Learn all about beautiful orchids with this useful and portable flower reference book. This handy field guide provides an excellent introduction to over 120 exotic orchid species found in Thailand, many unique to the region. Included are full-color photographs of their extraordinary beautiful blooms and a wealth of expert botanical information. The photographs and text by David Banks, noted authority on tropical orchids, will delight orchid lovers the world over. Periplus Handy Pocket Guides are practical field guides, useful for identifying various natural objects ranging from plants and animals to gemstones and seashells. Each page of each title throughout the series is filled with clear, precise photographs and informative text. Scientific and local language names are given.

Learn the essentials of tropical and Asian fruits with this useful and portable reference book. Handy Pocket Guide to Tropical Fruits introduces approximately 40 frit species commonly found in the Tropics. Each exotic item is described in detail and its country of origin and areas of growth are discussed. Culinary uses are given, with tips on how to produce the best flavors, and the book ends with a number of mouth-watering fruit recipes. Illustrated with beautiful color photographs, this book is a must for lovers of tropical tastes. Periplus Handy Pocket Guides are practical field guides, useful for identifying various natural objects ranging from plants and animals to gemstones and seashells. Each page of each title throughout the series is filled with clear, precise photographs and informative text. Scientific and local language names are given.

Learn the essentials of tropical fish with this useful and portable reference book. The tremendous abundance of fish seen during a single scuba dive or snorkeling session in the tropics is just staggering. Indeed in some areas, there are dozens of species inhabiting only one or two hectares of reef. But whether you get underwater, view marine life from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat or just visit an aquarium, Handy Pocket Guide to Tropical Coral Reef Fishes provides an excellent introduction to 68 of the most commonly encountered tropical reef fishes. Written by Dr. Gerald Allen, international authority on reef fishes, it features stunning color shots by some of the world's best underwater photographers. Periplus Handy Pocket Guides are practical field guides, useful for identifying various natural objects ranging from plants and animals to gemstones and seashells. Each page of each title throughout the series is filled with clear, precise photographs and informative text. Scientific and local language names are given.

Learn all about beautiful tropical flowers with this useful and portable reference book. This handy pocket guide introduces 55 plant species commonly found in the Tropics. Each exotic bloom is described in detail, its history of origination discussed and gardening tips are given. Illustrated with over 120 beautiful color photographs, this book contains a wealth of botanical details, as well as fascinating information on the cultural uses of flowers. A "must" for gardeners and non-gardeners alike Periplus Handy Pocket Guides are practical field guides, useful for identifying various natural objects ranging from plants and animals to gemstones and seashells. Each page of each title throughout the series is filled with clear, precise photographs and informative text. Scientific and local language names are given.

Learn the essentials of Asian gemstones with this useful and portable reference book. Gemstones, both mythical and real, are deeply embedded in the arts, religions and cultures of Asia. This handy pocket guide provides an excellent introduction to the full range of superb gemstones mined and processed in the region, their physical characteristics, historical importance and countries of origin. Stunning color photographs and informative text by noted writer on gemstones Carol Clark, will delight both gem collectors and lovers of fine jewelry alike. Periplus Handy Pocket Guides are practical field guides, useful for identifying various natural objects ranging from plants and animals to gemstones and seashells. Each page of each title throughout the series is filled with clear, precise photographs and informative text. Scientific and local language names are given.

Learn the essentials of Asian vegetables with this useful and portable reference book. This handy vegetable guide introduces over 50 tropical vegetables commonly found in Indonesia. Each item is described in detail, and local names as well as botanical names are given. Culinary option, tips on buying, storing and preparation of vegetables, and five mouth-watering recipes are included. Illustrated with beautiful color photographs for easy identification of each vegetable, this book is a "must" for vegetable lovers. Periplus Handy Pocket Guides are practical field guides, useful for identifying various natural objects ranging from plants and animals to gemstones and seashells. Each page of each title throughout the series is filled with clear, precise photographs and informative text. Scientific and local language names are given.

Learn about the many kids of tropical seashells with this useful and portable reference book. This handy pocket guide introduces 170 mollusk species found in Southeast Asia. These fascinating shelled animals vary greatly in shape and size, with equally diverse behaviors. As a quick reference to those families of mollusks most frequently encountered, together with the informative text and delightful color photographs for easy identification, this book is a "must" for beachcombers and underwater enthusiasts. Periplus Handy Pocket Guides are practical field guides, useful for identifying various natural objects ranging from plants and animals to gemstones and seashells. Each page of each title throughout the series is filled with clear, precise photographs and informative text. Scientific and local language names are given.

As stated many times before the purpose of Orchid Biology, Reviews and Perspectives (OB) is to present reviews on all aspects of orchids. The aim is not to balance every volume, but to make a balanced and wide ranging presentation of orchids in the series as a whole. The chapters in this, the last volume of the series, range over a number of topics which were not covered before. Singapore is justly famed for its orchids. They can be seen on arrival (or dep- ture) in its modern, highly efficient and comfortable Changi Airport and on the way from it to town. Vanda Miss Joaquim, the first hybrid to come from Singapore became its National Flower. This natural hybrid can be seen on its currency, stamps, and public and private decorations. Many excellent breeders, starting with Prof. Eric Holttum who bred the first man made hybrid (Spathoglottis Primrose), produced numerous magnificent hybrids and won countless awards in Singapore and elsewhere. These hybrids served to enrich the country’s orchid mystique. In the opening chapter of this volume Dr. Teoh Eng Soon (Western style: Eng Soon Teoh), himself a prize winning orchid breeder, grower and author writes about some of the breeders who contributed to the Singapore orchid fame. Prof. Hans Fitting was one of the best known plant physiologists of his time. As a young man he studied the effects of pollen on orchid flowers.

Learn all about tropical plants and flowers with this with this useful and portable reference book. This handy field guide introduces approximately 60 plant species found in the Tropics. Trees, shrubs, flowers and fruits are all presented in full color. Included are exotic and beautiful blooms, plants with utilitarian uses and some of the more extraordinary members of the plant kingdom. Each entry is described in detail, and the expert botanical information is included, along with interesting historical anecdotes. This book will delight lovers of tropical flora. Periplus Handy Pocket Guides are practical field guides, useful for identifying various natural objects ranging from plants and animals to gemstones and seashells. Each page of each title throughout the series is filled with clear, precise photographs and informative text. Scientific and local language names are given.

In The Enchanted Orchid Max Fulcher has brought together his talent for photography and his knowledge and love of the alluring blooms. This is not just a how-to-grow-'em book. It's an entertaining read - as warm and witty as the author - interspersed with his gorgeous photographs. Armed with camera and diary, Max has tracked orchids across Asia and the Pacific for two decades. He recounts many of his orchid experiences on the orchid trail including how, in Burma, he happened upon the rare blue Vanda and why, with a $13,000 hole in his belly, he limped around New York in winter searching out moon orchids. There's also advice for the home grower. It also includes a chapter with tips on photography.