Book Description

This guide embraces over 2000 carefully selected plants and animals, large and small, that are likely to be encountered during a visit to any part of the region. It is ideal for all nature lovers, with over 1200 species illustrated and many more identifiable from the text by reference to similar species. Each chapter has been written by a leading expert in the field, most of whom have published major works in their own right. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

beautifully illustrated & comprehensive
This is the most beautifully illustrated and comprehensive guide I've found for the wildlife of southern Africa. The invertebrate info is hard to find elsewhere, and the fact that this guide includes plants is a welcome bonus. If you buy one guide to carry with you on your trip, this should be it.

A Comprehensive Guide
While visiting So.Africa, I had a million questions on what I looking at.I found this book and carried it with me throughout the trip.When we went on game runs, I would check off what we saw and make reference notes (e.g. the Baboons were eating Jackalberries - I could reference both the mammal and the tree section).The variety of birds in the country (over 900) was astounding and having the book made it much more fun and interesting to look up.This is the only book I found that combined lower invertabrates, spiders and other arachnids, insects (including a large butterfly collection), fish, frogs, reptiles, birds, mammals,grasses-sedges-ferns&fungi,wild flowers, trees.Several people on the tour had me write down what we saw so they in turn could get this book and make notes. A good book combining everything in one neat package for those who like to play outside! ... Read more

Book Description

A Field Guide to the Plants of Arizona is the only rich andunique flora of the Grand Canyon State.From deserts to mountaintops,grasslands and chaparral, this handy volume enables both amateur andprofessionals to quickly and accurately identify Arizona plants formferns to cacti, wildflowers to trees. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

excellent Resource book especially for collectors of plants.
There is no current book available that discusses the plants of this state. I believe the last comprehensive book was printed in the 70's. This is a good comprehensive guide with many colorful photographs, and lots of good information. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Since ancient times the orchid has been a source of fascination and inspiration — not just for horticulturists but for artists, writers, historians and others drawn to their mysterious beauty and unparalleled variety. Collected by one of America’s foremost orchid experts, this treasury of more than sixty antique orchid illustrations offers a cultural history of the flower as well as sublime reproductions by famous botanical artists. ... Read more

Book Description

Dendrobium and its Relatives (the subtribe Dendrobiinae) is one of the most popular groups of orchids in the world. This book surveys them from the viewpoints of both the hobby grower and the scientist. There are more than 1200 species in the group, spread over the area from India to the Pacific Islands. They grow in the hot, steamy lowlands, on cool, misty mountain ridges and in hot, seasonally dry savannas. The widespread range which includes many different habitats has resulted in an extremely diverse group of plants with a multitude of plant forms featuring interesting, exquisite, colourful flowers.

Part 1 of Denrobium and its Relatives explores the classification, conservation, evolution, biology and ecology, traditional use, and cultivation of this group in scientifically accurate but readily understandable terms. As well as growing dendrobiums, each of the three authors has had a lifetime of experience with these plants in the wild and this experience is reflected throughout the book. The ideas presented on cultivation are based not only on experience of the authors in their orchid houses, but also on an understanding of the biology of the dendrobiums in their natural habitats.

Part 2 describes and illustrates in colour 411 species, including for the first time in a book, at least one species from each of the 48 subgroups that have been recognised in the dendrobiums. Amongst the species illustrated here are most of the horticulturally popular species, along with some rarely seen but spectacular plants. The island of New Guinea is the home of the dendrobiums and this book illustrates 189 New Guinea species, more than have been published in one place before. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Awesome!!!!
I am an avid Dendrobium orchid grower.

Absolutely love this book, there are few orchids books around that go this indepth into any genera of orchid keeping. It's good to see a detailed book which give plenty of cultural information on each species. I particularly liked the descriptions of the natural growing environments, it helps me with their cultural requirements so I can grow them in my glass house.

This one is a most own book for any Dendrobium grower or any orchid show judge.

