介紹台灣全部729種的蕨類與相關植物。台灣是全球蕨類多樣性中心之一，在35,800平方公里的區域內，分佈了超過700種蕨類及類蕨類植物。 本書以圖文並茂的方式介紹台灣以及周圍小島的所有蕨類，包括： ‧ 目前已知的種類、亞種及混種。 ‧ 外來種。 ‧ 總數多達4,700張照片。 ‧ 提供精準可靠的辨認要訣以分類其科屬種。 ‧ 詳盡的背景資料。 ‧ 對蕨類保育的建言。 ‧ 各種蕨類的分布與頻率。 ‧ 各種蕨類的植被帶與棲地。 ‧ 同時提供學名、中文名、拼音與俗名。 ‧ 豐富的參考書目。 ‧ 詳細的索引，包含同義詞、錯誤的命名與在其他分類系統出現的命名。 A description of all 729 species of ferns and related plants in Taiwan. Taiwan is one of the global diversity centers of pteridophytes (ferns, and plants allied to them) with more than 700 species distributed over an area of 35,800 square kilo-meters. This book provides an illustrated introduction to all species of Taiwan and its neighboring smaller islands. Includes: · all currently known species, subspecies and hybrids; · invasive species; · extensively illustrated with a total of more than 4,700 images; · precise keys for the reliable identification of families, genera and species; · comprehensive background information; · recommendations for conservation needs; · distribution and frequency information for all species; · description of vegetation zones and habitats for all species; · scientific names accompanied with Chinese name, pinyin transcription and commonly used deviating scientific names; · extensive bibliography; · detailed index containing synonyms, misapplied names and names in alternative taxonomic combinations.

This encyclopedia offers access to the diversity of ferns and seed plants, the most important groups of green land plants. Available information of general and systematic relevance is synthesized at the level of families. Evidence from virtually all disciplines important to modern taxonomy makes the work a most valuable source of reference not only for taxonomists, but for all who are interested in the various aspects of plant diversity. A revised classification includes a complete inventory of genera along with their diagnostic features, keys for identification, and references to the literature. The first volume deals with pteridophytes and gymnosperms.