A synopsis of the palms of Puerto Rico

This concise botanical guide gathers the scattered knowledge of Puerto Rico’s palm flora into a single, accessible reference. The author explains why palms resist traditional taxonomic methods—dry specimens are hard to interpret, and many descriptions lack diagnostic detail. By emphasizing the unique features of leaf bases, fibers, and growth habits, the work offers a practical approach to recognizing these plants in the field.

The survey records twenty species, three introduced and seventeen native, each tied to the island’s varied habitats. Rather than relying solely on floral characters that may take months to observe, the author uses visible vegetative traits and geographic clues to help travelers and researchers identify palms quickly. This focus on locality and easy‑to‑spot differences makes the book a handy companion for anyone exploring the Caribbean’s green landscape.