It's really A To Z Dendrobium species book!
This book really help me to identify Dendrobium species and its relative like Epigenium and Flickengeria, almost all popular Dendrobium species from India, S.E Asia and some Pacific island included. Good color plate and description about plant origins and distribution. A must have book for Orchid lover.

First rate super buy!
Having grown orchids for more than 20 years, this book is outstanding in it's treatment of the genus Dendrobium. There are lots of superb features which are helpful the novice and the scientist. Particularly useful are the tables denoting geographic distribution, sectional division of like-groups of Dendrobs, and individual color-plates with information on hundreds of plants.

Must have for any serious grower. Can be a great coffee table book as well. Why did I just by one for a gift?... James Roberts --- Roberts Orchids

Excellent Resource for Dendrobium Growers
This book covers every aspect of Dendrobium culture, from the plant origins, biology, conservation, cultivation and hybridization.

The chapter on cultivation goes into great detail about growing Dendrobiums from seed including flasking and caring for the seedlings.

Approximately 175 pages are then devoted to photos and detailed information on 413 species of Dendrobium.

The Dendrobium family is very large and hard to generalize, making this book a big help in locating information about your specific orchids. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Gem of a Book
Sometimes it is only through the pithy insights of a pocket book or manifesto that the world can fully understand an issue. Such is certainly the case with this Cannabis Sativa, as most of the American people - especially the DEA - seem to have trouble understanding the practical value of industrial hemp _and_ the spiritual and medicinal value of its psychoactive sister, Marijuana. I say America, because the rest of the Western World is already catching on (hemp is being grown in Canada in and all over Europe now), whereas China, Japan, and many other eastern countries never forgotten this miracle crop. Yes, miracle crop. Hemp can be put to just about any use: It can be made into wood, paper, clothing, fiberglass, canvas, twine, rope, soap, shampoo, cosmetics, oils, paints, inks, putty, and coatings. It is also perhaps the most important food crop, as it stands supreme as the planet's single most nutritious source of protein and essential fatty acids. It can even be made into auto fuel!! (Visit Colorado's Rocky Mountain Institute's website for information on this long-known property of many carbohydrates.) Moreover, hemp treads much lighter on the planet, as it usually does not require pesticides or herbicides (indeed, it is used as natural herbicide); and its fast-growing roots and self-mulching leaves can even rejuvenate undernourished and eroding soils. In effect, by converting to hemp paper and woods products instead of felling old growth and dwindling indigenous rain forests, and furthermore by using hemp to retain soil composition in areas were erosion is advancing (hemp can grow just about anywhere), we could begin to restore declining ecosystems. Without understatement, hemp could lend a much-needed hand in saving the planet. This book was a real eye-opener. In terms of price, expediency and insight you can't go wrong.

VERY INFORMATIVE
I just did my research paper regarding Industrial Hemp, and this book by Rowan Robinson (inspite of its pocket book size) had provided me with useful information about the remarkable uses of the "New Billion Dollar Crop". The first 50 pages is about industrial hemp, and the next half is about the medical marijuana. Every people should be enlightened about the use of hemp, and this book would really provide you information why it should be legalized. I would recommend it to anyone having research on hemp.

found it enlightening
This book opened my eyes to a lot of the uses for hemp that I did not know about. The title is a bit misleading, though. Some of the supposed 101 ways hemp can save the world are not really that, but actually tidbits of interesting trivia about the foolishness of the war on drugs. One of the entries talks about how the Reagan administration sprayed some chemical on a section of forest because there was hemp growing there. I wouldn't really consider that as one of the ways hemp can save the world. Entry #101 doesn't even say anything, it just says "You tell us. Have you thought of another way that Hemp can save the world?" So actually a more accurate sub-title would be "90 ways that Hemp can save the world". But it's a good book to have nonetheless. A very easy read to give to people who may not be familiar with the issue of pot legalization.

