Orchid books

I have to confess, since I became interested in orchids as a member of the internet generation, I haven't invested in a real orchid library. While trying to identify a Hapalochilus species, it became clear that I wanted/needed some real orchid lit.

An incredibly generous orchid friend sent me a copy of Hawkes' Encyclopaedia of Cultivated Orchids. I love paging through it.

 

I live Pridgeon, although it's somewhat dated. I use it as a catalog.

 

I have about 3.5 feet of books. I have the whole Icones collection, and I find the set to be very useful (as Dale mentioned) in a niche kind of way. I reference them more often than any of the other books I own. The detailed line drawings are spectacular, and the detailed information accompanying the descriptions are great reading for both habitat information and physical descriptions.

As for my favorite browsing books, there are a few. All contain various amounts of information regarding bulbos. The Plants of Mount Kinabalu vol 2, Orchids is a good book for browsing. It has a few line drawings, but they are sparse. The images are color and sharp, so it makes for a decent "browser". Orchids of Borneo, Volume 2 is all about bulbos. It has line drawings, some images, and descriptions. The volume is dedicated to bulbophyllum, so I like it a lot. Orchid Monographs 2, Continental African Bulbophyllinae is pretty detailed on the African bulbos, but the group isn't as exciting as SE Asian bulbos.

My favorite two books are Lowland Orchids of Papua New Guinea and The Orchidaceae of German New Guinea. The former contains 150 color plates and 270 detailed descriptions. The latter is really good for line drawings. The individual descriptions are in latin, and there are minimal English descriptions. I could keep going, but I don't really want to write reviews of all of my bulbo books.

 

I want his Bulbos.

 

I ain't gonna kick it before either of you vultures.

 

Good thing you quit smoking.

 

damnit man. this deal sucks.

 

Not for Dale, it doesn't...... oke:

In addition to some already mentioned - Hillerman, the Bakers - I always liked Miniature Orchids by Jim & Barbara McQueen. Also Will Rhodehamel's Masdevallia Cultural Guide.

 

Dang Jon I only have 2 feet of orchid books. I think I use Baker and Baker Oncidiums the most.

 

I just received the Baker Dendrobium book (oh yea bitches). It is awesome. I have a buddy that is sending me the pleione one.

Eddie, do you have Ron Parson's book on Masdevallia? If so, how do you compare it to Will's?

 

nevermind Eddie, I did some googling. they are different animals. Looks like a nice one.

btw. if you dont have Rons book you should get it. It is a good one.

 

I'm not sure if it's the one you mean but we do have a Masdevallia book by Mary Gerritsen & Ron Parsons. It's an awfully nice book.

 

I have that one too Eddie. Of course I can't grow anything in it. I just sit there with my beer, droolin' like an idiot

 

That's why I gave up looking at those books.

 

The three that I have and use the most are Encyclopaedia of Cultivated Orchids by Hawkes (I bought this one after Dale recommended it and am glad I did...it offers so much info), The Cattleyas and Their Relatives, vol 1 through 6, by Withner and The Paphiopedilum Grower's Manual by Birk. (this was a gift from Mary Jane a few years ago) As I grow mainly species Cattleyas and multifloral Paphs, both books have been invaluable to me with cultural advice.

 

That is the one Eddie.

 

I want to find Orchids of Borneo, Volume 2, Jon. where did you find it?