In Pursuit of Hidden Camellias 32 Camellia Species from Vietnam and China

About this book

In Pursuit of Hidden Camellias showcases the work of two Australian researchers, Dr. George Orel and Tony Curry. Their book opens a door to a previously undiscovered, or forgotten, world: the Camellia species of Southeast Asia. Sixteen years in the making, Orel and Curry travelled throughout Southeast Asia in search of new Camellia and other theaceous species.

In Pursuit of Hidden Camellias presents:
- The story of the rediscovery of Camellia piquetiana – 'the Purple Camellia of Vietnam' first collected and described by French plant hunters in the late 1880s
- The stories of discovery of 14 previously published 'new' Camellia species
- 18 Camellia species described for the first time. These species have been found over the last two decades and most of these were discovered by Orel and Curry.

Many of the Camellias are stunningly beautiful, or strikingly bizarre, and previously unseen photos bring their beauty and peculiarities alive. Orel and Curry have used photographic images, many taken in the field, to 'sweeten' and broaden the appeal of their arguments and discussions. The authors also discuss the background to their discoveries reflecting on often grueling expeditions into sub-tropical and tropical jungles and mountain forests. In Pursuit of Hidden Camellias should also whet the readers' interest in future discoveries of Camellia species from this lush but challenging part of Asia. Orel and Curry's In Pursuit of Hidden Camellias should appeal not only to scientists, but to plant breeders, nurserypersons, collectors and plant enthusiasts worldwide.

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