A presentation of over 700 popular orchid species in 104 genera carefully detailed with beautiful photographs and concise descriptions of plants, their distribution and habitats by a well-known author and photographer.  Each genus is assigned a separate chapter. Coverage of the most commonly cultivated Asian species including their varieties and cultivars (e.g. in Bulbophyllum  72  species; Coelogyne  33 species; Dendrobium  161 species; Paphiopedilum  58 species; Phalaenopsis 60 species; Vanda 44 species) is exhaustive.  The orchids are photographed from their best perspective, individual blooms and entire inflorescence: additionally, many species are also shown growing in their natural habitat. Representative hybrids are included to illustrate how some species have contributed to show-worthiness of various genera, their adaptation to a wider climate range, and easy cultivation.  This book is a pleasure to view;  simultaneously, an easyreference for the identification of orchid species and it provides a guide on how best to grow them. Nowhere else will one find so many popular species beautifully illustrated in a single volume.

A must for everyone fascinated by orchids or with a love for nature.