First English Edition of this magnificent guide, covering identification, biology and conservation of more than 520 species of orchid found in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
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 complete reference guide covers the identification, biology and conservation of more than 520 species of orchid found in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The detailed text, 1,270 colour photographs and line drawings all allow the specialist, as well as the avid botanist, to identify the wild orchids of the region with precision.
Also available in French.
Pierre Delforge has studied orchids, observed the evolution of their habitats and protected them for more than 35 years in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. He has written many publications on the subject and is an adviser on European orchids for the IUCN - The World Conservation Union.
"more exciting than sudoku [...] This is a guide to pack for away breaks, to while away dreamy hours among drifts of orchids in the warm maquis of the mediterranean shoreline"
– BBC Wildlife (July 2006)
"A comprehensive field guide to the 520 species of orchids found in Europe and adjoining regions I thoroughly recommend this practical guide."
– Andrew Byfield, BBC Wildlife
"The photographs are excellent the text is very informative I do recommend this book to anyone with an interest in European wild orchids."
– The Orchid Review (March/April 2007)
"If you are a dedicated botanist, or just one of the many birders with an interest in orchids, this book will prove indispensible when travelling elsewhere in Europe or just outside its boundaries. I thoroughly recommend it."
– British Birds (May 2007)
"Highly recommended, and no orchid fan visiting the continent or the Mediterranean should be without it."
– Irish Naturalists' Journal (June 2007)