Samantha Hilder: Wild Orchids of the Algarve - How, When and Where to Find Them

Wild Orchids of the Algarve - How, When and Where to Find Them

The Algarve is home to more than 30 wild orchid species. For tourists and residents alike these are major attractions of the very varied Algarve countryside, but for newcomers in particular orchids can be hard to find and even harder to identify.

Wild Orchids of the Algarve solves these problems, providing easy-to-follow introductions to the biology and habitats of orchids, and explaining in non-scientific language why the Algarve is so special.

More than 200 full colour photographs of orchids - in their natural settings as well as stunning close-up pictures - ensure that readers will be able to identify the orchids they find in the Algarve.

This beautiful book is based on naturalist and bestselling author Sue Parker's 16 years research and photography of wild orchids in Portugal's Algarve region.

Clear, jargon-free text, superb photographs plus an illustrated Table of Contents and a pictorial Glossary of Botanical Terms make this a uniquely accessible guidebook.

Consumer review about Wild Orchids of the Algarve - How, When and Where to Find Them :
As a frequent visitor to the Algarve, I know just how wonderful the wildflowers of that part of Portugal are. Having seen quite a few orchids there in the past, I set myself a target of finding as many as possible - ideally all - of the Algarve's wild orchids. I feel much more confident of succeeding, having received as a Christmas present this lovely hardback book. Now I will know not only what species I am looking for but also where and when to expect to see each one. I particularly enjoyed the introduction to orchid biology, in the first section of the book, and I am looking forward to exploring as many of the recommended walks as I can fit in to my next Algarve holiday.The idea of including in the Contents List a thumbnail closeup flower picture for each orchid species is brilliant. Not only do you see at a glance the name of each orchid (the scientific name as well as the corresponding English and Portuguese names where they exist) but also what its flower form and colours are, without having to refer to an index at the back of the book and then thumb through pages to get to a particular species. I wish my other wildflower guides had this reader-friendly feature.Overall I cannot praise this book highly enough. The text is very readable, the pictures are superb, and the sturdy hardback make it very good value for money when compared with other region-specific guide books. Highly recommended.William Morris(Read more)