Carnivorous Plants of the United States and Canada
- Book Review,
by Donald E. Schnell
From Book News, Inc.
In this update of the 1976 field/armchair guide, the founding co- editor of the Carnivorous Plant Newsletter explains why "carnivorous" is the preferred term over "insectivorous," the distribution and trapping mechanisms of 45 species and hybrids of such plants as Darlingonia (pitcher plants), and efforts to conserve their habitats. Carnivorous fungi are excluded. Includes some 200 color photographs and drawings, and a glossary.Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR
Susan Farrington, St. Louis Carnivorous Plant Society Newsletter, Spring 2002
"It was worth the wait! At long last, we have a greatly revised and expanded edition."
Biology Digest, September 2002
[This book] will provide every enthusiast's library with a wealth of information.
The Bookwatch, August 2002
[This book] is a 'must' for any reference librarian which specializes in botany or nature.
Chris Teichreb, Vancouver Carnivorous Plant Club Newsletter
This is by far the most authoritative, complete treatise of [carnivorous] plants available.
The American Gardener, Oct. 2002
Experienced carnivorous plant enthusiasts and interested beginners alike will find [everything] they need for selecting and growing carnivorous plants successfully.
Book Description
In this greatly expanded and revised edition of his classic treatment, Donald Schnell examines in detail the 45 species and numerous hybrids of carnivorous plants that grow in the U.S. and Canada. Information on each species includes an identifying description, the preferred habitat, the range in which it can be found, and the season for flowering and trapping, making this book a useful field guide as well as a fascinating source of leisure reading. With a full array of maps, drawings, and 200 color photos, this volume promises to enrich every enthusiast’s library with a wealth of information. Hobbyists will find cultivation tips as well. Schnell gives detailed instructions for growing these plants.
About the Author
Donald E. Schnell is a pathologist and a dedicated naturalist. His fieldwork on carnivorous plants spans over forty years; he has published over thirty papers in refereed botanical journals as well as many popular articles on his favorite subjects. He was a founding coeditor (with J. A. Mazrimas) of the Carnivorous Plant Newsletter and is a member of several botanical societies. A native of Ohio, he received his medical education at Ohio State University College of Medicine. After completing his residency in pathology and serving as a physician in the U.S. Army, he established his practice in North Carolina. Dr. Schnell continues to avidly pursue his interest in the carnivorous plants of the continent, traveling and photographing in the company of his wife, Brenda. He lives and works in Pulaski, Virginia.
Excerpted from Carnivorous Plants of the United States and Canada by Donald Schnell. Copyright © 2002. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
The Genus Sarracenia was named after Michel Sarrazin (1659 - 1735), who has been called the founder of Canadian science. A French naturalist and surgeon, he became acquainted with the French botanist Tournefort and sent him examples of the New World northern pitcher plant, Sarracenica purpurea, after being appointed as surgeon-major in Quebec. Sarrazin contracted ship's fever while attending patients at Hotel Dieu and died in 1735 (Anonymous 1984). The genus Sarracenia Linnaeus is in the family Sarraceniaceae, which also includes Darlingtonia Torrey and the South American genus Heliamphora Bentham. Several others and I have informally concluded that the differences between those three genera, which together comprise the entire family Sarraceniaceae, are of such a degree that Darlingtonia and Heliamphora probably should be placed in their own families. The main commonality is that all three are New World pitcher plants; however, there are significant floral and vegetative differences among the genera. There seems to be nothing subtle about pitcher plants. Their general appearance begs attention, and when we encounter them we are almost startled. But once we look for awhile, then wander among them, we can begin to peel apart layers of subtlety and see many little secrets that collectively fit these plants so neatly into their bog habitat -- and we still do not know all the secrets.
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