Driven by the increasing necessity to define the biological diversity frame of widespread, endemic and threatened species, as well as by the stimulating chance to describe new species, the study of the evolutive and spatial dynamics is in constant execution. Systematic overviews, biogeographic and phylogenic backgrounds, species composition and distribution in restricted areas are focal topics of the 15 interesting independent chapters collected in this book, chosen to offer to the reader an overall view of the present condition in which our planet is.

Plants of the World is the first book to systematically explore every vascular plant family on earth—more than four hundred and fifty of them—organized in a modern phylogenetic order. Detailed entries for each family include descriptions, distribution, evolutionary relationships, and fascinating information on economic uses of plants and etymology of their names. All entries are also copiously illustrated in full color with more than 2,500 stunning photographs. A collaboration among three celebrated botanists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plants of the World is authoritative, comprehensive, and beautiful. Covering everything from ferns to angiosperms, it will be an essential resource for practicing botanists, horticulturists, and nascent green thumbs alike.

This is a magic book of profound love. It’s about Begonia plants, about the life of a respectable botanist, Dr. Ching-I Peng, and about the legacies he left to this world. You may be amazed by the beauty of Begonia or curious about why many people take afancy to Begonia. Here in this book, Dr. Peng, a leading scholar in the field of Begonia diversity and evolution, will show you why. Somewhat like a travelogue, this book is the product of the author’s many expeditions to the wilderness. Anyone intent on scientific research or curious about how a botanic scientist works will be fascinated by Dr. Peng's wild stories recorded here with wit and humor—and wisdom. The book contains the gist of Dr. Peng's many talks, in which he shared his precious knowledge of Begonia to young scientists. Because of his passion and unselfishness, the real magic––sciences––can move on continuously. His love of Begonia can be passed on to future generations throughout the world. A real magic book, All for love: Endless trekking in search of Begonia will surely delight specialists as well as laymen. Dr. Shih-Hui Liu Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences National Sun Yat-sen University

The succulent species of the families of subclass Rosidae are presented by alphabet of families, genera, and species, with comprehensive listings of synonyms added at all levels. Detailed descriptions are given for all accepted taxa, together with data on the distribution and typification, and references to the most important literature. Where necessary, information on ecology, ethnobotany, history, etc. is added, and in many places, proposed relationships are critically discussed. The volume covers the succulents from the families Anacardiacae, Begoniaceae, Bixaceae, Brassicaceae, Burseraceae, Capparaceae, Caricaceae, Clusiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Francoaceae, Geraniaceae, Malvaceae, Melastomataceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae, Moringaceae, Oxalidaceae, Passifloraceae, Sapindaceae, Tropaeolaceae, Urticaceae, Vitaceae and Zygophyllaceae.

“A beautifully illustrated reference book covers the origins, ecology and history of popular garden plants.” —Shelf Awareness The oldest rose fossil was found in Colorado and dates to 35 million years ago. Marigolds, infamous for their ability to self-seed, are named for an Etruscan god who sprang from a ploughed field. And daffodils—an icon of spring—were introduced to Britain by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. Every garden plant has an origination story, and Garden Flora, by noted garden designer Noel Kingsbury, shares them in a beautifully compelling way. This lushly illustrated survey of 133 of the most commonly grown plants explains where each plant came from and the journey it took into home gardens. Kingsbury tells intriguing tales of the most important plant hunters, breeders, and gardeners throughout history, and explores the unexpected ways plants have been used. Richly illustrated with an eclectic mix of new and historical photos, botanical art, and vintage seed packets and catalogs, Garden Flora is a must-have reference for every gardener and plant lover.