Summary Statement on North Temperate Floristics

Abstract

The papers in this symposium contain much information about the history, problems, present status, and probable future of floristics in the north temperate regions of the world. They also indicate very clearly the present robust health of floristics in the botanical community. Never has the science of floristics served more effectively as the handmaiden of all the other botanical sciences. Never have the prospects for the organization, presentation, and dissemination of botanical knowledge in the north temperate, heavily populated latitudes been so bright. Publication of the 30 volumes of the Flora of the USSR has been completed and several of the volumes have been translated into English. Two volumes of the Flora Europaea are now in print, and early publication is expected for another volume. And now we can predict with confidence the eventual publication, perhaps in 15 to 20 years, of a comprehensive treatment in five volumes of the flora of all North America north of Mexico.