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This is Leme's fourth book on bromeliads, following Bromeliads
in the Brazilian Wilderness (1993); Canistrum: Bromeliads of the Atlantic
Forest (1997); and Canistropsis: Bromeliads of the Atlantic Forest (1998).
This work largely on the genus Nidularium finishes the trilogy focussed on
southeastern Brazilian bromeliad genera. The trilogy fulfills a unique position
in bromeliad books. They are neither mere coffee-table books with copious
fine photos, nor are they so scientific that they exclude the average reader.
They form a set of very well bound, colorfully and well laid-out books written
intelligently and with passion. They are unrivaled in bromeliad books for
their coverage of the biology of a particular group. The book is divided into
11 chapters, several of which were composed by other authors:
1. The Genus Nidularium; 2. Key to the species and varieties
of Nidularium; 3. Nidularium: species and varieties; 4. Doubtful and excluded
taxa; 5. Hummingbird pollination of Nidularium and related genera (by M. Sazima,
Buzato & I. Sazima); 6. Molecular data and the Bromeliaceae (by G. K.
Brown); 7. Pollen fertility in the nidularioid complex: a preliminary study
(by de Souza & Leme); 8. Supplement: Canistrum; 9. Supplement: Wittrockia;
10. Supplement: Neoregelia subgen. Longipetalopsis; and 11. Cladistic analyses
in the nidularioid complex (G. K. Brown & Leme).
Leme recognizes 45 species in Nidularium (each illustrated),
divided into three complexes (the "Blue Complex" with 27 species,
the "Red Complex" with 7 species, and the "White Complex"
with 11 species. These complexes are furthermore divided into several natural
'sub complexes' each. A complete key to the species and varieties he recognizes
is provided, and for each taxon, the taxonomic and/or nomenclatural synonymy,
a full morphological description, citation of herbarium specimens examined,
a discussion of its taxonomy and useful characteristics for identification,
and distribution and habitat. With all these varied subjects, the nidularioid
genera of the bromeliads may in fact be the best and most carefully studied
groups in the family. All of Leme's books are strongly recommended for anyone
interested in bromeliads, and should serve as a model for future books written
on bromeliads.
