conifer

This definitive work provides up-to-date descriptions of all the true conifers of the world. It is the first comprehensive update of conifer taxonomy in nearly a century. Noted conifer taxonomist James E. Eckenwalder discusses the relationships, practical usages, champion trees, fossil occurrences, and biology. New identification guides for the families and genera are based on foliage features and are easier to use than traditional conifer keys. Eckenwalder shares the reasoning behind his taxonomic decisions, many of which are unique to this book, reflecting a comprehensive re-evaluation of conifer classification. He also outlines the features sought in cultivars of each genus, particular cultivation concerns, and conifers recommended for cultivation under various conditions and to achieve different effects. With its unprecedented attention to detail and extensive bibliography, this major work is an essential reference for botanists, naturalists, and horticulturists.

Farjon’s (scientist/taxonomist, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) love of pine trees is apparent in this oversize (9×12.75″) volume, particularly in his detailed, finely rendered drawings of the trees, their needles, branches, and cones. This second edition begins with an overview of pines in general: information on botanical characteristics, classification.

A new revised edition. This primitive plant was discovered only 100 km from Sydney in 1994 and was called ‘The botanical find of the century’. This living fossil was believed to have become extinct millions of years ago.