An Introduction to the South African Orchids - Schelpe

Hardback with tatty DJ. Published by Purnell & Sons 1966. 109 pages.

As you can see the DJ is very tatty however the book itself is in good condition for its age. It has a previous owners name and date1967 on the FFEP.

" The rapidly expanding interest in the indigenous orchid of Africa among the world fraternity of orchid growers and among local amateur botanists has emphasised the need for an introductory treatment of the South African Orchids. This book provides a concise illustrated guide to these plants with the means whereby the amateur orchidologist can identify them at least to the genera and understand some of the curious floral structures that occur amongst this fascinating group of plants.

At least one species of over eighty per cent of the fifty-four orchid genera ever recorded from South Africa are illustrated in colour together with annotated diagrams of the essential floral parts. A key for the identification of all the genera of orchids known from this region is provided.

The treatment of each genus includes information on the habitat range as well as its distribution in South Africa and elsewhere in the world, together with notes on flowering periods and observations on the biology of interesting species. Although many of the more spectacular indigenous orchids of South Africa have not survived transplanting from their natural habitats some of the more attractive species have proved amenable to cultivation. In these cases the author has drawn on his own experience and that of his fellow orchid growers to summarise their requirements for successful  culture"

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