The humid climate of the tropics is the perfect environment for a profusion of ferns, from the delicate, lacy Maidenhair to the dramatic Staghorn. Many gardeners and nature lovers will recognise the familiar ornamental varieties, but other ferns take surprising forms. Tree Ferns, Golden Chicken Ferns, Climbing Ferns, Water Ferns — this book introduces you to hundreds of fascinating species.
The first part of this book offers a user-friendly introduction to the structure and life cycles of ferns, with clear illustrations and photographs. Fern enthusiasts will appreciate the step-by-step explanations of how to propagate and cultivate ferns. This section also explores the habitats of ferns and the important role ferns have played in the world's folklore, superstition and economic life. The second section of the book gives a sampling of the range of fern species found in the tropics. Each species is illustrated in colour. The extended caption contains a wealth of information about the plant, including its habitat, origin, usage and tips on cultivation.
The book includes a glossary, a bibliography, a directory of fern societies worldwide (including e-mail and website information) and a detailed index of common names, scientific names and other terms. It is these touches that make this book an invaluable introduction to ferns of the tropics. In this revised edition, the author further provides updated details of fern societies as well as a useful appendix that gives the new names of those ferns whose botanical names have since been changed.
