Terrestrial Orchids From Seed to Mycotrophic Plant [Hardcover]

This book contains a detailed survey of the biology of terrestrial orchids, from seed dispersal to establishment and life of the adult plant.The orchids have great appeal, yet little is known about the reproduction in nature of these vulnerable species. This is a detailed survey of terrestrial orchid biology from seed dispersal to established plant using the interaction of field and culture experiments. The author surveys the seed biology, propagation, plant growth, fungal associations, seasonal rhythm and life history of 36 genera of orchids of the temperate, northern hemisphere.Stimulating for physiological botanists and essential for orchid horticulturists.The orchids have great appeal, yet little is known about the reproduction in nature of these vulnerable species. This is a detailed survey of terrestrial orchid biology from seed dispersal to established plant using the interaction of field and culture experiments. The author surveys the seed biology, propagation, plant growth, fungal associations, seasonal rhythm and life history of 36 genera of orchids of the temperate, northern hemisphere.Stimulating for physiological botanists and essential for orchid horticulturists.Terrestrial orchids have a wide appeal, but unfortunately they rank among the most vulnerable of all plant species, and little is known about how they reproduce in nature. This book contains a detailed survey of the biology of terrestrial orchids, from seed dispersal to establishment and life of the adult plant, based on comparisons of field and culture experiments. The unusual mode of obtaining energy by means of mycorrhiza is examined and evaluated in terms of plant structure and functions, and the impact of this mycotrophic nutrition on orchid evolution. The book makes it clear that an understanding of germination, life histories and seasonal phenology in natural habitats is essential for the success of culture methods, propagation and conservation. The final chapter is a systematic presenl“l