About the Author

Ken Preston-Mafham is a naturalist, author and photographer. He lives in England, where he has grown cacti for more than 30 years. His previous books include Cacti and Succulents in Habitat and Cacti: The Illustrated Dictionary.

Reviews

Absolutely stunning.... user-friendly. This handsome book is ideal for both the novice cacti lover as well as the seasoned pro.-- (06/14/2007) Documents a large selection of cacti, succulents, cadiforms and euphorbs... This book is a handy reference to bring when shopping for your landscape.-- (05/01/2007) Colour photos are so attractive that even the fervent anti-cacti people may be won over.--Grand magazine (Waterloo) (07/01/2007) For the serious cactus fancier or a horticultural library... The photographs are magnificent... would be of value to anyone who grows any cacti.-- (10/18/2007) The author has organized a collection of stunning photographs, most of which are, quite amazingly, given their very short blooming cycles, shown in full blooming splendor... 500 Cacti, an elegant little volume, is highly recommended for public and school libraries, and for academic libraries collecting in botany and horticulture. Because the book is so aesthetically pleasing in its own right, it would also make a wonderful addition to personal libraries.-- (01/01/2008) This new book features 500 species representing all cactus groups. The cacti are arranged alphabetically by scientific genus, with an entire page devoted to each species. At-a-glance information includes size, distribution, spination, flower and flowering time, plus varieties and synonyms used. Detailed descriptions reveal the amazing adaptations cacti have made... The author provides professional advice on growing these plants at home. Among the 500 color photographs that appear in the book are stunning shots of cacti in bloom. 500 Cacti is a useful reference for all who admire these long-living and distinctive plants.-- (01/01/2009) 500 Cacti provides an encyclopedic look at this family of succulents... The author chose to use names that are "most likely to be found in lists of cactus plants or seeds for sale, or on the label on a pot," to avoid confusion when trying to acquire these plants.-- (01/01/2008)