At the biological crossroads of the Americas, Costa Rica hosts one of the widest varieties of plants in the wold, with habitats ranging from tidal mangrove swamps, and lowland rainforests, to dry tropical evergreen and deciduous forests. Field Guide to Plants of Costa Rica is a must-have reference guide for beginner and expert naturalists alike. It provides a thorough survey of more than 850 plant species, each entry accompanied by color photos and a concise yet detailed narrative description. Plants are conveniently grouped by the different types of vegetation: palms, tall trees, shrubs, woody vines, herbaceous vines, herbs, grasses and ferns. Along with 1400 color photographs, the guide also includes an illustrated glossary of plant parts, five maps of Costa Rica, and laminated covers for durability in the field. With so much readily accessible information, this book is essential for exploring Costa Rica's common and conspicuous flora from the plants growing along the roadside to the best natural parks.

Introduction 1. Palms and palm-like plants 2. Tall Trees: Woody plants growing to 10 m tall or more 3. Shrubs and small trees: Plants with woody stems less than 10 m tall 4. Woody Vines (Lianas): high-climbing plants with woody stems 5. Herbaceous vines: climbing or twining herbs 6. Herbs: Plants with non-woody stems 7. Grasses and grass-like plants: by family, genus, species, Alphabetically 8. Ferns and other flowerless plants: plants reproducing by spores Illustrated Glossary References Index

Margaret GargiulloCity of New York, Parks and Recreation, National Resources Group