The book’s author is David Benzing. It was first published by Mad River Press in 1980, and has recently been reprinted in Australia. The reprinted edition can be purchased from: Raemur Plant Farm, PO Box 612, Hurtsbridge Victoria 3099. Email: mossy@melbpc.org.au
The book is several hundred pages long. It has over 20 colour plates, as well as many more black and white photographs, line drawings, and graphs. The book fills a gap between presentations in the scientific literature on a range of topics related to bromeliad growth such as water requirements, nutrition, photosynthetic strategies; and “how to grow them”-type manuals and articles which approach these topics from the perspective of most amateur growers.
However, it is not as comprehensive as Dr Benzing’s more recent book titled Bromeliaceae: Profile of an Adaptive Radiation, which was published in 2000. Readers seeking the most recent, and comprehensive, information on the topics covered in The Biology of the Bromeliads, may wish to consider buying Dr Benzing’s later book instead. However, there is a significant price difference in favour of The Biology of the Bromeliads.
The great strength of The Biology of the Bromeliads is the presentation of a range of material, related to the growth habits and requirements of bromeliads, in a manner which enables the reader to draw practical conclusions on ways to improve their own cultural practices. While an entire chapter is devoted to this topic, additional insights “emerge” throughout the book.
Parts of the book are somewhat “dated” with the passage of time. For example, quite a few of the species’ names have changed. A more significant issue is that a reader who has not completed high school biology/botany may find parts of the book “ heavy going”. For these people, some parts of the book may need to be read several times before a full appreciation is gained of the text’s implications for bromeliad culture.
However, in my view, the effort will be amply rewarded with the knowledge you will gain.
Bob Reilly
Book review date: May 2004