Field guide to Ethiopian orchids.
by S. Demissew, P. Cribb & F. Rasmussen.
Kew Field Guide Series, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey.
2004, 300 p., many colour photos and some line drawings.
ISBN: 1-84246-071-4
In this book 167 species in 28 genera found in Ethiopia are shortly described. First we read brief introductory chapters on the geography, geology, climate and vegetation of the country.
The genera in the Vanilloideae, Orchidoideae and Epidendroideae are represented in Ethiopia.
The main part of the book deals with the species descriptions.
A key to the genera with a key to the species is followed by species descriptions. Here we find some information about etymology, taxonomic history and the origin of the type specimen.
The descriptions are short and not to complicated. Each description is followed by habitat information and distribution, the flowering period, the conservation status and a notes on the diagnostic characteristics.
A distribution map and, in most cases, a photograph or drawing complete the entry.
Not all pictures are of good quality, some are too small, others are not in focus. In contrary the line drawings of flowers of many species are very good and accurate.
The inside back cover provides a clear drawing of the structure of both a terrestrial and an epiphytic orchid.
This book ends, unfortunately, not with a glossary but only with an ‘Index of scientific names’ (p. 298-300).
Conclusion.
This flied guide can help to identify orchids when traveling around in Ethiopia but in general photos are not very helpful, the texts are more or less OK as what can be expected in field guides.
About traveling around in Ethiopia: due to civil unrest, violence, armed conflicts and crimes. The security situation can deteriorate without warning. In Addis Ababa one must be on guard and alert.
For the time being one should maybe avoid Ethiopia.