Succulents: The Illustrated Dictionary

Book Description

Succulents are among the most popular and fascinating plants — with their extraordinary variety of forms, they can be found in the wilderness and cultivated in homes and gardens. A time-tested reference, this first volume includes some of the best-known and most cultivated genera such as Agave, Haworthia, Kalanchoe, and Yucca.

Average customer rating:

Informative and helpful
Necessary for the New Collector
CACTI: THE ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY
in a few words
Family Album, but who is missing

Cacti: The Illustrated Dictionary
Rod Preston-Mafham , and Ken Preston-Mafham
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Succulents: The Illustrated Dictionary
Simon & Schuster's Guide to Cacti and Succulents: An Easy-to-Use Field Guide With More Than 350 Full-Color Photographs and Illustrations
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Cactus: The most beautiful varieties and how to keep them healthy

ASIN: 0881924008

Book Description

This dictionary concentrates on the globular cacti, particularly Mammillaria, but includes some popular columnar cactus forms such as Echinocereus.

Customer Reviews:

Informative and helpful.......2007-05-23

I have really enjoyed looking at all the different plants in this book. It has helped me identify plants I already owned as well as add to my wish list of exotic plants I want to add to my collection.

Necessary for the New Collector.......2007-01-31

People that have an extensive collection of cacti reference material either don't need this book or, likely, already have it! I use this book in conjuction with other reference books to help me identify the many different species. I would recommend it to anyone.

CACTI: THE ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY.......2005-09-25

SUPERB COMPACT REVIEW OF A VERY BROAD SPECTRUM OF CACTI TO HELP ANY SERIOUS AFFICIONADO OF THESE CRITTERS. ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED, GOOD PICTURES OF EACH BASIC GROUP WITH CLEAR CONCISE DESCRIPTIONS. I WOULD SAY THIS IS A MUST IN THE LIBRARY OF ANY CACTUS LOVER.

in a few words.......2005-08-25

Very beautiful book, with as much colorfull pictures as you wish. The title should be "dictionary of globular cacti", because only such species are presented.

Family Album, but who is missing.......2004-10-28

It is very difficult to find fault in a book that is so comprehensive in what it sets out to achieve, and I have no wish to do so. However I would like to point out to potential purchasers, if your interest lies in columnar cacti (Cereus, Cleistocactus, Pilosocereus, I know I could go on forever), or anthing from the Opuntia genus, you will be disappointed because they are not included in the book. Of course many other species are not included but this would be virtually impossible to achieve. There is a very good selection of species for all of the more popular genera, many in flower, which obviously aids in the identification process. As a plant identifier this book would be very difficult to beat. Plant care is virtually non existent, but this is not what the book is about. Under most photographs you will get details of the distribution of the plant; flower colour; spination and some of the different synonyms the plant may be labelled under. if you have any serious interest in Cacti you need this book.

Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary

Average customer rating:

Worth a Place on the Shelf
The best got even better
Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary
An impressive catalog of succulent species.
Another must have reference

Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary
Maurizio Sajeva , and Mariangela Costanzo
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Succulents: The Illustrated Dictionary
Cacti: The Illustrated Dictionary
The Cactus Family
Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents
Succulents for the Contemporary Garden

ASIN: 0881924490

Book Description

This second volume covers 900 additional species, and supplies new photographs that illustrate different aspects of the plant, whether in its habitat or in cultivation.

Customer Reviews:

Worth a Place on the Shelf.......2005-11-29

This book basically follows the same format as the previous one. There are enough photographs to sink a battleship, but very little cultural information for the plants.

The book is a boon for identifying that annoying plant that you have never been able to find a name for, but of course it does not cover all species of succulents, a book of that stature would be too heavy to lift.

In my own opinion what lets the book down slightly is that some of the photographs are of young plants that bear no resemblance to how they will look when they are mature. Having said all that, the book has very little competition. There are thousands of books on cacti, but very few on the other succulents. It is certainly worth a place in the collection of all those interested in these wonderful plants.

