Over 900 selected species from the area are described, many of which are illustrated. Details are given on distribution, pollination biology, fruit- and seed dispersal, and use, whilst a general section covers geology, soils and climatic patterns of the region. This part includes also descriptions of the various forest types and their characteristic species. An extensive photosection with over 700 colour photos of ecosystems, flowers, fruits etc., and numerous black and white illustrations in the text facilitate the identification.
"The keys, the species descriptions and the very nice illustrations all add up to a high quality publication that will be used by anyone interested in working in these rain forest areas of Costa Rica. The editors are to be congratulated on putting together such a fine piece of work....."
- Sir Ghillean Prance