For the temperate zone tourist visiting in the tropics the amazing diversity of tropical plants is both delightful and frustrating. No reference book could provide guidance to all species that might be encountered, but this one does very well in presenting the showy plants that attract attention around the world in warm climates. Hawaii is a sort of meeting place and its congenial environment welcomes species from far-away places. The two authors, horticulturists and residents of Hawaii for many years, have selected plants that seemed most asked-about.
In general the manner of presentation is to devote a full page to each species, with common and scientific names and countries of origin. Color sketches illustrate each species and decorate the pages. Printed in Japan, the publication is one of a series of “Books to span East and West.”