Orchid Flora of the Greater Antilles
James D. Ackerman and Collaborators
625 pages; matt art paper, 9 colour photos on spine, front & back cover, 159 monochrome technical illustrations & 5 maps.
Hard Cover: 27.3cm x 19.6cm.
ISBN: 978-0-89327-512-9
New York Botanical Garden Press
The Greater Antilles are an ancient group of islands in the Caribbean consisting of Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and numerous surrounding groups of smaller islands, such the Caymans and the US Virgin islands. This relatively small area is very rich in its orchid flora in which the author recognizes 594 species in 109 genera. Approximately 70% of these are endemic to the area. Of the 594 species the author recognizes, 238 (40% of the total orchid flora) of those are pleurothallids and two generaLepanthes and Pleurothallis make up 188 of those species, almost 31% of the entire orchid flora.
This very thorough treatment is based on years of field and lab work in combination with the results of recent molecular studies. Each genus has place of publication, author, type specimens and location, generic synonyms and their type species, a very full generic description and taxonomic literature cited for each genus, followed by keys to the species. The species have their botanical name, author, where and when published, lists of synonyms (deemed as such by the author), a very detailed description, distribution, ecology, vernacular name, discussion and conservation status.
The author has cautiously adopted a broad view on some generic concepts, such as those genera of the Pleurothallis alliance due to unresolved questions around molecular studies and proposed generic split offs. I tend to agree with this approach, as there are numerous genera across the entire Orchidaceae (not just in this treatment) that have not so strong boundaries and in some cases, retaining their status appear fruitless. However, the author has also in a few cases, adopted a broader view of some species concepts, particularly around the Goodyerinae alliance. Very few authors understand this very complex and horticulturally unappealing alliance and more attention should have no doubt been paid to works of Paul Ormerod where this group is concerned. I would be more inclined to follow Ormerod’s assessments rather than those with a broader view and or little expertise of this difficult group, as he is a dedicated worker and thorough expert on this alliance.
This is an essential work for anyone with an interest in tropical American orchids and indeed specifically this region. The botanical drawings in this book are generally very good, but it is a pity that not all the illustrations were prepared by Bobbi Angell, as her work is far superior and would have kept a uniform quality throughout this monumental treatment.
Rod Rice
Principal Reviewer
Nature & Travel Books