The BASICS: Letting you know how hemp can save the world
Hemp Diapers to prevent land feilds, Hemp roots extracting heavy metals out the earth, hemp to prevent landslides, hemp for fiberglass, hemp for food, hemp for paper, hemp for oil (no more worlds), hemp for insulation, hemp for clothes, hemp for paint, hemp for ground covers, hemp can do A lot and this book will let you know what hemp can do. THE MANY MANY things that hep can do are awsome. this books breaks it down. SO if you wannna know how hemp can save us GET THIS BOOK PEACE AND LOVE

This is Hemp' s cute, little but informative pamphlet/book
They've included everything from the more common "saving the forest","sustainability,and the "hempmobile" to the less common "hemp humus" and "tantra" uses. you're not going to convince enyone of anything with this book, but it definitly a fun and informative look at the hemp issue. Designed to fit the pocket of a pair of hemp jeans, the hemp manifesto lists 101 ways that hemp is making a positive impact on society. Icluded are all the fascinating facts about the plant--how the Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper, how the U.S. government grows marijuana and supplies it to eight people free of charge; how hemp seeds are the most compete source of protein and essential fatty acids nown in the vegtable kingdom; and many more. The Hemp Manifesto gives people the most important weapon in the fight for a healthy future: the truth. ... Read more

Book Description

Seagrasses occur in coastal zones throughout the world in the areas of marine habitats that are most heavily influenced by humans. Despite a growing awareness of the importance of these plants, a full appreciation of their role in coastal ecosystems has yet to be reached. This book provides an entry point for those wishing to learn about seagrass ecology and provides a broad overview of the present state of knowledge. The volume discusses the recent progress in research and current research foci, complemented by extensive literature references to guide the reader to more detailed studies. This book will be valuable to students of marine biology wishing to specialize in this area and to established researchers wanting to enter the field. In addition, it will provide an excellent reference for those involved in the management and conservation of coastal areas that harbor seagrasses. ... Read more

Book Description

Save precious water resources. . . and enjoy a lush, colorful landscape.

Low water-use plants can improve your landscape appearance year-round while you save precious water.

Written by an award-winning landscape architect, Low Water-Use Plants provides detailed descriptions plus buying, planting and watering tips for more than 200 drought-hardy, heat-tolerant plants that thrive in fragile, dry environmentsespecially in California and the Southwest.

Ideal for both homeowner or professional use. Low Water-Use Plants discusses the principles of landscaping in an environmentally sensitive climate. Explains how you can reduce water consumption without compromising visual appeal.

Tells how to update your landscaping to conform with your community's water-saving regulations, replace existing water-thirsty plants or start a completely new low water-use design.

From planning to planting, colorful photographs and an easy-to-use format help you choose amazingly colorful yet water-thrifty trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines and accent plants. Features newly introduced natives formerly not available.

Charts show water and soil requirements, flower color, bloom season, cold-hardiness, drought-resistant qualities and more.

Includes irrigation systems, watering schedules, detecting drought stress in plants, alleviating the heat, attracting birds and other wildlife to your landscape, harvesting rainwater and reducing property erosion.

Low Water-Use Plants tells you what you need to know and do! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must-have for desert landscaping libraries!
I found out about this book from a class that I took at the Desert Botanical Gardens here in Phoenix. It is a great addition to Judy Mielke's book, Native Plants for Soutwestern Landscapes and Mary Rose Duffield's book, Plants for Dry Climates. Carol Shuler has some great charts toward the back of the book on trees, shrubs, groundcovers, and accent plants. I love the section on horticulture which covers some basic design principles. There are also lots of great pictures throughout and great explanations of many types of plants. ... Read more

Book Description

Plants seldom figure in the grand narratives of war, peace, or even everyday life yet they are often at the center of high intrigue. In the eighteenth century, epic scientific voyages were sponsored by European imperial powers to explore the natural riches of the New World, and uncover the botanical secrets of its people. Bioprospectors brought back medicines, luxuries, and staples for their king and country. Risking their lives to discover exotic plants, these daredevil explorers joined with their sponsors to create a global culture of botany.

