Two large, economically and ornamentally important families, the orchids (Orchidaceae) with 1,318 species, and the grasses (Poaceae) with 488 species, account for more than 95% of the species in this volume. Besides brief formal descriptions and informal notes about each of a total of 10 families, 331 genera, and 1,861 species of monocots, this identification manual contains keys to all the genera and species included within the volume. Finally, the treatments are illustrated with 377 line drawings and 10 black-and-white photographs.