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Huntleyas and Related Orchids

By Patricia A. Harding

A real treat for collectors.

Muskogee Phoenix

Revered by avid orchid collectors for its delightful, star-shaped flowers, Huntleya is a small group of orchids found low in the forest. Besides their striking colors — from deep blue to waxy red, royal purple to almost black — flowers of this group are known for their distinctive shapes, patterns, and textures. As appealing as these lovely tropical orchids are, their identification has been confused since the first species was described in the mid-1800s. Recent DNA studies have led to a clearer understanding of relationships and, as a result of this clarity, it is now possible to sort out the taxonomic problems and identify the characteristics that set species apart. In this first book devoted to the Huntleya alliance, author Patricia Harding presents evidence from the scientific literature, other growers, and her own experience that will enable orchidists everywhere to identify their plants and grow them successfully.

Filed under: genus specific, orchids, professional, botany, instructional, science

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 260 pp.
Book dimensions: 7⅜ x 10⅜ in. (185 x 265 mm.)
Images: 150 color photos, 5 line drawings
ISBN-10: 0881928844
ISBN-13: 9780881928846

Media reviews

"Harding presents evidence from scientific literature, other growers, and her own experience that will enable orchidists everywhere to identify their plants and grow them successfully."

—J. Hale, Hobby Greenhouse

"Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of photographs. The history of discovery and collection, the etymology, descriptive keys to the species, description, range and horticultural information are all included in one volume — a real treat for collectors. ... Harding wanted to write a definitive book about Huntleya orchids and she has accomplished her goal beautifully."

—Molly Day, Muskogee Phoenix

About the author

Patricia A. Harding

Patricia A. Harding is an orchid enthusiast who enjoys explaining taxonomy issues to fellow enthusiasts. She speaks frequently on the topic, and is an accredited American Orchid Society judge. She has been growing and photographing orchids for three decades.