Product Description

The authors earlier collaborated on our bestselling Succulents: The Illustrated Dictionary. This new book does not replace the original, which continues to be available, but rather supplements it in several ways. It includes 900 species that were not covered in the first volume, and although it includes some species that were covered earlier, this second volume supplies new photographs that illustrate other aspects of the plant, whether in its habitat or in cultivation. The format of the two books is similar, with brief descriptions accompanying the excellent color photographs. Real succulent enthusiasts will welcome the additional coverage and improved photographs offered by this new volume, which should take its place on the shelf next to the original.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #680917 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• 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

Review
The authors are to be congratulated on their efforts and I would recommend this book to all hobbyists. -- Philip E. Downs, Asklepios, Volume 79, 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. -- Choice, June 2000

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

From the Publisher
Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary has the same layout as the first volume and includes more than 1200 color photographs covering more than 900 species not illustrated in the first book. For every species illustrated, a description is given with details on shape, growth form, size, cultivation requirements, country of origin, and color. The introductory chapters provide information on the habitat of succulent plants and on genera and families illustrated in the Dictionary.

Customer Reviews

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.

Another must have reference
The authors have begun where the first book left off. Very similar in size, the sequal has some info on CITES status, as well a general overview, of certain genus and species. For easier identification, several species have multiple pictures, ensuring that pertinent information is not lost from a habit shot. Some species are repeated from the intitial 1994 release, but many are new. Certainly an invaluable source for species determination, individually and in concert with the original.

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.