This is a compendium of nearly 2000 plants that evoke landscapes of swaying palms and frangipane blossoms. The author draws a distinction between tropical plants and tropical-looking plants, some from cool climates but with foliage or flowers that would not look out of place under a Costa Rican sunset or by a Balinese waterfall. Each entry includes information on whether a plant can survive cold weather, whether it will spring back from its roots, its light requirements, soil preferences and techniques for propagation. Over 400 photographs show the plants in all their glory. An A-Z encyclopedia has entries representing every kind of tropical planting, including trees, bamboos, palms, ferns, perennials, shrubs, water plants, vines and much more. Also featured are cacti, succulents and xeric plants that can conjure up the tropics in dry landscapes. There are lists that put all the plants into categories: fragrant plants, shade-tolerant plants and so forth.