Reviews

"Clearly written, the book presents a wealth of information based on extensive fieldwork and much herbarium study. After a general introduction to orchids and a key to the genera, each is examined in a separate chapter followed by six useful appendixes and an extensive bibliography... Highly recommended for libraries having readers who are orchid enthusiasts. General readers; graduate student; faculty and researchers."-Choice, January 2003, vol. 40, No. 5 "Wild native orchids in New Mexico and Arizona? Impossible. As a matter of fact, and with great thanks to Ronald A. Coleman, impossible is revealed to be a combined orchid census of 35 species in 14 genera-with his color photographs of each specie in situ. The remarkable color photos ... serve to reinforce wonder and astonishment that such a vibrant population of orchids exists where most of us think only of cholla, pinon, or goat-heads... Coleman has produced an outstanding reference book that will undoubtedly be used off-the-road as often as it is enjoyed at home."-Barbara Riley, Santa Fe New Mexican, September 29, 2002 "This is a wonderful publication on orchids packed with an abundance of information useful to anyone with any affinity to orchids. Coleman's writing style is clear, concise, and unpretentious. It would make a lovely addition to the library of a native plant lover, botanist, or orchid enthusiast."-Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas "For anyone who is planning to visit this part of the United States, and is interested in seeing orchids in the wild, this book should be required reading."-Isobyl la Croix, The Orchid Review, Jan/Feb 2005 "In The Wild Orchids of Arizona and New Mexico , Ronald A. Coleman dispels the common assumption that this seemingly arid region in the heart of the desert Southwest is only 'cactus country.' He calls attention to little-known habitats at higher elevations where the orchids grow, each species in its own niche. The difficult task of amassing descriptions, distribution maps, detailed discussions, and photographs of every orchid species ever recorded in this area required years of detective work and perseverance by a dedicated man."-Carlyle A. Luer, Senior Curator of the Herbarium, Missouri Botanical Garden "Ronald Coleman's attention to extreme detail and striking color photographs make this book a must for every native orchid enthusiast. Suitable for both the serious professional and avid amateur, Coleman's treatment of the orchids of Arizona and New Mexico finally brings together a broad base of knowledge as well as many new and interesting facts about the orchids of this region."-Paul Martin Brown, author, Wild Orchids of the Northeastern United States, Wild Orchids of Florida, editor, North American Native Orchid Journal "This book provides a framework to understanding and appreciating the orchids native to Arizona and New Mexico, and exemplifies some of the spectacular diversity displayed by the orchid family. It will be useful to amateur and professional botanists alike."-Lawrence W. Zettler, PhD, Illinois College