Product Description

Organized alphabetically by species, this volume illustrates and succinctly describes some 900 species that were not included in the first volume ( Succulents: The Illustrated Dictionary ), plus some 300 hundred more that did appear in the earlier volume, with new photographs. Descriptions address

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1271369 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 234 pages

From Booklist
Sajeva, an Italian biologist, and Costanzo, an expert in the field of alpine succulents, have greatly extended their coverage of succulents in the second volume of their study, which includes many new illustrations, either of species not included in the first volume or of different aspects of plants previously illustrated. More than 1,200 color photographs cover approximately 900 additional species, and a description of each is given with details on its shape, color, growth form, size, and country of origin. An introduction contains basic information on the habitat of succulents and on cultivation requirements. There is also a brief explanation of succulent families and genera. Here's a first-rate book that devoted succulent growers won't want to do without. George Cohen

Sharon Lovejoy, Los Angeles Times, April 6, 2000
This is a book for serious collectors.

Choice, June 2000
The quality of the photographs and the informative captions will make this a useful volume for those who are growing or identifying these fascinating plants.

Customer Reviews

The best got even better
If you liked Maurizio Sajeva and Mariangela Costanzo's first book, Succulents, then you will really like their second edition titled Succulents II. The book's outline is basically the same with some new information provided. The photo's, like their first book are superior and serve as a great means of plant identification. The addition of having the book in hard cover form (the first is paperback), makes this book an excellent reference material without concern on wear and tear when carrying it around the garden. Amazon books has the best price on this book and I've shopped around before purchasing it. If you time it right, you can order it with a couple other things and take advantage of free shipping and handling. I think that's pretty good deal.

Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary
For this subject, this is a "must-have" reference book. It is very visual. The images are great and the authors have gone beyond the commonplace. Do I recommend it? I give it 5 "Forget-about-it's".

An impressive catalog of succulent species.
Documents around 1,200 species of succulent plants in an A to Z format. Entries include a color photograph, species name, family, a brief description of appearance and habit, and details of specimen's origin. Introduction provides a brief overview of succulent families and representative genera. Appendices cover alternative names (scientific, not common) and additional reading materials, broken out by family.

Bear in mind when considering this book that it is a _survey_ compilation, not an identification guide. It sets out to catalog the astounding variety of succulents worldwide, and never touches on care or maintenance. Pictures are often of salient features, such as flowers or stem structures, rather than of the entire plant, and many are photographed in their native habitat (by which I mean, they are not always the flawless beauties that we are accustomed to seeing in plant books --although the settings are often as fascinating as the plants themselves!).

I very much enjoy thumbing through this book. Although I personally find it of very little practical value, I would recommend it to any plant enthusiast with an appreciation for diversity or photography.