Manual de Plantas de Costa Rica |Plan of the Manual| 261 
Discussions 
Each family, genus, and species description in the Manual is followed by a brief dis- 
cussion. The principal agenda of these discussions is to provide a “diagnostic shortcut” 
for recognizing the taxon involved and (where appropriate) contrast it with other, con- 
fusable taxa. In addition, species of hypothetical occurrence (e.g., widespread species 
collected in adjacent countries) and exotics cultivated on a limited scale may be men- 
tioned in genus discussions (or family discussions, in the case of genera not otherwise 
dealt with). Infraspecific taxa occurring in Costa Rica are enumerated and briefly char- 
acterized in the species discussions. Known plant uses may also be reported in the spe- 
cies discussions (unless they are general throughout the genus or family). Pittier (1957) 
is the primary source for information on local uses of plants in Costa Rica, but see also: 
Nujfiez M., 1978; Ocampo S. & Maffioli, 1985; Sarkis & Campos, 1985; Leon, 1987; 
Gagini, 1989; Acufia & Rivera, 1990; Carpio M., 1992; Montiel L., 1998; Baraona C., 
2000; Leén & Poveda A., 2000; Rodriguez N., 2000; Arce et al., 2001; Segleau E., 
2001; Jiménez M. et al., 2002; etc. Only the most important, contemporary uses are 
generally mentioned in the Manual. Finally, the discussions may present miscellaneous 
information, especially of ecological or conservation interest. More extensive informa- 
tion on natural history and ecology of selected plant species should be sought else- 
where, especially Janzen (1983, 1991), McDade et al. (1994), and Nadkarni & Wheel- 
wright (2000). 
Illustrations 
An illustration is provided for at least one species of virtually every native or natural- 
ized genus treated fully in the Manual. In the case of morphologically highly diverse 
genera, such as Anthurium (Araceae), more than one species may be illustrated. For the 
most part, the illustrations done specifically for the Manual are based on Costa Rican 
specimens, pickled material, photographs, or occasionally on live material, in conjunc- 
tion with descriptions and instructions provided by specialists in the particular families. 
Generally speaking, each illustration includes habit and details of flowers and/or fruits 
(and rarely of other organs, where deemed essential by the specialist). 
