Important text on the most important family in the Amazon region. Information is presented by genus, by species, and variety, covering a total of all 135 species. There are also keys to genera. Each species is described, its distribution, habitat, and ecology are reviewed, and its common names and uses given. The systematic account is preceded by chapters on the physical setting of the Amazon region, and notes on the palm family and its biogeography and ecology there. With illustrations by A. Salazar.