The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Camellias
Camellias are valued for their lovely flowers, which bloom when other flowering plants are resting, for their generally compact, formal habit, and for their evergreen leaves. Books about flowers are valued for stunning photographs, good organization and writing, and useful cultivation information, and this encyclopedia meets those requirements. Internationally recognized Australian author and gardener Macoboy presents here more than 1000 of the world's most popular camellias, with every entry illustrated by a color photograph. Entries are well placed with the photos and give the expected descriptions, which include flower form, color and size, parentage, date of registration, plant habit, and flowering season. The writing is informal and graceful. Of Arabian Nights, Macoboy says "There is little to connect this pretty camellia with the raunchy nocturnal enticements featured in the original translation of this oriental classic." Feature essays, illustrated with paintings by Paul Jones, provide background on camellia history, foliage, sports, and hybrids. There is a glossary and an extensive index. Recommended for all horticulture collections and wherever there is an interest in camellias.?Carol Cubberley, Univ. of Southern Mississippi, HattiesburgCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.