The Orchids of Nepal

By Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti – (2009)

252 pages; gloss art paper, with 893 colour photographs.
Hard Cover: 22.6cm x 15.4cm.
ISBN: 978-9937-2-1726-2
Bhakta Bahadur Raskoti & Rita Ale, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Nepal has around 400 species of wild orchid in 102 genera. This book nicely covers 302 species which at the time of writing, however, Nepal was known to have about 377 species in 100 genera. The author of this book and his wife (co-publisher) have, since this book was published, made further contributions to our knowledge of Nepalese orchids including new regional records and the discovery and naming of a number of new species.

The opening pages contain data on flower structure, plant habit, flower pollination, ornamental and medicinal uses of Nepalese orchids and as a source of food and very importantly conservation. The species are presented alphabetically with no generic descriptions. Each species has it botanical name and author, a quite full description, as well as flowering times, habit and habitat, distribution and conservation status. The description is enhanced with at least 1 colour photo most species have 3-4 photos. The notes on medicinal usage are very interesting and the notes on conservation are very alarming to say the least.

This is a good book and written by a scholarly man who has had many years of hands on experience observing and studying Nepalese orchids in the wild and it is the best book currently available on the wild orchids of Nepal. There are few photos that probably should not have been included as they are too out of focus. However, with the book containing so many other good photos those few which are not so good soon mislay any detraction they may have from the rest of the book. This book is certainly worth purchasing and supporting as the proceeds from sales go back towards field research.

Rod Rice
Principal Reviewer
Nature & Travel Books