Orchids of Britain and Ireland

Orchids have long held a fascination, both for keen botanists and

the general public. From the mania of Victorian collectors to the

enthusiasm of modern photographers, this family of flowering plants has

a strange and exotic appeal. Many orchids are beautiful, and some are

rare.

This well illustrated orchid guide covers the identification,

biology and conservation of British and Irish orchids. Until recently,

the whereabouts of the rarer species was shrouded in secrecy, making

publication of any details ethically impossible. In the last few years,

however, these veils have been lifted and it is now possible to publish

locations for all but one or two species. For the first time, this book

includes a detailed site guide, covering the best places to see orchids

in Britain.

"A model field guide: good, large photographs that are actually

rather gorgeous; a clear text that tells you how to identify the plant

using the English language rather than "botanicalese"; useful diagrams

of those spectacular flower parts; and a really comprehensive section

on geographical range and subspecies." The Daily Telegraph