The best got even better.......2002-07-24

If you liked Maurizio Sajeva and Mariangela Costanzo's first book, Succulents, then you will really like their second edition titled Succulents II. The book's outline is basically the same with some new information provided. The photo's, like their first book are superior and serve as a great means of plant identification. The addition of having the book in hard cover form (the first is paperback), makes this book an excellent reference material without concern on wear and tear when carrying it around the garden. Amazon books has the best price on this book and I've shopped around before purchasing it. If you time it right, you can order it with a couple other things and take advantage of free shipping and handling. I think that's pretty good deal.

Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary.......2002-01-10

For this subject, this is a "must-have" reference book. It is very visual. The images are great and the authors have gone beyond the commonplace. Do I recommend it? I give it 5 "Forget-about-it's".

An impressive catalog of succulent species........2001-03-06

Documents around 1,200 species of succulent plants in an A to Z format. Entries include a color photograph, species name, family, a brief description of appearance and habit, and details of specimen's origin. Introduction provides a brief overview of succulent families and representative genera. Appendices cover alternative names (scientific, not common) and additional reading materials, broken out by family.

Bear in mind when considering this book that it is a _survey_ compilation, not an identification guide. It sets out to catalog the astounding variety of succulents worldwide, and never touches on care or maintenance. Pictures are often of salient features, such as flowers or stem structures, rather than of the entire plant, and many are photographed in their native habitat (by which I mean, they are not always the flawless beauties that we are accustomed to seeing in plant books --although the settings are often as fascinating as the plants themselves!).

I very much enjoy thumbing through this book. Although I personally find it of very little practical value, I would recommend it to any plant enthusiast with an appreciation for diversity or photography.

Another must have reference.......2000-07-16

The authors have begun where the first book left off. Very similar in size, the sequal has some info on CITES status, as well a general overview, of certain genus and species. For easier identification, several species have multiple pictures, ensuring that pertinent information is not lost from a habit shot. Some species are repeated from the intitial 1994 release, but many are new. Certainly an invaluable source for species determination, individually and in concert with the original.

Average customer rating:

Excellent book
the best darn book on trees u can get!
Wow!
Visuals and text both excellent
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees
John White
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Trees | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

This book is the result of 10 years of on-site, meticulous painting of individual living trees as well as their detailed parts. David More, a supremely gifted botanical artist, painted each of the more than 2000 individual color illustrations. The main section of the book is devoted to 377 double-page spreads, which describe and illustrate more than 1000 species and varieties of trees.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book.......2007-08-25

I collect books on trees, because I love trees. But not all books will do. I avoid gardening books and concentrate on dendrological or botanical type books because they are more useful to me. This is a great find because it is somewhat encyclopedic in nature and the drawings are wonderful. The only downside is that this is an English book and highlights trees grown there. It is much to large and heavy for a handbook, but it is nice to sit in your easy chair and slowly turn the pages.

the best darn book on trees u can get!.......2007-08-20

this book has everything u need on trees and it is one of a kind.the colour illustrations are wonderfully painted.the gang responsible for all areas of this book really new what they were doing.isnt there literary awards given out for this kind of acheivement?unique,complete,lovely and breathtaking!

Wow!.......2007-08-09

David More has created a massive, beatifully realized book that lovingly details individual species of trees. Though it's retailed at around $80 it still seems reasonable given the scope and breath of this work. I just can't imagine a better book on trees ever being published.

Visuals and text both excellent.......2006-02-18

The combination of this author and this illustrator has produced an amazing book. Both have a lifelong interest in trees. The author aimed to produce a book to be "read for pleasure", but maintained a high scientific standard throughout, so you'll need to know a scion from a taxon from a sport. (There is a helpful glossary.) But he never forgets his duty to keep the text interesting. So we learn every cricket bat for the last 300 years has come from a single willow and its descendents.

The max height and hardiness are given for each tree, plus a rank as to desirability on a scale of 1 to 5 . One is a top choice for the garden or grounds, 3 might be suitable for commercial use, and 5 is a tree not particularly recommended, if only because of "extreme dullness".

It's rare to find any author this knowledgeable, who can offer anecdotes and historical information on countless specimens. And the accompanying paintings are works of art in their own right.

The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Trees.......2006-01-15

The book is beautifully illustrated and is very thorough. Even though it might have more application in Europe than in North America, it still contains pertinent information for species found in the United States.

