Cycad Classification: Concepts and Recommendations - Hardcover

9780851997414: Cycad Classification: Concepts and Recommendations

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0851997414 ISBN 13: 9780851997414

Publisher: CABI Publishing, 2004

Cycads resemble palms, but are taxonomically quite different. They are a significant and irreplaceable component of the planet's biological diversity, having evolved various and often unique morphological, anatomical and biochemical features during their 250-million-year evolutionary history. Many cycad species exist today only as small, poorly-known or isolated populations or as ornamental species in botanic gardens. In order to understand fully, as well as to conserve, this internationally endangered tropical plant group, it is paramount that cycad systematics is studied, documented and refined.This volume presents the current state of our knowledge of the systematics of the approximately 300 species of cycads. It includes contributions from leading researchers from Australia, China, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand and the USA. It has been developed from papers presented at a workshop held in 2002 at the Montgomery Botanical Center.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review

"This volume on concepts and guidelines is a big step forward towards a better understanding of the Cycadales. I recommend this book for everyone with an interest in Cycads."--Blumea

Synopsis

Cycads resemble palms but are taxonomically quite different. They are significant as ornamental plants but, as an important evolutionary link in the plant kingdom and as an internationally endangered tropical plant group, cycads have also become the focus of evolutionary and conservation studies. This volume presents the classification of approximately 300 species of cycads. It includes contributions from leading researchers from Australia, China, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand and the USA. It has been developed from papers presented at a workshop held in 2002 at the Montgomery Botanical Centre in Florida, USA. The book provides guidelines for the designation of species, species boundaries and species groupings.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.