✨About the Book (published 2025):

Dive into the breathtaking beauty and diversity of flowering plants with Discover the Enchanted World of Flora with Ronald Boender’s Ultimate Guide. This comprehensive guide by Ronald Boender, founder of Butterfly World, features over 100 stunning full-color photographs showcasing flowering vines, trees, passionflowers, rare flowering plants, and more.

What You Will Discover:

• A World of Flora: Explore a curated collection of Ronald Boender’s favorite species, each praised for its unique charm.
• Stunning Photography: Immerse yourself in vibrant images that highlight the beauty of various flowering plants.
• Expert Insights: Learn from Mr. Boender’s lifelong passion and dedication to plants, developed through his work at Butterfly World.
• Comprehensive Guide: Easily identify plants with both common and scientific names for reference.

Buy the Book:

• Formats: Available in Paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon. Click here to purchase! Click here to purchase on Amazon! (All international orders must be purchased through Amazon.)

• Exclusive Offer: Available on our website or in-store at Butterfly World. Click here to purchase!

✨About the Book (published 2019):

“A Pictorial Guide” is a comprehensive photographic atlas featuring nearly 1,000 color photographs of wild Passiflora species, organized alphabetically for easy reference. Authored by Ronald Boender, an expert in passionflower butterflies and founder of the first commercial butterfly farm in the Americas, this is the first detailed reference on passionflowers in over 15 years. The book showcases the beauty of over 280 wild species and 11 hybrids, reflecting Boender’s 30-year passion for these exotic plants through extensive field research in Costa Rica and Ecuador.

What You Will Discover:

• A Comprehensive Atlas: Explore nearly 1,000 colorful photographs of wild Passiflora species, showcasing their unique beauty and diversity.
• Alphabetical Arrangement: Easily navigate through species organized alphabetically, complete with geographic ranges based on verified identifications.
• Expert Guidance: Gain insights from Ronald Boender’s 30-year journey of observing and collecting exotic plants in Costa Rica and Ecuador.
• A Unique Reference: Discover the first in-depth book on passionflowers published in over 15 years, perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, and tropical plant enthusiasts.

Buy the Book:

• Formats: Available in Paperback on Amazon. Click here to purchase! Click here to purchase on Amazon! (All international orders must be purchased through Amazon.)
• Exclusive Discount: Enjoy a special discount when purchasing online. or in-store at Butterfly World!
• Click here to purchase!

About the Author

Author Spotlight: Ronald Boender

A Journey Through Science and Music

Ronald Boender is an innovative entrepreneur who has combined his passions for science and music into impactful ventures.

Background

Educated at DeVry University, Ronald initially pursued a career in electronic communications but later shifted his focus to community transformation through his love for butterflies.

Family Life

After relocating to Florida from Chicago, Ronald and his wife built a family centered around their shared interests.

Business Ventures

• NDR Communications: Founded in 1968, this company specializes in communications for schools and healthcare.
• Meta-Science: Established in 1984, this pioneering butterfly farming business caters to universities and zoos.
• Butterfly World: Launched in 1988, it is the largest butterfly park in the world, featuring extensive aviaries and botanical gardens.
• International Passiflora Society: Founded in 1990, it promotes the growth and conservation of passion flowers globally.

The Story of Butterfly World

Described as a hobby that blossomed into a thriving enterprise, Butterfly World reflects Ronald’s lifelong fascination with butterflies, sparked during his childhood on a farm in Illinois. After moving to Florida and working as an electrical engineer, he began raising butterflies at home.

In 1984, he created MetaScience Co. to meet the growing demand for farmed butterflies. His vision expanded further after traveling to England in 1985, where he partnered with Clive Farrell to establish the first butterfly house in the U.S., Butterfly World, which opened its doors in 1988.

Additionally, Ronald established the Boender Endangered Species Laboratory at the University of Florida to support the conservation of the endangered Schaus Swallowtail butterfly.

Musical Accomplishments

Returning to music in 1975, Ronald founded the Fort Lauderdale Christian Chorale in 1981 and the Acappella Singers in 1994, both of which showcased local talent and released recordings.

Contributions and Innovations

Ronald has made notable contributions to environmental conservation and community engagement, including the “Grand Plaza Concert Series” at Butterfly World.

Awards and Recognition

His work has earned him multiple accolades, such as the ATL Henry Bates Award for conservation research and the designation of Coconut Creek as “The Butterfly Capital of the World.”

Publications

Ronald has authored several works in botanical literature, including:

• “Passionflowers” (2019): A comprehensive documentation of his 30-year journey studying passionflowers.
• “Explore the Enchanted World of Flora” (2025): A guide featuring over 100 full-color photographs showcasing various flowering plants.