BOOKS
This is a non-stop rollicking adventure story set in Southern Africa. George and Matilda, with their young associate William and his new boyfriend, Jake, are forced into a search for an unusual orchid potentially worth billions of dollars. But what happened to the geologist who found the flower while prospecting for alluvial diamonds in an inhospitable part of the Dark Continent? George and his associates must face a multitude of dangers in their quest as they try to decide what are the real threats? Are they facing supernatural creatures with human bodies and animal heads; are there really evil spirits that suck the flesh of one’s fingers and toes? What of the strange halfmen? And who else is trying to sabotage their mission? Along the way, we meet some interesting characters and a dog named Boris. It all comes to a climax in a pitched battle, at dawn, among the halfmen.
Proceeds from this book go to support the Orchid Digest.
The George and Matilda stories revolve around events or facts that concern orchids. The stories range from the discovery of rare plants in the long ago past to the extinction of species in a future time. George and Matilda are often accompanied by George’s best friend William and Matilda’s great-aunt Bertha. This book contains 21 short stories. The tales are filled with adventure and tongue-in-cheek humor. Each story ends with a synopsis of the facts behind that adventure. These stories will appeal not only to plant and orchid lovers but also anyone who enjoys fun short stories.
Proceeds from this book go to support the Orchid Digest.
Who murdered the elderly scholar Aksel Henriksen and the young graduate student Sassi Marias? And why is the ancient painting of an old flower so important? There is competition between our heroes and a vicious gang to locate and then buy an ancient orchid painting that is hidden within an old Codex. The search takes George, Matilda, and their friends, William and Jake, to the south of France and then into northern Italy. In the end, George will have to rescue Matilda in a showdown with the leader of the gang, known as the Man with the Golden AK-47, but George can only succeed by using his wits, the painting, and a trio of the most unusual helpers.
Proceeds from this book go to support the Orchid Digest.
The Emerald Orchid takes the reader on an exciting adventure through Southern California, Singapore, and Thailand. Our heroes, George and Matilda, together with their associates William, Jake, and Great-aunt Bertha, have been forced by circumstances to try to steal the pollen from a fabulous emerald orchid. Along the way, they meet an assorted cast of characters who either stand in their way or help them overcome great hardships, not to mention, of course, flying snakes, little dragons, and elephants. And do the demons really demand blood sacrifices when the moon is half-full?
Proceeds from this book go to support the Orchid Digest.
Someone thinks there is an orchid growing on a cliff in South America with crystalline flowers that look like they are made of glass. George and his wife, Matilda, are interested. Their friend William goes missing on his honeymoon in Peru. He simply disappears one night. Now George and Matilda, together with a crew of various operatives, are searching for him in Peru. Possibly, William was kidnapped by members of the Shining Path, but if so, why have there been no ransom demands? Time is running out. Can George and Matilda rescue their friend? Does that orchid really exist?
Proceeds from this book go to support the Orchid Digest.
William’s Story: The Sarawak Dragon
What is the basis for the rumor that a dragon lurks in the forest of Sarawak, Borneo? None of the local people will venture into those woods. They are scared of the dragon. George and Matilda, together with William and Jake, need to go and stay in the forest so they can do research on the pollinators of the famous Sander’s Orchid, a flower with the longest petals of any flower in the world. Some of our heroes will meet the dragon face to face. It is up to William, in this adventure, to be the hero. Will he succeed?
Proceeds from this book go to support the Orchid Digest.
Nomenclatural Types of Orchid Genera
The Kansas Orchid Society is honored to present the 2023 Orchid Digest Diamond Award for Excellence to Elisabeth and Richard Vanderlip. The Vanderlips joined the Kansas OrDiscover the power of understanding plant nomenclature through this comprehensive guide. Learn the rules and recommendations that govern scientific naming and how it can change your understanding of orchid taxonomy. Understand the origins of plant naming and how it has evolved over time, giving you a deeper appreciation for the science behind it. Learn about the importance of Type species and how it affects the naming of genera, preventing the designation of superfluous Generitypes. Gain valuable knowledge and insights into the Code, a legal rulebook that uses specific terms, through a helpful glossary.
This book includes a detailed exploration of the history and evolution of plant nomenclature, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subject. It brings insights into the significance of Type species and how it affects the naming of genera, with emotional words like "power" and "valuable" to highlight the importance of this knowledge. You will gain practical knowledge about the Code and its terminology, equipping you to navigate the complex world of plant naming.
This book is a must-read for serious orchidophiles and taxonomists alike. Buy now to gain a deeper understanding of plant nomenclature and how it can enhance your understanding of orchid taxonomy.
Proceeds from this book go to support the Orchid Digest.
Slipper Orchids of the Tropical Americas by Phillip Cribb & Christopher Purver
There has long been a need for an authoritative monograph on the Neotropical slipper orchids in English, and this want has been beautifully filled by the new book by Phillip Cribb and Christopher Purver. The species are illustrated, many with the beautiful botanical paintings of Carol Woodin currently one of the top botanical artists in the USA. Not only is this book an important reference, but it is readable and beautifully put together.
An authoritative monograph on the Neotropical slipper orchids
An examination of the individual species
The species are illustrated with close-up photographs and botanical paintings of Carol Woodin
Chapters on taxonomy, natural hybrids.
An important reference that is readable and beautifully put together.
Proceeds from this book go to support the Orchid Digest.
