Las Orquideas de Chiapas. 2018. many col. photogr. 639 p. 4to. Hardcover with dust cover.- In Spanish, with Latin nomenclature.

A beautiful, heavy book (2.5 kg).

"The first 54 pages offer a well-written and well-illustrated introduction to the region and its orchids. What climates (yes, plural, it’s a mountainous region, highest point 4,093 m) has Chiapas? What soil types? What types (plural again) of vegetation? Also, the history of orchid research in Chiapas is recorded, and the ecological, cultural and economic importance of orchids.

The next 540 pages describe all the 723 species in 151 genera the authors found in Chiapas. Each genus gets a solid introduction, then the species of that genus are described in the same solid way: etymology of the name, description of plant and flower, distribution (general and in Chiapas), habitat and altitude, flowering time, flower fragrance (not many books mention fragrance!). Plus, good photos, often two or three or more, which are mostly made in the wild. What more could you wish? Okay, recommendations on how to grow the orchids perhaps, but that is outside the scope of the book. However, with the info on climate, habitat and altitude, a good grower will know enough.

The genera are organized by subfamily, tribe and subtribe so that related genera are grouped together. This makes a good index indispensable and the book has one.

The book ends, among others, with a glossary, a list of literature of almost seven pages, a list of synonyms, and the index mentioned before. This index also indicates which species are endemic in Mexico (85 species) or endemic in Chiapas (30 species).

The present book presents all 723 orchid species that occur in Chiapas, which goes far beyond the few dozen ‘usual suspects’ that are grown by orchid aficionados outside Mexico. In conclusion: this book sets a new, higher standard for regional monographs on orchids. Even if your Spanish is basic, you’ll love this book!"
(Excerpt from Gab van Winkel's review published in 'Orchid Digest')