Synopses & Reviews
Clivias are classed among the most desirable of all connoisseur plants, offering not only spectacular flowers but also interesting variations in both leaf variegation and plant form. Despite their reputation as specialist plants, however, clivias are surprisingly easy to grow and tolerant of abuse. Koopowitz has written the first book to delightfully detail the genus
Clivia. Beginning with the story of their discovery, he moves on to issues of cultivation, hybridization, and propagation. The bulk of his book is a profusely illustrated examination of the diversity of clivia variation, from the familiar orange and red flowers to the famous yellow forms and the pastel colors that are creating so much excitement today.
Review
"If you carry lust in your heart for all things chlorophyllous, then the pictures alone in Clivias will drive you mad with desire."—C. Colston Burrell, Horticulture, April 2003 C. Colston Burrell
Review
"Koopowitz has lengthy experience with the hybridization of bulbous plants, making his book authoritative and interesting to read ... The main part is devoted to a profusely and expertly illustrated discussion of clivia diversity ... Highly recommended."—Choice, January 2003 Horticulture
Review
"Through Harold Koopowitz's research and the photographs of James Comstock we are rewarded with multiple exotic and beautiful views of Clivias to entice us into growing them with great pleasure."—Joanne S. Carpender, National Gardener, November 2002
Synopsis
Details the history, charms, and horticulatural future of the genus Clivia.
Synopsis
Looking for a highly prized connoisseur plant? Clivias are easy to grow, tolerant of abuse, and now come in yellow and pastel forms in addition to the familiar orange and red flowers.
About the Author
Harold Koopowitz is Professor of Ecology at the University of California at Irvine. Previously, he was the Director of the University of California at Irvine Arboretum for twenty years when it specialized in African bulbous and cormous plants. Koopowitz has long-standing interests in the hybridization of a variety of specialist plants, including slipper orchids, daffodils, and clivias. He has traveled extensively to study orchids in the wild, and is diligent in his efforts to encourage discussion about endangered plants. The results of his devotion include numerous scientific papers on orchids, deforestation, and the effects of long conversion on plant extinctions. He is a long-standing member of the conservation committee of the American Orchid Society and a member of the Orchid Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission. Koopowitz is the author of several books on horticulture and conservation, including Orchids and Their Conservation, and is currently editor-in-chief for the Orchid Digest. He resides in Santa Ana, California.