The Bookend May 2025 - The Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents

The Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents
Terry Hewitt

The recent surge in popularity of cacti and succulents is understandable. They are extraordinary! Not only do they look intriguing, they are tough. Their highly specialized anatomy, designed to survive prolonged drought, enables them to become dormant in severe conditions. The Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents is an excellent reference for these unique plants.

Beyond a simple globe or column, cacti and succulents come in many shapes, colours and sizes. Long snake-like stems! (Mammillaria matudae). Rich purple-red! (Haworthia coarctata). Over 12 meters tall and 150 years old! (Carnegiea gigantea). But there are some that don't get beyond 2.5cm and live for only 5 years (Frithia pulchra aka pink baby’s toes). Height and spread diagrams, for both indoor and outdoor specimens, are one of the many highlights of this book. The excellent photographs throughout the Plant Catalogue of more than 350 species make identification easy.

Fast fact: cacti and succulents are native to the Americas. Beyond their intriguing appearance, they have had value for the Inca, Aztec and North American Indigenous peoples for centuries. Many foods, medicines and tools began as cacti or succulent plants. They also held religious significance. It wasn’t until the 18th century that they made their way to Europe.

The well-illustrated anatomy, cultivation and propagation sections of The Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents can lead any plant parent to success with these extraordinary plants.

Drop by the HCP Library to borrow this fascinating book. And while you're there, check out our stellar specimen of Sansevieria trifasciata (aka mother-in-law's tongues).