This publication comprises 268 pages. The introduction starts with definitions and then states, in tabular format, the uses of 53 ferns and allies. Something I have never seen in any other fern book, is the chemical content of plants. Botany, ecology, propagation and prospects are also covered in the 33 page Introduction. In alphabetic order, 49 genera of pteridophyte and three bryophyte genera are covered. Line sketches are very clear, each also showing a close-up of the fertile areas.

The section on Cyathea lists only five species but includes information on origin and geographic distribution, production and international trade, a detailed description of the genus and the five listed species, growth and development, ecology, propagation and planting, husbandry, diseases and pests, harvesting, genetic resources and breeding, future prospects, other botanical information and a detailed list of literature. Did you know that the average time between the development of successive leaves is 25 to 28 days and that the time taken for a complete renewal of the crown of leaves is 182 to 243 days? The section on Rumohra adiantiformis shares information on cultivars, fertilization and required light levels, harvesting and handling after harvesting. The agar for Platycerium tissue culture or gametophyte production is given as modified Miller medium supplemented with 4% sucrose, 0-0.6% agar and pH adjusted to 5.5. Some species are being researched as possible medicines, while other uses like mosquito control and energy production are being explored. These and many more interesting facts are given under every genus and species with special note to the resource potential.

The seventeen page glossary covers a very wide range of terms, which I find very useful. The last page of the book has a Map with all the countries, as well as the islands, including names of regions and provinces in South-East Asia.