Book Description
A celebration of the world's most fascinating flower. No other group of flowers captures the imagination like orchids. Found worldwide in nature, and grown by hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts, orchids have lured explorers into remote lands, inspired philosophers and artists, and provided the raw material for big business, plant breeders, and home gardeners of every stripe. Ultimate Orchid presents these magical plants in all of their splendor and diversity. In-depth coverage. Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution and the American Orchid Society, Ultimate Orchid includes more than 400 dazzling full-color photographs that present a cross-section of the orchid world. The authoritative text contains essential facts and interesting details for all of the major orchid groups. Beginners and seasoned fanciers alike will find inspiring and useful information throughout the book. A complete guide. In addition to the detailed, illustrated profiles of more than 350 orchid varieties, Ultimate Orchid includes special sections on the following: orchids in history, what makes a flower an orchid, how orchids are classified, conserving orchids in the wild, cultivating orchids at home, orchid shows and awards, and orchid collectibles. Ultimate Orchid is the ultimate guide to orchids in all their glory.


About the Author
Thomas J. Sheehan, Ph.D., is now in his 47th year as a faculty member at the University of Florida and has authored or co-authored over 350 scientific and popular articles on ornamental horticulture. He is an honorary vice-president of the American Orchid Society, a recipient of the Society's Gold Medal of Achievement (its highest honor), and is active in a number of international orchid-related organizations. The Smithsonian Institution is a center for research dedicated to public education, national service, and scholarship in the arts, sciences, and history. It maintains a substantial orchid collection in Washington, DC. The American Orchid Society has provided global leadership in orchids for more than 75 years through its publications and programs dealing with education, research, conservation, awards, and exhibitions.

FROM OUR EDITORS

This slim but encyclopedic guide to the exotic, beguiling orchid bears the imprimatur of both the Smithsonian Institution (home to one of the world's best orchid collections) and the American Orchid Society, so it is no wonder that the information is exhaustive and authoritative. Scores of vivid photographs accompany listings for more than 350 varieties of orchids, ensuring that even the most fanatic orchid enthusiast is bound to uncover an unknown fact or unfamiliar flower. A wonderful final section deals with growing, propagating, and caring for orchids, as well as touching upon orchid shows and the important topic of conservation.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A celebration of the world's most fascinating flower.

No other group of flowers captures the imagination like orchids. Found worldwide in nature, and grown by hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts, orchids have lured explorers into remote lands, inspired philosophers and artists, and provided the raw material for big business, plant breeders, and home gardeners of every stripe. Ultimate Orchid presents these magical plants in all of their splendor and diversity.

In-depth coverage. Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution and the American Orchid Society, Ultimate Orchid includes more than 400 dazzling full-color photographs that present a cross-section of the orchid world. The authoritative text contains essential facts and interesting details for all of the major orchid groups. Beginners and seasoned fanciers alike will find inspiring and useful information throughout the book.

A complete guide. In addition to the detailed, illustrated profiles of more than 350 orchid varieties, Ultimate Orchid includes special sections on the following: orchids in history, what makes a flower an orchid, how orchids are classified, conserving orchids in the wild, cultivating orchids at home, orchid shows and awards, and orchid collectibles. Ultimate Orchid is the ultimate guide to orchids in all their glory.

Author Biography: Thomas J. Sheehan, Ph.D., is now in his 47th year as a faculty member at the University of Florida and has authored or co-authored over 350 scientific and popular articles on ornamental horticulture. He is an honorary vice-president of the American Orchid Society, a recipient of the Society's Gold Medal of Achievement (its highest honor), and isactive in a number of international orchid-related organizations.

The Smithsonian Institution is a center for research dedicated to public education, national service, and scholarship in the arts, sciences, and history. It maintains a substantial orchid collection in Washington, DC.