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 well illustrated orchid guide covers the identification,
biology and conservation of British and Irish orchids. Until recently,
the whereabouts of the rarer species was shrouded in secrecy, making
publication of any details ethically impossible. In the last few years,
however, these veils have been lifted and it is now possible to publish
locations for all but one or two species. For the first time, this book
includes a detailed site guide, covering the best places to see orchids
in Britain.

"A model field guide: good, large photographs that are actually
rather gorgeous; a clear text that tells you how to identify the plant
using the English language rather than "botanicalese"; useful diagrams
of those spectacular flower parts; and a really comprehensive section
on geographical range and subspecies." The Daily Telegraph