Orchid flora of the Greater Antilles

About this book

The Greater Antilles constitute the oldest, largest, and most complex islands of the West Indies. Here, in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, we find 109 genera of orchids comprising 594 species; roughly 70% of those species are endemic to the region. In Orchid Flora of the Greater Antilles, world-renowned orchidologist James D. Ackerman and his collaborators provide clear, detailed accounts of each orchid species found in the Greater Antilles. The taxonomic treatments include: complete synonymy with types; description; relevant taxonomic literature (genus treatments); vernacular names; taxonomic discussion; notes on distribution, ecology, and conservation status (species treatments); high-quality scientific illustrations (species treatments). English and Spanish versions are given for the key to genera, keys to the species under each genus, and the glossary of orchid-related technical terms. This treatment reflects many of the recent changes in generic circumscriptions brought about by molecular systematics. In an appendix, the author provides a phylogenetic classification of the orchid genera of the Greater Antilles.--Publisher's description.