Book Description

The deserts of the American Southwest boast a remarkable diversity of drought-tolerant plant life, including many species found nowhere else on earth. And no group says "desert" quite like cacti. Their prickly nature notwithstanding, cacti and the desert habitats in which they reside are especially fragile. Indeed, Saguaro National Park and Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument were established primarily to protect the largest concentrations of these respective species. Others, such as the Pima pineapple cactus, are less conspicuous but also more rare and in need of special protection and conservation. In Cacti of the Desert Southwest, botanist Meg Quinn describes eighty-six of the most significant cacti found in the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave deserts. For ease of identification, all are depicted in color photographs and those that bloom are shown in full flower. 86 color photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A decent field guide to southwestern cacti
While the style of this book is relatively light and informal, the book does a very good job of presenting all the species of cacti in the southwestern United States and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts of Mexico. The cacti are organized by scientific name, but common names are given as well. Identification information and short natural history information is presented for every cactus. The large, visually appealing color photos show enough of the plants to allow for easy identification. This book has only two major drawbacks. First, it only provides written descriptions of the cacti's ranges, whereas maps would have been more useful. Second, the regions covered by this book seem to be fairly nebulous; it is unclear as to exactly which parts of the United States and Mexico are fully represented. Nonetheless, this book serves as a very good field guide for anyone interested in cacti. ... Read more

Book Description

The plant catalog offers a complete reference to over 50 varieties of succulents with botanical descriptions and details of pot culture, height and spread for each.The grower's section describes how to cultivate succulents - from buying and selecting best plants to controlling pests and disease. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Extremely good, especially for beginners!
I am a beginner in regards to planting/growing succulents. I bought this book and it has helped me tremendously. This book talks about and provides color pictures of many different types of succulents. Also, there is information on propigating, common problems, growing size, preferred temperature, and even how to display different succulents so as to get the most visual pleasure from them. I refer to this book often, and recommend it to anyone wishing to begin a succulent garden. Thanks to this book I now have a beautiful garden! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Stuck On Cactus
Informative, easy read, keeps humor in growing plants. ... Read more

Book Description

This book presents the stories of three avid field biologists who over the course of 15 years frequently traveled together in search of cacti in Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina . The conversational style of this travelogue allows us to share in the authors' excitement as they encounter plants that have rarely, if ever, been written about. Nearly 195 remarkable color photographs accompany the vivid descriptions of unusual cacti growing alongside non-succulent plants, at altitudes of 8000 feet or more—and even in rainforests! A Cactus Odyssey will interest gardeners, travelers, and conservationists from around the world who wish to learn more about these irresistible plants, and it is the hope of the authors that this book will inspire others to undertake their own cactus odyssey. ... Read more

Book Description

Cacti flourish in the most exotic and arid places on earth, yet many of these plants are easy to care for and have a forgiving nature. This book details the techniques needed to keep cacti and succulents healthy and beautiful. The clear instructions and stunning step-by-step photographs and illustrations help ensure that even beginners approach growing cacti and succulents with confidence. An extensive directory of major cacti and succulents is included. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not for those in Southwest US
I was disappointed in this book. I was hoping to find information about growing succulents outside in Arizona. This plant is geared toward those in colder climates who want to grow plants in pots that can be moved in or out depending on the weather.

Also, the information provided is very generalized toward succulents as a whole. If you are looking for specific information about a particular species, you won't find it here. Probably a good book for beginners who are looking for general information. ... Read more

Book Description

Ask a child to draw a picture of a cactus, and the result will probably look like a saguaro. Indeed, mass media have made this denizen of the Sonoran Desert universally recognizable, and perhaps just as misunderstood. In Saguaros: Desert Giants, Anna Humphreys and Susan Lowell share true stories about this amazing, anthropomorphic cactus that are at least as intriguing as the folklore. A saguaro can grow to be a towering fifty feet or more and live for as long as two centuries. During rainy seasons, a large saguaro can soak up literally hundreds of gallons of water in its expandable, accordion-folded trunk and arms. For uncounted generations, the Tohono O'odham people in Arizona have harvested the sweat saguaro fruits to make syrup and wine. Profusely illustrated with contemporary and historic photographs and other artwork, Saguaros: Desert Giants celebrates these iconic cacti while arguing that the need to preserve their critical Sonoran Desert habitat is more pressing now than ever. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

