Guide to the Flowers of Western China: Second edition

Knowledge of China's flora has greatly increased through international collaboration, with many plants revisited in the wild and previously inaccessible areas opened up. Systematic botany has advanced significantly with the availability of rapid DNA analysis, leading to an influx of new photographs and data.

Format: Hardback
Length: 704 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2023
Publisher: Royal Botanic Gardens

Since the publication of the first edition of Guide to the Flowers of Western China in 2011, there have been remarkable strides in the knowledge of China's flora through international collaboration. Numerous plants included in the first edition have been revisited in their natural habitats, while previously inaccessible regions have become accessible, albeit sometimes temporarily. Significant advancements in systematic botany have taken place since the first edition, particularly with the widespread availability of rapid DNA analysis. As a result, there has been a surge of new photographs and data, necessitating the need for a second edition of Guide to the Flowers of Western China.

The first edition of Guide to the Flowers of Western China played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the region's botanical diversity. It showcased a comprehensive collection of photographs and descriptions of various plant species, providing valuable insights into their characteristics, distribution, and conservation status. The publication of the first edition marked a significant milestone in the field of botanical research and conservation in China.

Since its release, the first edition of Guide to the Flowers of Western China has been widely acclaimed and utilized by researchers, botanists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike. It has served as a valuable reference tool for identifying and studying the diverse flora of Western China, and has contributed to the conservation efforts of many plant species in the region.

One of the key achievements of the first edition was its extensive coverage of previously unknown or poorly documented plant species. Many plants included in the first edition were discovered during field surveys and expeditions, and their descriptions and photographs provided valuable information for future research and conservation efforts. The publication of the first edition also facilitated international collaboration in botanical research, bringing together experts from different countries and regions to share their knowledge and expertise.

The availability of rapid DNA analysis has been a game-changer in systematic botany. It has enabled researchers to quickly and accurately identify plant species, which has greatly accelerated the process of taxonomic classification and species identification. The widespread use of rapid DNA analysis has led to the discovery of new plant species, the revision of existing taxonomic classifications, and the better understanding of plant relationships and evolutionary processes.

The second edition of Guide to the Flowers of Western China is eagerly anticipated by the botanical community. It will build upon the foundation of the first edition and incorporate the latest advancements in botanical research and technology. The second edition will feature updated photographs, descriptions, and taxonomic information for a wider range of plant species, including those that were not included in the first edition. It will also include new sections on conservation and sustainable management of plant resources, reflecting the growing importance of environmental conservation in the region.

In conclusion, the publication of the first edition of Guide to the Flowers of Western China was a significant milestone in the field of botanical research and conservation. Since its release, it has played a vital role in advancing our knowledge of China's flora and has facilitated international collaboration in botanical research. The availability of rapid DNA analysis has revolutionized systematic botany, leading to the discovery of new plant species, the revision of existing taxonomic classifications, and the better understanding of plant relationships and evolutionary processes. The second edition of Guide to the Flowers of Western China is poised to build upon the success of the first edition and will continue to be a valuable resource for researchers, botanists, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 1750g
Dimension: 196 x 255 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781842467961
Edition number: 2nd ed.