But some secrets were unearthed only to be lost again. In this moving account of the abuses of indigenous Caribbean people and African slaves, Schiebinger describes how slave women brewed the "peacock flower" into an abortifacient, to ensure that they would bear no children into oppression. Yet, impeded by trade winds of prevailing opinion, knowledge of West Indian abortifacients never flowed into Europe. A rich history of discovery and loss, Plants and Empire explores the movement, triumph, and extinction of knowledge in the course of encounters between Europeans and the Caribbean populations.

Book Description

Reviews (6)

If you can't tell a plantain from a thistle....
I never really appreciated "weeds" before I bought this little book. You see, I didn't really buy it for practical identification purposes. I bought it out of idle curiousity and a need to kill time. This was because I was working a job in an isolated and overgrown industrial park and identifying the plants that were overgrowing the complex seemed to be both distracting and contructive.

In a very short period of time I was able to identify every plant, flowering and nonflowering. The illustrations show the flowers, the leaves, the seeds, and often the form of the entire plant above ground. Plus, the concise text gives pertinent facts about the plants' properties, habits, history, and range. In fact, a small range map of the United States is included for every single species. Since the book contains only about 130 major species (all you will probably ever need) it is fast and easy to flip through for identification. There are two notable omissions in the text however- Kudzu and Cannabis....

One thing that really stuck with me after using this book is how many of our most common plants actually came from abroad- early Indians would have had no idea what they were!

Weeds
I purchased this book as a companion to another field guide, Wildflowers. I've never been able to differentiate between weeds and wildflowers, but after perusing both works, I've determined that my yard has far more weeds than wildflowers.

This is a handy reference with good illustrations and text written for the non-botanist to understand.

Fun to read, not so easy to ID with
This is an enjoyable book for kids and adults, with lively commentary and good descriptions of where you're likely to find these plants.

There are several downsides: a) I can't really identify much from this book; I don't find the illustrations helpful. Smartweeds, for example, are not shown with their common purple splotch. "Weeds of the Northeast" is far better for identification, especially when you are dealing with seedlings. b) Some common weeds like garlic mustard and yellow foxtail are not included. Maybe it's time for a revision, since the copyright reads 1987.

Once I ID a weed, though, it's always fun to pull out this book and read what they have to say about it. For this reason - and its reasonable cost - I recommmend it.

A fine guide to many seemingly invisible plants
In our garden there grows a plant with beautifully lobed leaves which twist slightly at the point where they join the stalk, and which appear to be oriented to the points of the compass. Until I came across this guide, none of my books could tell me the name of this plant, which turned out to be wild lettuce. This small book has many such plants: flowers and herbs that are all around us, but which we hardly ever see, or, as the cover states it, "the successful plants that nobody wants." I have found here the names of many plants which I pass on a daily basis in my rambles, but which I could never find in any guidebook, until I purchased this one. I also found information about those plants whose names I knew previously: the book has helped me become reacquainted with them. Indeed, I have always left a small corner of my garden untouched, simply because it seemed appropriate that there be a wilderness, however small, available to us; I now know the names of most of the plants that reside there.

Many will find this guide a useful means by which to eradicate such plants from their gardens, since methods for removal are included with many of the descriptions. I myself have no quarrel with the plants in this guide; as Emerson said, a weed is merely a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered. If those virtues are not economic or agricultural, but rather aesthetic or scientific, then this book will be useful to those who do not garden or farm, but want to know more about those plants which seem to exist beside us without names. Despite the "seek and destroy" attitude which infuses this book, I have found it useful in identifying these plants: my world is much richer now that I have come to know better our almost invisible neighbors.

