Bromeliads are a type of plant known for growing on the bark of other plants rather than on soil. This book profiles all of Florida"s bromeliads, explains how they manage to subsist on larger woody hosts without operating as parasites, and discusses why they have attracted attention from plant scientists interested in stress physiology and unusual lifestyles. Profiles describe species and hybrids, and give notes on ecology, conservation status, associations with animals, and other aspects of natural history. Range maps, a glossary, keys for identification, and color and b&w photos are included. Luther is Director of the Mulford B. Foster Bromeliad Identification Center at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida. Benzing, retired from teaching biology at Oberlin College, is chair of tropical botany at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)