The Cactus Family

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About The Cactus Family

Product Description Only now, at the beginning of the new millennium, is there an up-to-date, comprehensive study of the cactus family. This long-awaited, monumental work covers the Cactaceae in an encyclopedic manner, addressing 125 genera and 1810 species. The most comprehensive single resource on the subject available today, it includes more than 1000 color photographs in addition to other illustrations. The introduction to each genus concentrates on the discovery of the cacti, and the improvements in our understanding of them, many of which result from relatively recent investigation. As stated in the foreword, "Cacti have a special fascination all their own. Miniature spiny dwarf cacti less than an inch in diameter are hidden in the arid regions of North and South America; the majestic columns of the giant saguaro, Carnegiea gigantea, dominate the deserts of Arizona. Yet all these cacti, given time, offer the surprising paradox of brilliant flowers, their delicacy a striking contrast to the strong spines that keep the viewer at a respectful distance." This remarkable diversity is fully described and illustrated in this authoritative encyclopedia, which is both scientifically accurate and readable. It also includes a chapter by Roger Brown on the cultivation of cacti, making the book even more useful to growers and hobbyists, as well as to taxonomists, ethnobotanists, and conservationists — indeed, anyone interested in succulent plants. From Booklist The strange spiny spectacle of cactus plants comes under close and expert scrutiny in this study of great breadth and fascinating detail. Amateur growers and scholars alike will be able to delve into Anderson's treatise and come away with increased understanding of the nearly two thousand species comprising an extraordinary family of New World succulents. On a practical level, Anderson is an eminently inviting writer who delivers intriguing descriptions of the characteristics that set these plants apart. He also presents brief but brilliant surveys of ethnobotany and conservation issues. While more than 1,000 photographs overall illustrate the extraordinary diversity and beautiful flowers of cacti, the main section--an alphabetically arranged reference--will arguably rank as the definitive work readers will use to examine and identify cactus genera, species, and subspecies. Alice Joyce Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Review BUY THIS BOOK! Buy it now. . . . It is by far the best cactus book now in print. -- Myron Kimnach, Cactus & Succulent Society of America Journal, March/April 2001 Everything you ever wanted to know about any kind of cactus . . . The saguaro of books. -- Michael Clancy, The Arizona Republic, April 18, 2001 I believe that this book is a monumental accomplishment and that there is nothing else like it. -- Richard Stone, The Horticultural Society of New York Library It will long be valued as a source book... [Anderson] has left us a monument that merits high praise. -- Gordon Rowley, The Garden, September 2001 This book is a monumental accomplishment. -- Choice, July 2001 [The photographs] are superb and will entice many avid collectors. -- David Salman, The American Gardener, September 2001 [This book] . . . should reside on the shelf of every serious cactus enthusiast. -- Arthur C. Gobson, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Volume 77, No. 1, March 2002 Book Description The most comprehensive single resource on the subject available today, this monumental work includes more than 1000 color photographs in addition to other illustrations. It is both scientifically accurate and highly readable, and includes a chapter by Roger Brown on the cultivation of cacti, making the book useful to anyone interested in succulent plants. From the Publisher This long-awaited, monumental work covers the Cactaceae in an encyclopedic manner, addressing 125 genera and 1810 species. Descriptions are concise but information-packe