The Plant Life of China Diversity and Distribution [Hardcover]

An authoritative account of the fascinating plant life of China, written by two botanical experts. Chinese plant life is estimated to include up to 30000 species and extends from the Himalayan snow line across a diversity of habitats to the lush tropical south. Although for many years access to Chinese plants was limited, the present situation provides an opportunity for a new and authoritative assessment of botanical treasure-houses such as Yunnan and Sichuan. It will be of interest to those working in agriculture, alternative medicine, plant conservation, ecology, genetics, horticulture, molecular biology and taxonomy.Chinese plant life is estimated to include up to 30,000 species and extends from the Himalayan snow line across a diversity of habitats to the lush tropical south. It is embraced by a culture going back more than 3000 years, providing plants for medicinal use and some of the most valued horticultural species. Although for many years access to Chinese plants was limited, the present situation provides an opportunity for a new and authoritative assessment of such botanical treasure-houses as Yunnan and Sichuan.
The present book provides an overview of the subject and is fully referenced and indexed. It will be of interest to those working in agriculture, alternative medicine, plant conservation, ecology, genetics, horticulture, molecular biology and taxonomy.1. An Introduction to Chinese Plant Science.- 2. Landscape and Climate.- 3. Native Plant Distribution.- 4. From Domestication to the Arrival of the Western Plant Collectors.- 5. Trees.- 6. Shrubs and Climbers.- 7. Herbs.- 8. Alpines.- 9. Medicinal Plants and the Meeting of Two Traditions.- 10. Camellia.- 11. Anemone and Primula.- 12. Rhododendron.- 13. Rosa.- 14. Chinese Plant Diversity and Its Modern Literature.- 15. Conservation in Practice.- Appendices.- 1. A Summary of Famine Foods Listed in the Chiu Huang Pen Tsao (1406).- 2. Botanic Gardens and Arboreta across China.- 3. Chinese DynlCÖ