Phytogeographicallyisolated from other cactihabitats by 'hostile'environments, EasternBrazil boasts a highpercentage of endemictaxa, making it a discretearea of study and of greatimportance forconservation. Thislandmark publicationincludes 77 full page colour plates and 51 colourmaps.

Opuntias are multipurpose plants that are increasingly being used in agricultural systems in arid and semi-arid areas. Due to its high water-use efficiency, it is particularly useful as forage in times of drought and in areas where few other crops can grow, and it is now considered a key component for the productivity and sustainability of these regions. This publication presents current scientific and practical information on the use of the cactus Opuntia as forage for livestock.