Green Culture Singapore Book Review

Orchids of Asia

by Teoh Eng Soon

Writer: Ryan Su • Available online 4 Jun 2005

Something about the new and expanded edition of Orchids of Asia is definitely its breathtaking photographs, of which two-thirds are new. First published a quarter of a century back, this staple of orchid literature is now re-launched as a coffee table book.

The lavish and often arresting close up shots would leave one gasping in awe. Truly, orchids mesmerize us with their shapes and forms, and these photos do justice to their mystique and allure. A highlight would be photos of mountainous plants growing in the Cool house at the National Orchid Garden, which is a rather recent installation.

Dr Teoh Eng Soon is a gynaecologist by profession. His interest in orchids had led him to become the President of the Orchid Society of Southeast Asia (OSSEA) once and a former editor of the Malayan Orchid Review. He has cultivated several award-winning hybrids, lectured and written extensively on orchids, and sat on the OSSEA panel of judges. The new chapter, Colorama and Mutations, sums up his experience and knowledge as a former orchid award judge.

The book would appeal to general plant enthusiasts and orchid hobbyists alike. It covers the history of orchids, down to their cultivation and propagation and finally reaching hybridization and then the handling of cut flowers. There is also a section on diseases. Its wide scope makes this an all-encompassing one stop for orchid information and reference.

Orchids of Asia (New & Expanded Edition) is definitely a must-have. Green Culture Singapore gives a rating of 4 out of 5 stars for this book.

Book Details:

ISBN: 981 261 015 4
Specifications: 250mm x 250mm; 368pp; Hardcover
Category: Plants & Nature
Publicaton date: Mar 2005
Imprint: Times Editions – Marshall Cavendish
Retail price: SGD 72.00 (excluding GST)

To order the book:

For online orders, click this link to go to the Publisher's website (Marshall Cavendish).

Chapter Headings:

Introduction
1. The Orchid Plant and its Flowers
2. Life History of the Orchid
3. Sympodial Orchids
4. Monopodial Orchids
5. Orchid Plant Requirements
6. Practical Aspects of Orchid Growing
7. Propagation
8. Hybrids
9. Colorama and Mutations
10. Standards of Quality
11. Control of Flowering
12. Handling Cut Flowers
13. Diseases of Orchids
Glossary
Bibliography
Index