Uses and misuses of floras

Abstract

SummaryFunk, V. A.: Uses and misuses of floras. – Taxon 42: 761‐772. 1993. –ISSN 0040‐0262.Questions involving the history and evolution of groups of taxa, such as those on biogeography and speciation, are among the most commonly asked in systematics. Usually the data necessary to answer these types of questions are believed to be available only from studies of individual monophyletic groups. However, some information on biogeography and speciation can be obtained from floristic studies under certain criteria, e.g., the use of natural areas, uniform descriptions, and detailed distribution information. If these criteria are not met, detailed questions about evolution are not appropriate. However, even when evolutionary questions can not be addressed directly, it is possible to use information contained in floras, such as the numbers of species in different groups or areas, to provide interesting comparative information on species richness and areas of endemism. However, numbers alone tell us little about the value of the area in terms of biological diversity or its history and they should not be used as the sole statistic in determining the “importance” of an area.