Anderson states his primary purpose for writing this book in the preface:
For the more than 40 years that I have studied cacti, I have felt a need for such a book as The Cactus Family. I envisioned a large-format, extensively illustrated book written in a scientifically accurate but readable study, a book that would be useful to those interested in succulent plants, to students, taxonomists specializing in the family Cactaceae, ethnobotanists, conservationists, indeed to anyone who might wish to know more about these unusual plants of the New World. ... [page 11]
Anderson also indicates he has followed the classification scheme originally proposed by the International Cactaceae Systemics group of the International Organization for Succulent Plant Study. I appreciated his candor in admitting that no one person could ever expect to learn all there is to know about the Cactaceae family. Readers should remember this fact when "errors" are discovered in cactus taxonomy.
The book consists of 5 chapters followed by a comprehensive encyclopedia of cactus genera and species. Chapter 1 is called "Distinctive Features of Cacti". This chapter explains the differences between cacti and other succulent plant families. Here is where you will find a detailed discussion of the many growth forms taken by cacti. Readers will learn that cacti live in a wide variety of habitats ranging from dry deserts to tropical rainforests. Each species is adapted to survive in its habitat. Stems are important in identifying cacti species. The amount of succulence, surface features, presence or absence of leaves, shape of the areoles and spines are all key features to note when attempting to identify which cacti genus and species you have. Some cacti have succulent, carrot shaped roots. Others have extensive fibrous root systems. Ball cacti typically have a very compact root system that quickly absorbs any water (dew) falling from the plant's body. Flowers and pollen are also used to help identify a cacti species. Cacti may reproduce by spreading seeds or by having a stem section break off the parent plants and rooting.