Good entry-level pocket-size plant book
This is a "sweet" book that is ideal for beginners and kids. While the attitude of the author toward weeds is generally annoying (he often suggests herbicides to control plants that I take great pleasure in), the drawings of the plants are excellent (and very appealing), the descriptive text and maps (where it's found in the US) are good, and the choices of plants (131 are included) is quite good. In fact, many of the medicinal herbs that I am studying are included. But, to be honest, what I like best about this book is its size - 4"x6"x1/4". It fits in a back pocket perfectly, something that none of my other herb books can claim! ... Read more

Book Description

For gardeners who want to conserve water, the color, fragrance, shade, and lush vegetation of a traditional garden may seem like a mirage in the desert. But such gardens can flourish when native plants grow in them. In this book, Judy Mielke, an expert on Southwestern gardening, offers the most comprehensive guide available to landscaping with native plants. Writing simply enough for beginning gardeners, while also providing ample information for landscape professionals, she presents over three hundred trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, groundcovers, wildflowers, cacti, and other native plants suited to arid landscapes.The heart of the book lies in the complete descriptions and beautiful color photographs of plants native to the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Mielke characterizes each plant and gives detailed information on its natural habitat, its water, soil, light, temperature, and pruning requirements, and its possible uses in landscape design.In addition, Mielke includes informative discussions of desert ecology, growing instructions for native plants and wildflowers, and "how-to" ideas for revegetation of disturbed desert areas using native plants. She concludes the book with an extensive list of plants by type, including those that have specific features such as shade or fragrance. She also supplies a list of public gardens that showcase native plants. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

false info
The information in this book on many of the plants listed in it is incorrect. If you try to use the names given you will not be able to find them. Cross referece is a must if you intend to use this book in the buisness.

Great, useful book on southwest native plants
Lots of useful detail about native habitats of hundreds of plants. Many, many photographs. Suggestions for landscape use.

Very helpful!
Living in the higher elevations of the Western Mojave Desert presents unique opportunities (read: problems)in landscaping. The full color photos, the environmental requirements, and, especially, the cold tolerance of each plant helped us choose plants which would not only survive, but prosper in our area. Many thanks to the author.

Worth it for the photos alone
This book is outstanding for including a color photo of a full-grown specimin of each plant described. Entries include plant culture and details of its natural range. The listing of native plant sources at the back is pretty comprehensive, at least for Arizona. In addition to the plant listing, there are some short chapters on growing natives, and a chapter on wildflowers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A book for the midwest home owner.
This is a book for creating a good looking yard that does not take all of your time working on it, so you spend more time looking at & enjoying the results.
Provides you the information required, to decide if a plant will grow successfully in the habitat you are trying to establish. Gives you the need to know requirements of the plant and what will make it happy and flourish.
I live in Iowa and this book is about plants that we can grow Iowa. The TV shows and many other books are always showing Zone seven plant material. That is called an annual in Iowa.
Great book for anyone planting in the midwest region. The price makes it a true value for the home owner. This is not a "coffee table" book this is an owner's manual.

I didn't like it.
No color pictures, it has black/white "drawn" pictures, but the information about each plant has a lot of detail.

Very detailed and informative-no pictures
I have found this book indispensable since moving from the west coast to Iowa.My only criticism is that there are no pictures, just sketches, which makes it difficult to put together what you have read with what you have seen.I recently bought a small hand size plant encyclopedia to accompany it and I find it makes things much easier.It is a good read and works well for quick reference, too.

Getting ready for spring!
I loved the Duggan book and now use it to plan for spring plantings.I turned an ugly yard into a beautiful garden and haven for my family and friends using the helpful, down-to-earth advice contained in the book.Whenever I think about gardening, I always check Laara's book first to find her advice about planting in shade,or in full sun,for color choices or for hardiness.I take her book with me everywhere in a plastic bag so thatI have it while on plant shopping trips, out to the nursery and out to the garden. I bought copies for my friends, too.

Outstanding.
A great book. It tought me how to grow great vegetables with minimal fuss,while making a great looking garden. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Sets a high standard for plant reference books
I agree with the previous reviewer completely.The text is well-written with useful blend of information about propagation and habitat along with more traditional plant reference fare.Pictures are crisp and clear.This is exactly the book I was seeking.

