First published in 1977, at a time where no comprehensive account of the genera of the orchids of Hong Kong has been attempted before, the work by Professor Shiu-ying Hu is a pioneering study.

This illustrated treatise fills the vacuum of complete lack of essential references on orchids, and meet the need for a guide to identify the species growing in Hong Kong, and is thus the base-line from which future taxonomists will begin their studies. It also contributes the first-hand observation for the information of orchidologists throughout the world who depend on herbarium material for comparative studies elsewhere.

This commemorative edition featuring a new foreword and a timeline of Professor Hu's major life events.