Modern angiosperm taxonomy or systematics provides a strong foundation for the progress of biological sciences as it incorporates studies on biosystematics, chemical and serological evidences, numerical taxonomy, cytogenetical and ecological evidences and many others. This book accounts for information on classical and fundamental aspects of taxonomy as well as its recent developments. Special attention has been paid to the chapters on origin of Angiosperms, Theory of Evolution and Evolutionary trends in Angiosperm Flowers. The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, Important herbaria, Techniques for the preparation, storage and study of herbarium specimens, Botanical gardens, and Taxonomic literature are discussed in detail and includes the study of some selected families belonging to 21 orders. For each family, general features and evidence from anatomical, embryological, chromosome numbers and phytochemical data have been added and evolutionary trends discussed. Attention has also been drawn to economic importance and geographical distribution of these families. Illustrations for some members of these families have also been added.

This fourth edition of Plant Systematics is completely revised and updated. It incorporates the updated International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants (Shenzhen Code, 2018), the new version of PhyloCode (Beta version of Phylocode 5, 2014), APweb version 14 (September, 2018), revised Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification (APG IV, 2016), new Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group Classification (PPG I, 2016), besides the updates since the publication of third edition. The book is a blend of classical fundamental aspects and recent developments, especially in the field of molecular systematics, cladistics and computer identification. Special attention has been given to information on botanical nomenclature, identification, molecular systematics and phylogeny of angiosperms. The complicated concepts of phylogeny, taxometrics and cladistics have been explained with a view to providing a comparison between these diverse but interactive fields of study. An attempt has been made to build upon a common example when exploring different methods, especially in procedures of identification, taxometrics and cladistics. The major systems of classification are evaluated critically. Discussion on major families of Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms, especially those of major phylogenetic interest, form a major portion of this edition. The ebook includes nearly 500 color photographs set out in 36 pages covering plants from different parts of the world. In addition, 305 black & white illustrations have been included to provide a better understanding of the plants covered in the book.