This encyclopedic treatment of all the bulbous flora of South Africa's Cape Floral Region begins with introductory essays on the bulbs of the Cape; early exploration; vegetation; climate, geology, and soils; biogeography; bulbs in the garden; bulb structure; and their cultivation. The main part of the book is devoted to genus and species descriptions: genus entries cover habitat and cultivation, as well as providing detailed descriptions; species entries offer descriptions, flowering times, and habitat details. Keys to the species are offered, along with resources including a conversion table, suppliers, a glossary, references, and more. While aiming for comprehensiveness for botanists, the volume is also a breathtaking guide for travelers and a lavishly illustrated source of inspiration for gardeners. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)