Oceanic islands offer biologists unparalleled opportunities to study evolutionary processes and ecological phenomena. However, human activity threatens to alter or destroy many of these fragile ecosystems, with recent estimates suggesting that nearly half of the world's insular endemics are threatened with extinction. Bringing together researchers from around the world, this book illustrates how modern research methods and new concepts have challenged accepted theories and changed our understanding of island flora. Particular attention is given to the impact of molecular studies and the insights that they provide into topics such as colonisation, radiation, diversification and hybridisation. Examples are drawn from around the world, including the Hawaiian archipelago, Galapagos Islands, Madagascar and the Macronesian region. Conservation issues are also highlighted, with coverage of alien species and the role of ex situ conservation providing valuable information that will aid the formulation of management strategies and genetic rescue programmes.

'It is without doubt 'a must’ for the bookshelf of any researcher focusing on island life … and provides a group of interesting chapters, either general or focused on specific island groups, that is a significant contribution to summarising our present knowledge of the biology of island floras … and 'a must' for the bookshelf of any researcher focusing on island life.'

Source: Frontiers of Biogeography

'This book should be on the bookshelf of every biologist who teaches plant evolution, plant systematics, ecology and conservation as well as decision-makers and organizations who seek to preserve biology.'

Harold W. Keller Source: Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas

'This book provides an excellent overview of the current knowledge and research on island plants. It is a valuable guide and a good read for anyone interested in The biology of island floras worldwide.'

Source: Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society