing scarlet -flowered P.besseae and the spectacular royal purple P. kovachii. Future breeding trends are also covered and the cultivation of these desirable plants is also discussed.Beautifully illustrated throughout with colour botanical paintings by Carol Woodin, as well as black andwhite line drawings, colour photographs and maps.

In an absorbing and attractive account of these unique and fascinating plants, 104 life-sized illustrations in colour, superbly executed in the medium of watercolour, of all five genera of the subfamily Cypripedioideae are presented in one volume for the first time. The plants selected for presentation include most of the species that are commonly grown in cultivation as well as carefully chosen representatives from among the primary and complex hybrids. Each of the exquisite colour plates is accompanied by a comprehensive text, which details the species' distinguishing features, their distribution in the wild, their natural habitats and the history of their introduction into cultivation. -- Jacket.

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.

A quorum of scientists offer reviews and results to celebrate the 150th anniversary of 'On The Various Contrivances By Which British And Foreign Orchids Are Fertilised By Insects, And On The Good Effects Of Intercrossing' (1862). Authors of the first ten chapters follow research on the pollination and breeding systems of the same orchid lineages that interested Darwin, including temperate and tropical species. Authors on the last two chapters provide information on the floral attractants and flowering systems of orchids using protocols and technologies unavailable during Darwin's lifetime.

ORCHID DIGEST, June 1993 -- "A long overdue roadmap. This unassuming, clearly written book may be the most valuable research tool you could find. ...Webster has done us all a valuable service." Robert L. Dressler, AMERICAN ORCHID SOCIETY BULLETIN, July, 1992 -- "For those who wish to learn more about orchid genera from the hobbyist literature, Webster's study guide should be very useful." A reference book for everyone interested in orchid plants, designed to locate key information more quickly. It features: - Classification of 860 natural genera & 544 hybrid genera, showing the basic structure of the orchid family. - Concise discussion of each natural genus, with major taxonomic changes, geographic distribution & unique features, emphasizing most common features. - For each natural genus, a bibliography drawn from 155 references, including the Orchid Digest, AOS Bulletin & Orchid Review. - A wealth of information in a compact 190 page package, convenient to carry to all orchid events. Order from: Orchid Educational Services, P.O. Box 780701, San Antonio, TX 78278.

This book provides a first hand and complete information on orchid biotechnology for orchid lovers, graduate students, researchers and industry growers. It contains comprehensive genomics and transcriptomics data, and a thorough discussion of the molecular mechanism of orchid floral morphogenesis. The contributors to the book are all orchid enthusiasts with more than 20 years' experience in the field.With more than 25,000 species, orchids are the most species-rich of all angiosperm families. They show wide diversity of epiphytic and terrestrial growth forms and have successfully colonized almost every habitat on earth. Orchids are fantastic for their spectacular flowers with highly evolved petal, labellum, and fused androecium and gynoecium, gynostemium, to attract pollinators for effective pollination. In addition, orchids have attracted the interest of many evolutionary biologists due to their highly specialized evolution and adaptation strategies.Orchid Biotechnology III covers the most update knowledge of orchid biotechnology research on Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Cymbidium, Anoectohilus, Paphiopedilum, and Erycina pusilla. It will provide graduate students, researchers, orchid lovers and breeders with an opportunity to understand the mechanism why the orchids are so mysterious and spectacular. Hopefully, this information will be helpful for breeders to enhance orchid breeding and create even more elegant and grace flowers.