Average customer rating:

Encyclopedia is the Right Word
If you can only own one

An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Clematis
Mary K. Toomey , and Everett Leeds
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Gardening | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 088192508X

Book Description

With more than 800 Clematis species and cultivated varieties from which to choose, gardeners and growers have been inundated with options. Even more frustrating for some has been the absence of a single comprehensive reference with which to identify the numerous cultivars. This new volume, written by distinguished clematis experts and backed by the authority of the British Clematis Society, is the first picture encyclopedia on the genus to encompass the garden-worthy species and hybrids.

This long-awaited book is separated into two sections: the first is devoted to the care and cultivation of clematis, while the second provides an A — Z directory of more than 550 plants, from the acclaimed large-flowered forms to the less-familiar shrubby, subshrubby, and herbaceous forms that are beginning to be available. Using everyday language, the authors provide plant descriptions that include information on synonyms, origin, plant habit and height, flowers, pruning group, flowering period, cultural requirements, recommended uses in the garden, and hardiness zones. The text is accompanied by more than 650 magnificent color photos, making this encyclopedia an indispensable reference and guide.

Customer Reviews:

Encyclopedia is the Right Word.......2006-06-25

The word "encyclopedia" is sometimes overused, but not in the case of this book by Mary K. Toomey. The reader will enjoy learning about the huge number of clematis varieties with information on each one. The author even includes the different names that some varieties have in the market. This volume is a must for the serious gardener and especially for the clematis enthusiast. I highly recommend it.

If you can only own one.......2005-04-08

I own every book ever written about clematis. Unfortunately, this book was written by a Brit. That's the only negative for a North American grower. If you can own only one book on clematis this is the one. The author is very generous with her information. At least read this one cover to cover before buying anything else.

Flowering Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Directory of Species and How to Grow Them Successfully

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Flowering Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Directory of Species and How to Grow Them Successfully
Richard Bird
Manufacturer: Barrons Educational Series Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0812059700

Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary

Average customer rating:

Very helpful, clear, and concise
Must have for anyone interested in botany/biology
Good resource for Botany students
Great Book
Just what i needed

Plant Identification Terminology: An Illustrated Glossary
James G. Harris , and Melinda Woolf Harris
Manufacturer: Spring Lake Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification
Botanical Latin
Guide to Flowering Plant Families
Botany for Gardeners
Field Guide to the Grasses, Sedges, and Rushes of the Northern United States

ASIN: 096402215X

Book Description

Plant identification employs an extensive and complex terminology. Professional botanists often need several years in the field to master this terminology, and it presents a daunting obstacle to the student of botany.

The meaning of most botanical terms, however, is immediately apparent when an illustration is available. That is the purpose of this volume. Plant Identification Terminology provides over nineteen hundred clear illustrations of terms used in plant identification keys and descriptions. It also includes definitions for more than twenty-seven hundred taxonomic terms.

Customer Reviews:

Very helpful, clear, and concise.......2007-09-07

This book is extremely useful for looking up strange botanical terms. It has definitely come in handy in my Taxonomy of Flowering Plants class. I definitely recommend it.

Must have for anyone interested in botany/biology.......2007-04-16

I work as a biologist, and this book is a must have for anyone who is interested in plants. Professionals or amateur botanists/biologists who have to key plants out need to own this handy desk reference.

Good resource for Botany students.......2007-03-24

This glossary is a very good aid for Botany classes especially if keying (identifying) plants. Keying is tough even when a professor is standing there telling you what the miriad of terms mean. A large research paper was made much simpler with this book. One problem arises in the fact that many botanists have different definitions for the same term, so at times glossaries need to be tailored to specific scientists.

Great Book.......2007-03-03

I wish I had this when I first started learning about plant identification. It is much easier to understand the native tongue when have an idea of a taxonomists lexicon. Nearly every entry in the 'plant dictionary' has a nice clear illustration further helping the reader. Plant ID is not easy, but better to go into it prepared with this sort of tool.

Just what i needed.......2007-02-07

it was the exact book a needed for class and looked and worked great.