Clear and Concise
This book was a great source when in the Bahamas.My parents live there and the locals use many of the plants in "bush medicine" practice.This book had clear photos of the various plants unlike somebooks with drawings only.The medicinal uses described are informative andsometimes amusing.Their copy has become so popular on the island that Ihave had to purchase at least 6 copies for other interested readers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

very technical but usefull field guide for eastern US
Beginners would probably find this book frustrating, as it has no pictures and relies on familiarity with botanical terms. However, If you are willing to learn the terms and parts of plant anatomy, this guide is fairly easy to use, particularly for genus level identification. The one frustrating part of this book is that the index only refers to scientific names. So going back and forth between scientific and common can be a bit of a hassle. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by James Perry and David Morton, the full-color atlas includes photos of botanical specimens, utilizing light, transmission, and electron microscopy. It also contains macro photography of whole specimens, microscope parts and techniques, and biological tests commonly used in the laboratory. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful and practical gardens
For one who loves books they visit libraries and book stores to just smell the paper. Well that works for lovers of gardens also. This book contains picture of beautiful and practical gardens. I have to admit I bought it for pictures of my favorite garden that people come from neighboring states to see. That is Weston Gardens (designed by Randy Weston). Ninety percent of my plants and ideas come form walking through Weston gardens. Many of the other gardens also have practical ideas for Texas gardens.

iInspiring, shows the creative range of using natives.
An eye-opening look at what can be done with natives. This book probably couldn't have been done ten years ago, but clearly the native plant movement is alive and well and growing by leaps and bounds. Common sense gardening. A must for any Texas homeowner.

Landscaping using Texas natives.
I was disappointed in latest Wasowski book. Projects by landscape architects using Texas natives seemed more like Texas architectural guide.Pictures were small and one did not recognize xeriscape award recipient,Ron Bolton of Dripping Springs. References in back were useful.Good coffee table/novice gardener book. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Delightful
"Leaves in Myth, Magic & Medicine" is a delightful book that will bring readers years of pleasure. Like nature itself, the magestic beauty contained within is revealed slowly in layers. More than just a beautiful picture book, the text for each leaf portrait is rich yet concise. "Leaves in Myth, Magic & Myth" is a wonderful monograph to give to naturalists, environmentalists, folklorists, herbalists, family or friends who want to widen their horizons while deepening their appreciation for trees.

Truly unique
This original and unique book was written by an 87 year old retired librarian. Ms. Vitale devoted 30 years to researching and creating this wonderful portrait of leaves. The 110 leaf specimens are all grown in American soil. The author includes fascinating information on tree lore, medicine, botany and so much more. This book brought me hours of pleasure and is also a great reference book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest and love for trees and/or all aspects of nature.

A True Work of Art!
Good Lord, this book is absolutely stunning! What a find! Getting this book as a holiday gift is indeed a good argument for writing an accurate self-description on one's wish list - I said I loved leaves and I got this amazing book which I never even knew existed. The ink autoprints are so finely detailed, it's hard to believe they are really printed off living leaves. Meeting the woman/artist/botanist who so lovingly (obviously) and painstakingly created these prints would be an honor and truly fascinating. This is a case of art imitating yet surpassing nature by making you really SEE and understand its wonder.

Leaves surpasses expectations with its rich descriptions.
110 specimens are the result of Alice Vitale's life-long avocation and work. The leaf drawings are exquisite and each herb is delightfully presented with a smattering of folklore, origins, medicinal uses, quotes and poems. Some very obscure herbs are covered in this compendium.

Beautiful handprints of leaf forms & enchanting anecdotes
What do you do with a 4-hour layover in the Denver airport? Well, you browse the book shop and if you're lucky you find this gem on the shelf. The hand printed leaf forms are perfection in every way, and each page brings magical anecdotes about the plant forms, odd myths, medicinal uses, and sweet little graphics to enhance the overall feel of the book. From it's square hefty shape, right down to the dusting of soft green tones on the page edges, this book is a delight and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves and appreciates natural botanical forms and enjoys the unusual information this insightful writer has gathered over the years. In the very back on the dust jacket, there is a photo of the author, a lovely woman, who at age 87 declares this is her first book! I love owning this and have bought several copies for friends as gifts. At $20 plus some change here at Amazon.com you can't go wrong. A superb value! ... Read more