These jewels of Africa, the angraecoid orchids, are much prized for their sparkling flowers, distinctive growth habit, and floriferous nature. This account is the first to include species from both Africa and Madagascar. It brings together, in a single volume, descriptions of all 690 species in this intriguing group and will be the essential reference for all angraecoid orchid enthusiasts for years to come.<BR>A brief historical survey considers the contribution of botanists who have been involved in describing the angraecoids since 1781 while further sections on ecology, distribution, flowering seasons, and conservation provide valuable background information. At the heart of the book are the plant descriptions arranged in four chapters. The precise ecological information about habitat, altitude preferences, and flowering season of individual plants will be particularly helpful to growers. The diagnostic features of each genus are illustrated, and over half the species are accompanied by photographs of wild and cultivated plants.