Phylogeny and Evolution of the Angiosperms

Phylogeny and Evolution of the Angiosperms
Author: Douglas Soltis
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 587
Release: 2018-01-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 022644175X

Although they are relative latecomers on the evolutionary scene, having emerged only 135?170 million years ago, angiosperms—or flowering plants—are the most diverse and species-rich group of seed-producing land plants, comprising more than 15,000 genera and over 350,000 species. Not only are they a model group for studying the patterns and processes of evolutionary diversification, they also play major roles in our economy, diet, and courtship rituals, producing our fruits, legumes, and grains, not to mention the flowers in our Valentine’s bouquets. They are also crucial ecologically, dominating most terrestrial and some aquatic landscapes. This fully revised edition of Phylogeny and Evolution of the Angiosperms provides an up-to-date, comprehensive overview of the evolution of and relationships among these vital plants. Incorporating molecular phylogenetics with morphological, chemical, developmental, and paleobotanical data, as well as presenting a more detailed account of early angiosperm fossils and important fossil information for each evolutionary branch of the angiosperms, the new edition integrates fossil evidence into a robust phylogenetic framework. Featuring a wealth of new color images, this highly synthetic work further reevaluates long-held evolutionary hypotheses related to flowering plants and will be an essential reference for botanists, plant systematists, and evolutionary biologists alike.

Selbyana

Selbyana
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 492
Release: 2007
Genre: Botany
ISBN:

Monograph of Mitrephora (Annonaceae)

Monograph of Mitrephora (Annonaceae)
Author: Aruna D. Weerasooriya
Publisher:
Total Pages: 192
Release: 2010
Genre: Nature
ISBN:

"The genus Mitrephora (Annonaceae) comprises 47 species of small to medium-sized trees, growing in tropical lowland and submontane forests throughout Southeast Asia. The centers of diversity lie in Borneo, where there are 12 species, and the Philippines, where there are 11 species. The flowers are pendent and hermaphroditic, with two whorls of petals, of which the outer petals are larger. The inner petals are apically con-nivent over the productive structures, forming a partially enclosed pollination chamber with small apertures between the basal claws of the petals that enable entry by pollinators. A field study of the pollination ecology of M. heyneana in Sri Lanka (the first such study for the genus) revealed pollination by small nitidulid beetles, although it is possible that other species may be fly-pollinated. This monograph is the first comprehensive taxonomic revi-sion of the genus. The work is based on a comprehensive study of comparative morphology and anatomy, including a survey of previously published work. Conservation assessments are provided for each species, according to current IUCN Red List categories and criteria. All species are mapped and many are illustrated with line drawings and/or photographs. Separate keys for flowering and fruiting material are included, as well as regional keys. Seven new species (M. amdjahii, M. endertii, M. kostermansii, M. multifolia, M. sorsogonensis, M. sundaica, and M. uniflora) and one new combination (M. macrocarpa) are proposed"--Publisher's description.

Ethnobotany of the Mountain Regions of Southeast Asia

Ethnobotany of the Mountain Regions of Southeast Asia
Author: F. Merlin Franco
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2021-06-16
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9783030383886

This volume is a compendium of selected plant species of ethnobotanical value to the highland communities of popular Southeast Asia. “Traditional” knowledge held by local communities on their resources is always in flux and adapting to a quickly changing environment. New plants find their entry into the local pharmacopoeias, while existing ones maybe removed. Likewise, various local communities might find the same plant useful for completely different purposes. While compiling information on the species, authors have taken great care to ensure that the dynamic nature of ethnobotanical knowledge is represented adequately. Special emphasis has also been given to cultural value of species to the local communities in the region. The field (and thus the market) of ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology has grown considerably in recent years. Student interest is on the rise, attendance at professional conferences has grown steadily, and the number of professionals calling themselves ethnobotanists has increased significantly (the various societies (Society for Economic Botany, International Society of Ethnopharmacology, Society of Ethnobiology, International Society for Ethnobiology, and many regional and national societies in the field currently have thousands of members). The objective of this new Major Reference Work on Ethnobotany of Mountain Regions of Southeast Asia is to take advantage of the increasing international interest and scholarship on highland landscapes and communities. While ethnobotanical studies are now available from many regions of the world, no comprehensive encyclopedic volume on the highlands of popular SE Asia is available in the market. We include the best and latest research on a full range of descriptive, methodological, theoretical, and applied research on the most important plants for the region. Scholars in plant sciences worldwide will also be interested in the dedicated website for this volume and its dynamic content.