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the
most interesting tropical plant family you can find.
The BROMELIACEAE, a family of monocotyledons, consolidates
3000 species and varieties in 52 genera. Their distribution
covers the Neotropics which consists of the regions of Central
and South America between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn,
occasionally extending to the north and south.
These exotic plants have a diversity of shapes and flowers
not equaled by other plants in the floral world. Their ecology
is highly unusual. Many species arrange their leaves in rosette-shaped
tanks from which they absorb water and nutrients. Others,
the air-bromeliads or epiphytes, flourish in the lofty tops
of trees in the presence of sunlight, obtaining nutrients
from dew and fog.
Upon first glance, the splendid colors of the variously shaped
inflorescences hold you spellbound. More time is required
to become absorbed with the pictures and text so that gradually
you begin to develop an understanding for the amazing life
of these fascinating plants in their fight for survival.
As the table of contents indicates, the book leads you through
all aspects of the world of bromeliads. The color pictures,
with their expressiveness, clearly dominate but are accompanied
by a vivid, easy-to-follow text. The competence and extensive
hands-on experience of the authors will make "Blooming
Bromeliads" an indispensable reference for plant lovers
and horticulturists of all levels.
Ulrich and Ursula BAENSCH have been living among their plants
in Nassau, Bahamas, since 1978. Their garden TROPIC BEAUTY
is home to thousands of bromeliads which have been cared for
until the desired flowers finally appeared and were photographed
for this folio with its unique wealth of illustrations.
Hence, this book is to be understood as a botanical/horticultural
reference as well as a folio dedicated to the beauty of the
plants - a gift to every nature and plant lover.
As an introduction to this book, the following chapter takes
the reader on a walk through TROPIC BEAUTY Gardens.
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