'The book is well-presented, well-written and well-printed. It should be of considerable interest to orchid specialists and growers, and botanists in general.' Biologia Plantarum, 42:1 (1999)

• 1. Brown Danube, Blue Pacific.- 2. Ovule and megagametophyte development in orchids.- 3. Molecular biology of orchids.- 4. Fungi from orchid mycorrhizas.- 5. Orchid production and research in Japan.- 6. Three orchids used as herbal medicines in China: an attempt to reconcile Chinese and Western pharmacology.- 7. Research on micropropagation of Cymbidium, nobile-type Dendrobium, and Phalaenopsis in Japan.- Orchid potting mixtures — An abridged historical review.- Chronological review.- Early potting mixtures: prior to 1900.- Potting mixes: 1900–1950.- New mixes evolve: 1950–1970.- Present day potting mixtures: 1970 to date.- Final thoughts.- References.- of Previous Volumes.- Index of Persons.- Index of Organism Names.- Index of Subjects.