FANTASTIC guide to a fascinating desert plant
It's hard to say what the appeal of the saguaro cactus is exactly, but perhaps it is the way people relate to them. Their branches are referred to as arms; the young plants are called babies; and they live under nurse plants as seedlings. More than just being anthropomorphic, these giant cactuses are the true emblem of the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Across the country (far from their tiny growth region), the saguaro is a powerful symbol of the American Southwest. This book is a perfect blend of accurate scientific information and entertaining cultural anecdotes from the mother and daughter author team. It is jam-packed with useful facts, and all are attractively displayed in this beautiful book. The art is as precise and engaging as the well-written text. Definitely a worthy investment! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

OK
This guide book devotes a page to each species treated, with half the page taken up by a color picture of a flowering or fruiting specimen of the species in question. On the same page some data are given. Arranged by family (look for Leguminosae under Fabaceae, Buddleja under Loganiaceae, etc). Picture quality varies from pretty decent to quite good, although it is noticeable that a curious grid tends to be visible in the background (a digital camera?). Some pictures are a little overexposed. Occasionally the composition could be better (sometimes a lot better). Text seems unremarkable, but the choice to include author citations in the botanical names has not been followed up by doing this properly (needs a lot of work). Synonyms are provided. The "Trees" in the title should be taken to include a palm; the "Shrubs" is meant in the widest possible sense (including subshrubs and smaller stuff) and this goes for "Cacti" too (= "succulents"). Printing quality is just short of excellent. All in all this is OK, but unremarkable. ... Read more

Book Description

When the cactuses bloom in Big Bend National Park, their vivid pinks and purples, reds and yellows bring an unforgettable beauty to the rugged Chihuahuan Desert landscape. In fact, many people visit the park just see the cactus blossoms and the wildflowers. If you're one of them, this book will increase your enjoyment by helping you identify the wonders at your feet. And if you've never been to Big Bend when the cactuses are blooming, you'll discover here what you've been missing.Douglas B. Evans describes twelve kinds of cactus--living rock, topflower, stout-spined, hedgehog, pineapple, button, barrel, fishhook, nipple, chollas and pricklypears, and Texas nipple--and their individual species known to occur in the park. Color photographs taken by Doris Evans and Ro Wauer accompany the species descriptions. As you hike or drive through the park, you can identify most of the cactuses you see simply by leafing through these splendid pictures and then checking the descriptions, which indicate the cactuses' characteristic features and habitat.To make the book even more useful, Evans also briefly defines the parts of a cactus, explains how scientific names work, and offers a quick introduction to the geography and ecology of Big Bend National Park and the Chihuahuan Desert. With this information, you'll enjoy not only seeing the cactuses of the Big Bend but also being able to tell one from another and knowing just what makes each one special. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Clear and w/ good photos
Clean clear presentation, photos well done.

From a frequent Big Bend NP visitor
This book is just what the non-botanist needs to identify and enjoy the "cactuses" of Big Bend NP. It is concise, accurate, and beautifully illustrated with photos taken within the park in natural habitats,...not in artificial greenhouse settings as with other cactus books. And, yes, in today's American English, cactuses is entirely proper.

the word is cacti?
Cactuses is now generally accepted as correct. Cacti is the older version of the plural form for cactus. Definitely a modern book.

The plural is "cacti"
How can I trust the advice of someone who doesn't even know the correct name for his subject. Forget it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

It was okay...
Luckily I found this book on sale because I probably would have been a lot more disappointed if I had paid more than [price]for it. The beginning section I found to be rather interesting, it's more of a general care section. The rest of the book however are tips for more specific species. If you have one of these species of cacti or succulents, it is a bit informative. If you're looking for a very general book, with some general tips, it's an okay book. If you're looking for something in depth, don't get this book because you'll be highly disappointed.

Somewhat disappointing
I originally looked at this book because it had information on something that I was interested in -- propagation. However, I am now a little bit wiser.

The reason this book is disappointing to me is only 1/3 is related to general care of cacti. The other 2/3's of the book focuses on common species of cacti and how to take care of that particular species. I also find this to be inaccurate, because care of species also depends a lot on what type of environment you put them in. My recommendation is if you are looking for a book on how to care for cacti, look a little bit longer. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A thorough yet readable overview of saguaro cacti
This book, published by Arizona Highways, presents a broad yet detailed overview of saguaro cacti. Everything about the cacti, ranging from scientific data to traditional and modern cultural information, has been placed in this book. The text is easy to read yet it answers most questions about cacti, and the pictures are of the high quality expected from Arizona Highways. This book is so good that its photos and information has been incorporated into reference booklets at Saguaro National Park. A good book for both Arizona residents and visitors to own.

