Excerpted from the Introduction The plants covered in 300 Orchids are part of the largest family (Orchidaceae) of flowering plants, with up to 20,000 species and about 800 genera, and the number continues to grow as new discoveries are made. They occur in numerous forms from epiphytes in the understory and canopy of tropical forests or in deciduous forests and in scrubland, to terrestrial plants growing in grassy and marshy areas of temperate regions, and to lithophytes on rocky outcrops, on rocks by rivers or on shale slopes on mountainsides. This amazing family is still evolving and diversifying in response to different conditions, especially in the tropics. Orchids quite often perform a vital role in natural ecosystems and have complex interactions with insects and other animals, which act as pollinators. In some cases they are also a source of food and shelter for insects. Orchids are prized for their spectacular flowers, and the number of wild species is far exceeded by the number of artificial hybrids bred as part of the booming orchid industry for the cut-flower and pot-plant trade. Yet many orchids are now endangered as a result of habitat loss and over collecting (often illegally) from the wild. Many species are adapted very precisely to their specific environment and unfortunately this can work against them when that environment changes.

Adaptation takes time, and in certain situations-for example, in the case of deforestation-time is the one thing they do not have. Seed-raised plants have been used in conservation programs, such as reintroductions. Each seedling brings with it its own unique gene compliment, and greater genetic diversity in a population allows more flexibility, enabling a species to adapt to changing environmental conditions. On the positive side many local and international laws for controlling and regulating the trade have been introduced, and keen orchid keepers play an important role in maintaining stocks of endangered species. ABOUT THIS BOOK 300 Orchids presents a cross section of species and hybrids frequently available to the general public through the orchid trade, as well as some more unusual species cultivated by orchid enthusiasts. Within the book there are a number of types of description: Genus Entries . These are divided into three elements: Data , Main Article , and Photograph . Data Number of Species indicates the number of species in the genus.

Classification gives the full botanical name, the orchid hunter's name, and the year it was first discovered and described. Form describes the key characteristics of the genus. Distribution indicates where the species can be found in the wild. Habitat outlines the type of habitat in which it is found in the wild. Main Article presents additional background information about the genus, including general cultivation methods for members of that genus. Photograph depicts a member of the genus. Species Entries . These follow on from many of the genus entries and describe the key characteristics, cultivation methods, and classification of representative species, together with an illustration of each species.

Picture Galleries . These galleries illustrate other species and hybrids within a genus, giving a wider representation of the huge variety of orchids.