Gurcharan Singh - Plant systematics : an integrated approach

Fourth Edition

Gurcharan Singh

Retired Associate Professor
University of Delhi, New Delhi, India

CRC Press

Taylor & Francis Group

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2019 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

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Printed on acid-free paper
Version Date: 20190302

International Standard Book Number-13: 978-0-429-28952-1 (eBook - PDF)

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Singh, Gurcharan, 1945- author.

Title: Plant systematics : an integrated approach / Gurcharan Singh.

Description: First edition. | Boca Raton, FL : CRC Press/Taylor & Francis
Group, [2019] | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2019007826 | ISBN 9780367250881 (hardback)

Subjects: LCSH: Plants--Classification.

Classification: LCC QK95 .S572 2019 | DDC 580.1/2--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019007826

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The fourth edition of Plant Systematics: An Integrated Approach has been revised and reorganised thoroughly, and significantly updated to incorporate the developments of the last few years. The publication of current edition was forced mainly because of publication of revision of International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants (Shenzhen Code, 2018), new version of PhyloCode (Beta version of Phylocode 5, 2014), updated APweb version 14 (September, 2018 update), revised Angiosperm Phylogeny Group classification APG IV (2016), new Pteridophyte Phylogeny Group Classification PPG I (2016) and accumulation of large amount of information subsequent to the publication of third edition. There has been development of new tools of biotechnology, vigorous utilization of molecular data in understanding phylogeny, and redefining of affinities and arrangements of plant groups. Recent years have also seen disappearance of gaps between numerical and cladistical methodologies, and integration of former into latter for complete understanding of phylogenetic relationships. These trends have largely influenced the combination of numerical and cladistic methods under one chapter, and enlarged discussion on Molecular Systematics, discussing new concepts, tools and recent achievements and need to align these with morphological traits so that plants can be conveniently identified in the field. New chapters on Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms added in third edition have been retained and updated for complete understanding of systematics of vascular plants.

Actual photographs of plants and plant parts enable better understanding of taxonomic information. This practice (of using actual photographs) has been followed in several other recent publications too. The present edition incorporates numerous photographs of plants from diverse families of plants (color in the ebook, B&W in the print version). This has largely been possible with the assistance of my son Manpreet Singh who sponsored my recent visit to California and provided me the opportunity to visit and photograph temperate plants in and around California. The book, as such, contains images of both tropical plants, Himalayan plants, temperate American plants and plants from other parts of the world growing in the Botanical Gardens of University of California and San Francisco Botanical Garden, as also natural forest regions in California. In addition, 305 black & white illustrations help in a better understanding of the plants covered in the book.

The recent decades have seen major changes in schemes of classification of angiosperms. The traditional distinction between dicots and monocots seems to be disappearing, dicots are being split into the basal families and more advanced eudicots, and monocot families interpolated between these two groups of dicots. Whereas Angiosperm Phylogeny Group is attempting to establish monophyletic groups at the most up to the order level, grouped into informal groups, Thorne aims at blending these developments with the traditional Linnaean hierarchy. Both sets of classification have undergone major modifications in the recent years, such as the latest version of Thornes classification (2007), Takhtajans classification (revised in 2009), APG III (2009), APG IV (2016) and APweb Version 14 (2017). Attempts are also being made to provide unified Code of nomenclature for all living organisms.

The author has attempted to strike a balance between classical fundamental information and the recent developments in plant systematics. Special attention has been devoted to the information on botanical nomenclature, identification and phylogeny of angiosperms with numerous relevant examples and detailed explanation of important nomenclatural problems. An attempt has been made to present a continuity between orthodox and contemporary identification methods by working on a common example. The methods of identification using computers have been further explored to help better on-line identification. Outputs of computer programs especially used in molecular studies and construction of phylogenetic trees have been included based on actual or hypothetical data. This will acquaint readers with the handling of raw data and working of computer programs.

Internet highways are revolutionizing the exchange of scientific information. Botanical organizations have plunged into this revolution in a big way. Instant information on major classification systems, databases, herbaria, gardens, indices and thousands of illustrations are available to users Worldwide at the touch of a button. Discussion on important aspects of this information highway and useful links have been provided in this book. My interaction with colleagues especially the members of the list Taxacom, efloraofindia Facebook groups Plant Identification, California Native Plant Society and Indian Flora has been very helpful in resolving some doubts. I am greatful to all members whose information has been valuable on several occasions.