Fascinating, informative, and user-friendly, Simon & Schuster's Guide to Cacti and Succulents is a stunning reference to an intriguing category of plants. A thorough introduction describes the history of Cactaceae (the largest of the many plant families known as succulents because they store water in their leaves, stems, and roots) and provides general guidelines for their cultivation. Then, each of the more than 300 detailed entries describes an individual species, including its place of origin and ideal conditions for its growth. Full-color photographs enable easy identification of the plants in the field.

Whether for the casual gardener or the serious horticulturist, this beautiful and comprehensive guide will be an invaluable resource.