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Distributed for International Palm Society

Genera Palmarum

The Evolution and Classification of Palms

Palms are iconic in our culture, representing everything from victory to vacation. And for nearly three decades, Genera Palmarum has been the stand-out reference for anyone interested in this economically and horticulturally important plant family. Now, this award-winning book has been completely updated and revised, bringing it in line with new research and newly discovered genera.
In this new edition, genus treatments now include complete descriptions, nomenclature, and etymology, as well as discussions of diversity, distribution, phylogeny, morphology, uses and ecology. All genera are fully illustrated with full-color photographs alongside analytic illustrations, distribution maps, and even electron micrographs of pollen. An updated introduction provides readers with essential background information via authoratative essays on the structure of palms, their chemistry, their history, and much more.
Fully revised for a new generation of researchers and gardening enthusiasts, Genera Palmarum continues to be the gold-standard reference work on palms.

732 pages | 500 color plates, 180 maps, 180 line drawings | 7 3/4 x 11 1/4 | © 2008

Biological Sciences: Botany


View all books from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Reviews

“Anyone with an interest in palms, whether modern or fossil, should own this book. It is the most complete coverage of the family.”

Palynological Society Newsletter

"Excellent reference book to the palm family...the standard reference text for information on palm systematics and diversity for the coming decade."

Blumea

"A new edition, greatly expanded from its predecessor, enhanced with excellent color photography throughout."

Plant Science Bulletin

"This book is a masterful achievement not only at the level of the data it assembles but also in the way it is presented and laid out."

Adansonia

Table of Contents

Foreword

Introduction

About the Authors

Acknowledgements

How to Use This Book

Chapter 1:  THE STRUCTURE OF PALMS

Chapter 2:  PALM POLLEN

Chapter 3:  CHROMOSOMES AND CYTOGENETICS

Chapter 4:  CHEMISTRY

Chapter 5:  THE FOSSIL RECORD OF PALMS

Chapter 6:  PHYLOGENY AND EVOLUTION

Chapter 7:  BIOGEOGRAPHY

Chapter 8:  NATURAL HISTORY AND CONSERVATION

Chapter 9:  CLASSIFICATION OF PALMS

                Development of Palm Taxonomy

                Family Description

                Synopsis of the Classification

                Generic Descriptions

                                I.  Calamoideae

                                II.  Nypoideae

                                III.  Coryphoideae

                                IV.  Ceroxyloideae

                                V.  Arecoideae

Geographical Listing of Genera

Glossary

Literature Cited

Index to Scientific Names

Index to Common Names

Subject Index

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