Arizona Flora: Identifies 3,438 Species of Flowering Plants, Ferns, and Fern-Allies Growing Uncultivated in Arizona

Arizona has a diverse range of life forms, from Arctic-Alpine to Lower Sonoran and Subtropical, with 3438 species of flowering plants, ferns, and fern-allies growing without cultivation. This book provides keys for identification, geographical distribution, economic uses, and ornamental value, with introductory chapters on topography, geology, soils, climate, vegetation, and botanical explorations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1126 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Arizona boasts an incredible diversity of life forms among its flowering plants, with nearly every species found in North America represented within its borders. This remarkable variety is partly attributed to the state's diverse altitudinal range, stretching from a few feet above sea level to approximately 12,000 feet at the summit of the San Francisco Peaks. This vast elevation difference creates a diverse range of life zones, encompassing Arctic-Alpine conditions on the peaks, Lower Sonoran in the southwest, and Subtropical in the extreme south.

The primary goal of this book is to serve as a valuable resource for identifying the approximately 3,438 species of flowering plants, ferns, and fern-allies that thrive naturally in Arizona without human cultivation. Comprehensive keys are provided to aid in the identification of these plant families, genera, and species. Each species is accompanied by detailed information regarding its geographical distribution within and outside Arizona, including its altitudinal range and flowering period. The authors also provide valuable insights into the economic uses, toxic properties, and ornamental value of many plants, with a special emphasis on the utilization of native plants by the state's large Indian population.

In addition to the identification keys, introductory chapters offer a comprehensive overview of Arizona's topography, geology, soils, and climate. They discuss the various types of vegetation that thrive in different physical conditions and the proportional representation of the larger plant families. A brief account of botanical explorations in Arizona since 1832 is also included to provide context for the state's rich botanical heritage.

This book stands as the sole available work on the flora of Arizona that encompasses the results of extensive botanical research conducted in the state over the past two decades. It builds upon an earlier publication, "Flowering Plants and Ferns of Arizona," issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1942 and now out of print. For this revised edition, a supplementary section of over fifty pages has been prepared under the direction. This supplementary section was authored by John Thomas Howell and Elizabeth McClin, ensuring that the book remains up-to-date and comprehensive.

In conclusion, Arizona's remarkable diversity of life forms among its flowering plants is a testament to the state's unique geological and environmental conditions. This book serves as a valuable resource for botanists, conservationists, gardeners, and anyone interested in exploring the natural beauty and ecological significance of Arizona's flora. By providing comprehensive identification keys, detailed information on distribution, economic uses, and ornamental value, it enables a deeper understanding and appreciation of the state's rich plant heritage.

Weight: 1452g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 56 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520324237
Edition number: 2 ed