Variegated Trees and Shrubs: The Illustrated Encyclopedia

Average customer rating:

Not only definitive, but attractive with its large size
Not perfect, but a welcome addition to the literature.

Variegated Trees and Shrubs: The Illustrated Encyclopedia
Ronald Houtman
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0881926493

Book Description

Once the subject of snobbery and derision, variegated plants are now among the more sought-after and collected treasures of garden connoisseurs. Whether marbled, dotted, splashed, or veined, variegated foliage never fails to catch the eye and to add excitement whatever the flowering season. Variegated Trees and Shrubs (which includes woody ground covers and vines as well) fills an important gap in the literature and provides valuable information on selections that provide long-lasting specimen and accent plantings for years of garden pleasure. Written under the sponsorship of the Netherlands' prestigious Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society, this book describes in detail nearly 800 variegated trees, shrubs, and vines available internationally from nurseries. Painstaking in the accuracy of its nomenclature — variegated plants are notorious for being misnamed in commerce — this volume also includes a scientific discussion of the reasons for variegation as well as an essay on how to design with variegated plants in any garden. More than 760 garden photographs have been assembled from the author's collection and from contributors around the world.

Customer Reviews:

Not only definitive, but attractive with its large size.......2004-11-10

Ronald Houtman is secretary of the Trials Committee of the Royal Boskoop Horticultural Society in the Netherlands. This encyclopedic work has more than 760 sharp color photos enabling the reader to distinguish the numerous kinds of variegated trees and shrubs, many of which have gained popularity with modern gardeners. More than 800 varieties are catalogued with special attention given to their correct names, which are often confused by greenhouses and other places selling types of them. Short sections on the hundreds of trees and shrubs also describe them to go along with the photographs and note favorable areas of growth and problems arising from planting in an improper place. An introductory chapter by W. M. van Nicrop, another member of Houtman's Dutch horticultural group, discusses "Using Variegated Plants in a Garden." Variegated Trees And Shrubs: The Illustrated Encyclopedia is not only definitive, but attractive with its large size, glossy pages, and hundreds of fine, useful color photographs. For many gardeners, landscape architects, botanists, and the like, this will be the only text they want or need in this area of plants.

Not perfect, but a welcome addition to the literature........2004-09-12

The legion of plant enthusiasts that prizes showy foliage -- especially that which is striped, splattered, spotted or stippled -- has swelled greatly in recent years. Collectors of such mutants are frequently frustrated, however, by the lack of consistency concerning nomenclature and the sparse literature that addresses these special plants. For this reason it is clear this book would be embraced by hobbyists and professionals even if it was rife with errors and omissions. Thankfully, the situation is not so dire. High quality pictures supplement the alphabetical cultivar descriptions. The author should be applauded for the research time invested in determining the origin and true identity of many of the plants he covers. The supplemental essays on topics such as the origin of variegation are also useful. Despite these positive attributes, the book nonetheless suffers from a sharp focus on European (and especially Dutch) cultivars to the exclusion of many American introductions. Even when U.S. plants are discussed, the information is sometimes incomplete. While such bias is perhaps understandable given the author's nationality and position, these gaps detract from the book's quality. The content is so unique, however, that these faults should not prevent potential buyers from adding this tome to their library.

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Illustrated Dictionary of Gardening

Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Reference | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0756614805

Book Description

This illustrated garden library in a single volume provides one-stop, quick-reference for looking up hundreds of plants, techniques and gardening terms.

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Alpines - The Illustrated Dictionary, Clive Innes

Alpines: An Illustrated Dictionary
Clive Innes
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0881922900

Book Description

This book features photographs of almost 1000 rock garden plants, each accompanied by notes on habitat, distribution, growing habit, and flowering season. It includes many plants not thought of as alpines that are nonetheless at home in the rock garden.Published at $39.95 Our last copies available at $19.97

Customer Reviews:

Alpines - The Illustrated Dictionary, Clive Innes.......2000-06-29

It seems that no one book on alpines will ever encompass the entire plant palette available to rock gardeners, but this book makes a small attempt. Some of the photos are spectacular, but others are dark or unclear. Descriptions are technical but accurate. This book should be part of a serious rock gardener's libray, but it falls short of being a complete A-Z dictionary as it claims.

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