Our cactus friends!
The first time I visited the Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona, I had dozens of questions about saguaros. I wanted to know why their arms grow down toward the ground sometimes and why some of them have a brown woody bark and why some of them have ripples and what happens to you if you get caught shooting at a saguaro. This book answered all of my questions and then some!

I found out that the arms sometimes start to grow downwards if there is a cold spell right as the arms start to grow. Only very old saguaros get the woody bark and they become more like a regular tree as they age. The ripples are caused by droughts and rainy years during growth cycles and you'll be fined very heavily if you shoot at a saguaro because they are protected under state law.

It's a thin, paperback book and it's written in a manner that it would be interesting to children as well as to adults but it's definitely aimed at an older reader. Tons of beautiful desert scenes! ... Read more

Book Description

With their incredibly hardy and low maintenance nature and their distinctly beautiful characteristics, it's no surprise that succulents are favorites among many people.With over 1,000 full-color photographs, this comprehensive volume details the botany and classification of cacti and succulents, and examines their diversity.Included in this informative resource are designs for growing succulent plants indoors and out with tips and ides for hanging baskets, patios and terraces, garden settings, and container cultivation.The photographic plant directory provides a definitive reference section for over 400 varieties of cacti and their care.The cultivation section provides guidance on all aspects of buying, planting and maintaining cacti and succulents and techniques for planting, propagation, grafting and maintenance. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Kill Your Lawn - Part 1
For many years my students heard me say that when I bought my own house, I would kill my lawn and plant a cactus garden. Three years ago, I bought my very own California bungalow here in Whittier and began to convert the front yard into a cactus garden. One of the most helpful references in the process has been The Ultimate Book Of Cacti And Succulents by Miles Anderson. This book is not an encyclopedia nor is it meant to be. This book is a comprehensive introduction to cacti and succulents. It covers subjects such as planting and care and it also covers a selection of representative plants. The style of the book is similar to all the great books put out by DK. The garden is still a work in progress, but if you saw it you'd know how much this great book has helped.

Good reference for many hard to find and unique succulents.
A very succinct listing of many common and some rare cacti and succulents. The best thing about this book is the vibrant and beautiful pictures that accompany the sometimes sparse text. The author gives a good general background on cacti and succulent origins, makeup, and care. One of the better books that I have come across in this genre. ... Read more

Book Description

Cacti flourish in the most exotic and arid places on the globe, where other plants fear to tread.Yet, many of these plants are easy to care for and have a forgiving nature.All aspects of the cultivation and care of cacti and other succulents are expertly covered.The authors even dispel the prickly myths and urban legends that have grown up around the cactus. Also in the Care Manual series: Roses, Bonsai, Clematis, Fuchsia, Magnolias, and Rhododendrons. ... Read more

Book Description

Volume 2 of the exhaustive, definitive work covering every cactus in the world. Full botanical descriptions, thorough statement of nomenclature, habitat, detailed finding keys. The one book needed by every cactus enthusiast. Total in set: over 1,275 illustrations.
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Reviews (2)

Hobbyists beware!
This book and its sister volume are much too technical and verbose for the average hobbyist. The illustrations are poor black and white photographs and/or drawings that are not of much help in identifying cacti that most of us would encounter. The material also seems to be dated, and very, very limited in some areas of general interest, (schlumbergera, for example....) I have found these books to be of little help, and certainly not worth the price....

A technical book with a wealth of information
This is really a scientific work, but anyone with a knowlege of "Flora's" will find thier way around these books with ease. Although some of the nomenculture is outdated it is still a "Must" for the serious Cacti Species collector. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Delightfully amusing & informative gift for adults & kids!
Did you know that cacti have "personality"! A SMILE is what you'll get every time you pick up this gem - along with something new you've learned about our American deserts! It's a delightfully fun example of Jim Willoughby's artistic sense of humor in colaboration with wife, Sue. It's a great gift for locals and visitors to the southwest. I send it as a thank you gift to collectors of my husband's desert landscape paintings and hear back that it's enjoyed by the whole family!

This book was very informative and funny, too!
I bought this book at the museum gift shop at the White Sands Nat'l. Monument and enjoyed every moment of reading! My husband and I moved to Alamogordo, NM from Laramie, WY 1 1/2 years ago and did not know what the cacti were. Your book helped tremendously! Now we can pick out quite a few on our travels. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!! Chris Mendoza ... Read more