Field Guide
to the Orchids of
Costa Rica and Panamá

John Skillcorn

Author: Robert L. Dressler
Publisher: Cornell University Press
ISBN: 0-8014-8139-2
Price: £29.13

The Publisher says:
The first field guide to the orchids of Costa Rica and Panama, this book is lavishly illustrated with 240 stunning colour photographs and 229 line drawings. It contains keys to all the orchid genera in the region and most of the orchid species. To make it possible for non-botanists to identify at least the genus of the orchids, Robert L. Dressler emphasizes features that can be readily seen with the naked eye or a hand lens.

Written in a friendly and accessible style, this guide begins with succinct descriptions of the geography, climate and vegetation of Costa Rica and Panamá, and includes appropriate comments on the peoples and cultures of the area. A discussion of orchid structure and ecology follows. The identification keys are preceded by instructions for use, and a general key directs the user to the appropriate chapter. Here, condensed descriptions and additional keys narrow the choices for the plant's identity. Dressler avoids complex terminology where possible and supplies a glossary of technical terms that will be helpful to those unfamiliar with botanical vocabulary. A short appendix describes how to prepare orchids for study and summarizes laws that affect plant collectors, and another lists the authors of species names used in the guide.

Robert L. Dressler, a highly respected orchid specialist, is Adjunct Curator of Vascular Plants at the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida.
Cover illustrations: Cattleya skinneri
inset: Encyclia fragrans
Photographs by Kerry Ann Dressler

My comments:
For two years while living in Costa Rica, this was my Orchid Bible.  At that time it was the only book available on this subject and, moreover, was reasonably priced.

The text starts by giving the reader an outline of Costa Rica and its various climates - for such a small country it has an amazing variation in environments and this, of course, governs the distribution of its wildlife, including the orchids.  This account includes line drawings of the areas of Costa Rica.

With the ecology of Costa Rica out of the way, the book then goes on to the main raison d'être for the book's creation: the identification of orchids.  Not being an expert on orchids but having a basic knowledge of botany I was able to use this book fairly easily and arrive at the genus almost every time, and to the species some 80 percent of the time.  For the remaining 20 percent I had William Chacón to turn to!

The book ends with an extensive glossary and over 240 colour photographs which prove a vital aid in the identification process.  This is especially so when you have the flowering plant right in front of you.

If for any reason you have an interest in Costa Rican orchids then this is an essential book for you to buy.  Your library would not be complete without it.