Due to generous support, this impressive volume (2.25 thick; 9.25x12.25) is available for a fraction of its worth. Emulating the style and scope of the 1965 In gardens of Hawaii by Marie C.
Neal (also published by the Bishop Museum), this work contains both taxonomic and horticultural information, making it of use to both scientists and gardeners in Hawai’i. Introductory chapters
discuss elementary plant propagation, use of Hawaiian plants in the garden, and invasive plants. The plants follow, grouped into pteridophytes (ferns and fern allies), gymnosperms (conifers and
cycads), dicotyledons (dicot flowering plants), and monocotyledons (monocot flowering plants). Entries for each of 2,172 species (186 families, 1016 genera) include notes on the plant’s various
names and a description. A group of color plates is included, as are about 400 drawings by Anna Stone which illustrate representative species of common genera. The authors are both botanists
affiliated with the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
