Publisher's Synopsis
This book should not be seen as a work of science but as a book that is easy to read for the lover of orchids and especially for the lover of Paphiopedilum. It is intended for the connoisseurs who share the same inclination for this amazing flower. The book sets out to give the reader all round knowledge of the genus Paphiopedilum. It starts with the orchid hunters and how this increasing knowledge piloted the cultivation and multiplication of these amazing plants. This knowledge leads to the hybridization of different intra- and inter-subgenera to create man-made flowers of miraculous beauty. The book continues with the nomenclature of Cypripedieae its genera, sub-genera and species and varying opinions of it, followed by the cytogenesis of the genus Paphiopedilum, the colour management of its flowers, anatomy and morphology. The chapter 'Taxonomy' describes its historical development up to the present. The following chapter introduces all species of the genus Paphiopedilum with their specific botanical characteristics. The development of complex hybrids, maudiae type hybrids and multifloral hybrids are explained in detail. The last two chapters deal with some practical aspects of propagation, diseases and pests of the Paphiopedilum plant. All is presented in a unique artistic dialogue with the flowers as shown in all aquarelle paintings and illustration
