Gardens BulletinSingapore62 (2): 329-330. 2011 329 BOOK REVIEW. Trees ofTropicalAsia. An Illustrated Guide to Diversity. James V.LaFrankie, Jr. 2010. Philippines: BlackTree Publishing, Inc. 22.9cm x 15.5 cm,cardcover. 750p. ISBN978-971- 94794-0-6. Price SGD 125 /US$ 149. The author has 20 years offield experience in several countries ofSEAsia, including a considerable time in the company of the legendary Malaysian botanist K.M. Kochummen. This collaboration must have been very profitable forthe author, which probably explains why Kochummen is the only person consistently referred to as "Mr.". SEAsiaisdefinedasthetropicalareafromBurmatoBorneoandthePhilippines. The flora in this part of the world is so rich that a choice has to be made: 157 families and 887 genera are treated, with notes on description, ecology and possible confusion. Numerous illustrations, mostly ofgood quality, help to give an idea ofthe taxa discussed. Some genera not occurring in "SE Asia" are also included, such as Schumacheria, a Sri Lankan endemic; Eriandra, a Papuasian endemic; Galbulimima; Pigafetta and Macadamia, extending west to Sulawesi. Although the book deals principally with trees, also lianas, shrubs and even some herbs are mentioned, giving the reader more than promised. On the other hand I wonder why some prominent woody taxa such as Dracaena and the omnipresent Bambusoideae are left out. The book is said to be aimed at beginning students, young staffoflocal herbaria and overseas botanists who want to know more about Asian plants. To this aim the author has condensed a large amount ofinformation by using a very small lettertype and leaving out author names. In the introductory chapters the author explains that modern molecular and cladistic research has led to changes in traditional systematic concepts. Although the new phylogeny often confirms some "suspicions" based on morphological grounds, more often than not the conclusions can be quite baffling. Who would suspect that Rafflesia is closer to Euphorbiaceae s.s. than Daphniphyllum or Dichapetalum! On the other hand, the author allows morphological evidence to prevail in the case ofBischofia. This genus belongs to the Phyllanthaceae (split off from Euphorbiaceae) on moleculargrounds, but is placed in a separate familybecause it is morphologically aberrant. The author urges his readers to look at trees as living populations and not as dried specimens in the herbarium. He also warns that DNA-based information, albeit necessary and sensible, should not lead to the assumption that inventory and enumerations are in the eclipse. I would like to add that young botanists are perhaps best advised to learn to recognise genera ratherthan families. The lastword in modern family phylogeny is far from being said. Generic concepts seem to be less prone to changes. An extensive list of references is given in which, to my surprise, many prolific authors of the Flora Malesiana series (Ding Hou, Leenhouts, Sleumer) are not mentioned. Indices to scientific names are added as well as to Malay, Thai and Vienamese names, but notto Indonesian names. The few Indonesian names in the text are often wrong. My main point ofcriticism is the number of spelling and printing errors. 330 Gard. Bull.Singapore62(2)2011 All the same, I want to compliment Dr. LaFrankie for bringing together a vast amount of information on one ofthe most diverse floras ofthe world. It is the first work ofits kind. Max van Balgooy NationaalHerbarium Nederland