Includes index.

Introduction -- Organization of the information in Tropical Ornamentals -- The tropical ornamental plants -- Twenty common plant families -- Identification key.

"This guide covers more than 400 of the most commonly cultivated ornamental plants found in the tropics, identified and beautifully photographed by an expert in tropical botany. The color photographs and accurate descriptions make this book ideal for identifying plants grown in the tropics or cultivated in greenhouses in temperate climates. The characteristics of habit, leaves, flowers, and fruit useful for distinguishing one plant from another are emphasized in the descriptions, which also include discussions of plant relationships, the correct scientific and common names, geographical ranges, any poisonous properties, and other useful and interesting information about each plant. In addition, each description includes information on propagation methods and ideal growing conditions, making it useful for gardeners in determining how and where to cultivate the plants."--NHBS Environment Bookstore.