Orchids of Britain and Ireland - Anne Harrap

Orchids have long held a fascination, both for keen botanists andthe general public. From the mania of Victorian collectors to theenthusiasm of modern photographers, this family of flowering plants hasa strange and exotic appeal. Many orchids are beautiful, and some arerare.

The time is ripe for a new, well illustrated orchid guide, coveringthe identification, biology and conservation of British and Irishorchids. Until recently, the whereabouts of the rarer species wasshrouded in secrecy, making publication of any details ethicallyimpossible. In the last few years, however, these veils have beenlifted and it is now possible to publish locations for all but one ortwo species. For the first time, this book includes a detailed siteguide, covering the best places to see orchids in Britain.

"A model field guide: good, large photographs that are actuallyrather gorgeous; a clear text that tells you how to identify the plantusing the English language rather than "botanicalese"; useful diagramsof those spectacular flower parts; and a really comprehensive sectionon geographical range and subspecies." The Daily Telegraph