Huntleyas and Related Orchids

Description

Revered by avid orchid collectors for its delightful, star-shaped flowers, Huntleya is a small group of orchids found low in the forest. Besides their striking colors - from deep blue to waxy red, royal purple to almost black - flowers of this group are known for their distinctive shapes, patterns, and textures. As appealing as these lovely tropical orchids are, their identification has been confused since the first species was described in the mid-1800s. Recent DNA studies have led to a clearer understanding of relationships and, as a result of this clarity, it is now possible to sort out the taxonomic problems and identify the characteristics that set species apart. In this first book devoted to the Huntleya alliance, author Patricia Harding presents evidence from the scientific literature, other growers, and her own experience that will enable orchidists everywhere to identify their plants and grow them successfully.

Patricia A. Harding is an orchid enthusiast who enjoys taxonomy issues and explaining the issues to fellow enthusiasts. She has been growing and photographing orchids for three decades. Since retiring from the work force in the mid 1990s, Patricia travels extensively to study and photograph orchids in the wild. She also speaks frequently on the topic, and is an accredited American Orchid Society judge in the Pacific Northwest Judging Center. Patricia combines her loves of taxonomy and teaching in her writing, which is based on literature research as well as reviewing orchid specimens or their photographs, sorting them, and finding a systematic way to share what she has learned about them. Her goal is to write books and articles describing discrete families of orchids and providing pictures of the species contained so others can identify their plants successfully, but also present a basis so that future individuals will not have to sort through the confusion that surrounds these rare plants. Patricia holds degrees in botany and medicine.

Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of photographs. The history of discovery and collection, the etymology, descriptive keys to the species, description, range and horticultural information are all included in one volume - a real treat for collectors. ... Harding wanted to write a definitive book about Huntleya orchids and she has accomplished her goal beautifully. -- Molly Day Muskogee Phoenix 20081124 Harding presents evidence from scientific literature, other growers, and her own experience that will enable orchidists everywhere to identify their plants and grow them successfully. -- J. Hale Hobby Greenhouse 20090101