The human 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. This book introduces you to hundreds of fascinating species.
The first part of the book offers a user-friendly introduction to the structure and life cycle of ferns, their propagation and cultivation, and their role in folklore and economic life. The second section gives a sampling of the range of fern species found in the tropics. Each species is illustrated in colour, and the extended caption contains a wealth of information about the plant. The book includes a glossary, bibliography, directory of ferns 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.
