According to a recent article by Richard Mabey in BBC Wildlife Magazine ‘It’s orchid time again.’ In the article, Mabey asks, ‘What is it about the orchid tribe that casts such spells over us?’ Mabey also questions why we consider orchids sexy. ‘Certainly,’ he writes, ‘orchid’s uncanny and often suggestive resemblances (they were named orchis for their tubers’ likeness to testicles) are part of their glamour.’
Do you have an enthusiasm for orchids? If so, you must check out some of the latest orchid titles available from NHBS! Below are two intriguing examples of orchid books available, along with a couple of orchid brainteasers:
An Enthusiasm for Orchids
John Alcock
The male thynnine wasp’s extreme sexual enthusiasm is crucial to reproduction of hammer orchids in the wild. While pollinating orchids is a waste of time, and thus a maladaptive activity for a wasp, his mistake comes about because he must react quickly whenever he senses a possible mate nearby.
for insects, he who hesitates is lost, although perhaps it would be better to say that he who hesitates often loses a chance to pass on his genes. –John Alcock
Question: How have Hammer orchids co-evolved to trick the thynnine wasp?
Orchids of Mexico
Eric Hagsater et al
This stunning book presents the great diversity of form and colour adopted by the species of family Orchidaceae in Mexico.
Question: The Mexican orchids include over a) 120 species b) 520 species c) 1200 species?
To discover the secrets of the Hammer orchids and to view other superb orchid titles available at NHBS please click here.