This exhaustively researched project brings together for the first time a complete listing of Alberta's rare vascular plants with detailed plant descriptions, habitat information and notes of special interest. Accompanied by numerous colour photographs, B&W illustrations and frequency maps, this text is essential for naturalists, botanists, students, and others interested in the flora of Alberta.
This list was compiled to promote awareness of rare plants in Canada's flora, and also to promote awareness of their ecosystems and the need to preserve them. The list includes all native taxa, above the rank of form, that are rare in each of the provinces and/or territories in which they occur. Hybrids and naturalized species are not included. Information given for each includes scientific name and authority, synonyms, family name, references, endemism, nature conservancy rank, Canadian priority, and Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada status. Plants are also listed by family, endemic, province or territory, and priority.
"Packer and Gould have provided an invaluable service for anyone interested in western North American botany by creating a simple, user-friendly and portable key to the Alberta species found in the 30-volume set of Flora of North America. Designed to be carried into the field for handy reference and use, this work incorporates the new names and taxonomical understandings that have accumulated over the years. Part 1 of what will be a three-volume set contains the up-to-date classification of the ferns, fern allies, gymnosperms, and monocots found in Alberta according to the latest taxonomic findings."--
The mountainous Blue Ridge, perhaps the most botanically diverse region in the eastern United States, extends for more than five hundred miles, the bulk of the area falling within eighty-five counties of five states: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. The area has attracted the attention of botanists for nearly two centuries, yet no comprehensive work has previously been available that catalogs its rich floristic abundance. Addressing the needs of professional and amateur botanists interested in the Blue Ridge, B. Eugene Wofford’s guide makes it possible to identify all the region’s native and naturalized plant life--representing 161 families, 726 genera, and 2,391 species and lesser taxa. Among the flora to be found in the Blue Ridge are a number of species that have been identified as rare or endangered. The volume contains an introduction instructing readers on the use of the guide; a glossary of terms with selected illustrations; a map of the region; a key to the major plant groups; and keys to the Pteridophyte, Gymnosperm, Monocot, and Dicot families as well as to genera, species and lesser taxa. The species and lesser taxa enumeration following each genus contains the scientific name, common name or names, general habitat preferences, frequency and area of occurrence, flowering or sporulating periods, and pertinent taxonomic and nonmenclatural synonyms. The keys for identification rely primarily on easily identified flowering or sporulating material and can be interpreted by all users, from beginners and amateurs to experienced professionals.
This book is the result of the first global conference on mountain biodiversity, and is a contribution to the International Year of Mountains, 2002. The Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment program is a Special Target Area Region project of DIVERSITAS (UNESCO and UNEP). Biological diversity is essential for the integrity of mountain ecosystems and this dependency is likely to increase as environmental (climate) and social conditions change. Steep terrain and climate, and severe land-use pressure cause mountain ecosystems to rank among the world's most endangered landscapes. The 28 chapters in this book represent research on the biological riches in all major mountain ranges of the world, and synthesize existing knowledge on mountain biodiversity - from diversity of bacteria, plants and animals to human diversity. The book is divided into five sections: an introduction providing an overview of the issues; plant and animal diversity; climate change and mountain biodiversity; land use and conservation; and a synthesis.
Approaching the contributions of a world-wide sector of scientific institutions to addressing the extinction crisis, Botanical Gardens and Their Role in Plant Conservation brings together a diversity of perspectives. There are more than 3,600 botanical gardens worldwide, where trees, shrubs, herbs, and other plants are studied and managed in collections. They are foremost among efforts to conserve the diversity of living plant species and ensure that crucial biodiversity is available for the future of humanity. This book is a showcase for plant conservation, restoration, biodiversity, and related scientific and educational work of botanical gardens around the world, featuring both thematic overview chapters and numerous case studies that illustrate the critical role these institutions play in fighting extinction and ensuring plant diversity is available for sustainable use. FEATURES A wide range of case studies derived from practical experience in a diversity of institutional, national, and biogeographical settings, Reviews of topics such as networking amongst institutions, the importance of global policy agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Profiles of botanical gardens contributions at the national level to conservation priorities, Real-world examples of programs in plant conservation for both critically endangered wild plant diversity and unique horticultural or cultural germplasm. Botanical Gardens and Their Role in Plant Conservation includes contributions from institutions from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas, and institutions of all sizes and histories, from long-established national gardens to new gardens offering their perspectives on developing their roles in this vital undertaking.
