As yet, a comprehensive natural classification of the orchids is not available, due in part to their bewildering diversity and parallelism, and also to botanical neglect. Although much work is needed before a fully natural classification can be achieved, this book provides a valuable contribution to the on-going discussions. The author's clear manner of writing, and his acknowledged expertise in this subject, make the chapter on classification of special interest. His work delimits several major natural groups and emphasises areas needing further study, particularly among the more primitive groups. Information on orchid chromosome numbers is brought together and a new interpretation of this data provided. Novel information on pollination is also presented. A list of generic names and important synonyms is given, along with approximate numbers of species in each genus. Dr Dressler has been awarded the 1994 Henry Allan Gleason Award by the New York Botanical Garden for Phylogeny and Classification of the Orchid Family. The award is presented annually for an outstanding publication in the fields of taxonomy, plant ecology, and plant geography.

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