May 18, 2005
MEDIA CONTACT: Caroline Witherspoon
or Jocelyn Collado
Becker Communications
(808) 533-4165
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BISHOP MUSEUM PRESS ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF “A TROPICAL GARDEN FLORA”

HONOLULU – For more than a decade authors George W. Staples, Derral R. Herbst, Clyde T. Imada, Katie Anderson and illustrator Anna Stone have been compiling instructional guidelines for successful tropical plant cultivation for a new book entitled, “A Tropical Garden Flora.” Featuring a 16-page color-insert and over 400 line-art drawings, “A Tropical Garden Flora” sets a news standard for garden reference manuals. Available June 10, 2005, at Bishop Museum’s Shop Pacifica, the book retails for $59.95.

The book is dedicated to two distinguished authors, Marie C. Neal and Horace F. Clay, whose exceptional work, dating back to 1889, formed the foundation of “ A Tropical Garden Flora.” The stunning flora manual describes more than 2,100 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, provides brief descriptions and keys for identification, and weaves together the origins, uses, biology, landscape properties, and practical tips for propagating and growing each species. The book highlights Hawaiian cultivated plants such as Pteridophytes (Ferns and Fern Allies), Gymnosperms (Conifers and Cycads), Dicotyledons (Dicot flowering plants), Monocotyledons (Monocot flowering plants).

Founded in 1892, Bishop Museum Press is the oldest continuous publisher of books in Hawai‘i, and one of the first scholarly presses in the Western Hemisphere. Proceeds from sales of Bishop Museum Press books further the Museum’s efforts in research, education and collections care. Books can be purchased at Bishop Museum’s Shop Pacifica, by phone (808) 848-4159, fax (808) 847-8249, or e-mail shop@bishopmuseum.org. Bishop Museum Members receive a 20% discount on all Bishop Museum Press books.

A treasured resource of Hawaiian history and heritage, Bishop Museum was founded in 1889 by Charles Reed Bishop as a tribute to his wife Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, the last descendant of the royal Kamehameha dynasty. Located at 1525 Bernice Street, the Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for adults; $11.95 for youth 4-12 years; special rates for kama‘āina, seniors and military; children under 4 years and Bishop Museum Members are free. For information, call (808) 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org